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In this article by PeritoAnimal we will explain to you what the most frequent mites in dogs, the diseases and symptoms they cause, as well as the recommended treatments. A mite is an arthropod related to spiders, most being microscopic, although some species can be observed with the naked eye, such as ticks. In general, all the mites that interest us are parasites, that is, they live on a guest, in this case the dog.
Knowing how to recognize the symptoms of mites in dogs is essential to avoid serious consequences caused by their accommodation, since most microscopic ones give rise to skin diseases, such as the well-known mange. The larger ones, in addition to causing skin problems in dogs, transmit diseases to both humans and dogs, as they feed on the blood of the guest. Read on and discover everything you should know about mites on dogs, what are the symptoms and what is the appropriate treatment.
The most common microscopic mites in puppies
The most common microscopic mites in dogs are the ones that cause mange. The most common types of mange in dogs are as follows:
- Demodectic mange or canine demodicosis. It is a disease caused by the mite Demodex kennels. It is usually found in the hair follicles of puppies, but it only generates disease when the animal's defenses fall. Causes areas with intense redness, especially initially in the area of the muzzle and head. Another symptom of this mite can be itchy or not, depending on the dog. If it is a localized lesion, it can be healed spontaneously, but if it is a generalized demodectic mange, the diagnosis is more complicated, since it also gives rise to secondary skin infections, aggravating the disease.
- sarcoptic mange. caused by the mite Sarcopts scabiei. It usually causes areas of great irritation and intense itching, especially suddenly. Dogs infected with this mite can infect other animals and humans.
- Cheyletella scab. It is a relatively benign mange that appears in dogs due to the mite. cheyletiella yasguri and very common in dogs. Mites live in the keratin layers and feed on skin debris. When they move, they drag with them the scaling they generate, hence the name of the condition. Another symptom of this mite in dogs is that they leave the skin red (erythema) and cause itching. Parasites can be seen with the naked eye. It is contagious by direct contact or through surfaces where the animal sleeps or rests.
- ear scab. the mite otodectes cynotis causes so-called canine and feline otodectic mange. It is very common in both dogs and cats. Its habitat is the external auditory canal and causes an inflammatory reaction in this place that generates dark wax and a lot of itching in the animal. It usually affects both ears.
Macroscopic mites in dogs
Within the macroscopic mites, in the Iberian Peninsula you can the following:
- The typical dog tick is the Rhipicephalus sanguineus, which adapts very well to dry climates. It is usually of considerable size and soft, due to the large amount of blood it can store.
- The other type of tick that can affect the dog (and other species, including reptiles and birds), is the Ixodes ricinus. It is smaller in size, usually hard and black in color.
- There are other types of ticks, such as the Demacentor reticulatus, but usually affects mainly sheep.
On the other hand, in the Central and South America would be as follows:
- Dermacentor variabilis. It is the most common and affects both dogs and men.
- Ixodes Scapularis. It is more concentrated in wetlands, affecting all domestic animals.
- Rhipicepahlus sanguineus. It can be found anywhere in the world.
Treat mites in dogs
In general, all mites in dogs treat themselves with insecticides. For adult dogs, Amitraz baths are recommended, as often as the veterinarian indicates (usually every 2 weeks). Another treatment that is often recommended is Ivermectin (a systemic insecticide).
In the case of puppies, because the most frequent mange is the cheyleteliosis, it is recommended to brush the animal to eliminate dandruff, apply an insecticide for dogs and also apply insecticide in places where the animal frequents at home, as well as washing the bed and other resting places with a program of hot water.
In the case of ear mites, optical drops with incorporated insecticide are recommended and a treatment with insecticide spray on the affected animal is recommended.
Before trying to alleviate the symptoms of mites in your puppy, keep in mind that the treatment must be carried out. under veterinary supervision. Especially if the dog affected by mites is a puppy, it is essential to follow the specialist's indications, since a treatment that could be even more harmful to the animal could be proportionate to the animal.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.