Dog Mites

Dog mites are generally microscopic parasites that excavate their ways to your dog’s body through the hair follicles or various oil glands in the epidermal layer of the skin. Your downy pet may be reduced to a patchwork of damaged skin and shabby hair.

Dogs have a certain population of mites thriving on their body. The condition gets exacerbated only when the immune system of the animal fails to retaliate the multiplying mites, thus leading to severe outbreak and unchecked reproduction of mites on the dog’s body.

Two types of mites that may infest dog. Demodex Mites and Sarcoptic Mites

Demodex Mites: Demodex mange is caused by an overpopulation of Demodex canis, a mite that occurs naturally in the hair follicles of most dogs. In most dogs, these mites never cause problems. However, in certain situations, such as an impaired immune system, intense stress, or malnutrition, the mites can reproduce too rapidly, causing anything from mild irritation and hair loss on a tiny patch of skin to severe inflammation, infection, and–in rare cases–a life-threatening condition. Small patches of demodicosis often correct themselves over time, although treatment is usually recommended.

Minor cases of demodectic mange usually do not cause much itching but might cause pustules on the dog’s skin, redness, scaling, hair loss, or any combination of these. It most commonly appears first on the face, around the eyes, or at the corners of the mouth, and on the forelimbs. In the more severe form, which usually develops in dogs who have previously suffered minor cases, hair loss can occur in patches all over the body and might be accompanied by crusting, pain, enlarged lymph nodes, and skin infections.

Sarcoptic Mange: Also known as Canine Scabies, sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious infestation of Sarcoptes scabei canis, a burrowing mite. The canine sarcoptic mite can also infest humans and cats, although usually not severely, as its natural host is dogs. These mites dig into and through the skin, causing intense itching and crusting that can quickly become infected.

Hair loss and crusting frequently appears first on elbows and ears. Skin damage can occur from the dog’s intense scratching and biting. Affected dogs need to be isolated from other dogs and their bedding, and places they have occupied must be thoroughly cleaned. Shaving is sometimes warranted.

Ear mites Dog ear mites are very contagious ectoparasites. They can easily spread through contact with other infected animals. They can spread from a mother to her puppies. Dogs who are sent to dog obedience and training classes, may get infected, by coming in contact with other dogs who have ear mites.

Dog ear mites commonly affect dog breeds with long floppy ears. They love to live in ears that are warm, moist and have restricted air flow. One of the usual dog ear mites symptoms involves frequent scratching of the ear and shaking of the head. If your dog continuously shakes his head or scratches his ears, its time to examine his ear canal closely. These tiny critters are not just one two or ten in number, but 1000’s of them scurrying across your dogs ears. If you do not carry out immediate dog ear mites treatment, you are inviting serious trouble for the dog.

Treatment for Dog Mites Apply dusting powder or medicated ointment that helps to cure various bacterial skin infections. Feed him capsules containing zinc, selenium, vitamin E and vitamin C. Consult your veterinarian. Feed him cod-liver capsules thrice a day. Feed him with fresh water or boneless canned fishes. Avoid fishes that have high mercury content (like tuna and swordfish).

Feed your dog few tablespoons of plain yoghurt after every meal. It is effective in fighting intestinal bacteria and parasites. Give a good diet to your dog. Include lots of green leafy and cruciferous vegetables to his diet. Maintain proper hygiene when it comes to your dog. Make sure you give him a proper bath every other day with a medicated shampoo.

Sprinkle a teaspoon of sesame seed oil on every meal that you give to your dog. It helps in proper immune function and skin repair. Various organic herbs like Olive Leaf Extract, Kyolic Garlic, Cat’s Claw and Flaxseed Oil help fight bacterial infections. Include them in his diet. You can apply various topical treatments on the affected areas. A mixture of lavender oil, neem and almond oil is very effective. You may consult your veterinarian regarding different dips and oral medication that are available for fighting mites on dogs.

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