Why Does My Dog Have Mites?

Mites are tiny insects about a millimeter long that bite into a dog's skin and cause inflammation and irritation. There are several different species of mites, all of which attack dogs and cause unpleasant itching and other signs which make the dog feel uncomfortable. Mites are synonymous with dog skin diseases and need to be controlled at the onset of the signs of attack. in this article, we offer you some tips to help you determine whether your dog has mites. 

Symptoms of mites in dogs

Dog mite symptoms will vary depending on the species of mites and the area the mites have attacked. The signs of mite attack primarily involve the skin where abnormalities are observed. Here are some of the signs you can use to tell that your dog has mites based on the species involved. 

- Demodex mites

Demodex mites are a common parasite in dogs and attack the skin. The dog’s immune system normally controls the number of mites so that they cause no harm but a poor immune system is overwhelmed. This most commonly occurs in young or malnourished dogs. Signs of this mite species include loss of hair, thickening of the skin, and skin infections. Demodex mites can be controlled through toxic amitraz dips, daily oral ivermectin take, or creams for small lesions. 

- Scabies Mites 

Scabies mites are known for burrowing into the skin causing itching. This attack can be observed as the dog scratches more often than usual, especially the areas around the groin or armpits. Other symptoms are red skin and hair loss. The vet will prescribe a course of oral or topical treatments. 

- Ear mites 

This type of mite lives in the area around the ears and the ear canal. They irritate in and around the ears and can manifest through frequent scratching of the ears and the surrounding areas. A dark and waxy ear discharge or a bad odor from the ears is also common. Diagnosis is done by looking at a sample of the debris under the microscope and the vet gives a prescription. 

- Sarcoptic mites 

Sarcoptic mites cause sarcoptic mange in dogs, which is a common serious disease. Intense itching that is manifest through scratching is observed while hair loss and skin infection are also observed. Your vet will need to examine a skin scraping under the microscope to identify the mites.

Conclusion 

Mites are serious parasites that are responsible for several diseases. Mites are small hence observing their manifestation symptoms is key to determining whether the dog is attacked or not. 

References: Nextgard, FirstVet, Pangopets

https://www.vetplano.com/why-does-my-dog-have-mites/