Recognising and Treating Dog Mites

Many owners are concerned about mites in dogs, how they can be prevented, and how affected dogs can be treated. We’ve put together a guide on dog mites to help you out.

What are dog mites?

Mites are tiny creatures, usually under a millimetre long, that burrow into your dog’s skin and cause irritation and inflammation. Mites are a fairly common health concern for dogs. They are parasites that can cause a range of skin conditions, from dry skin to hair loss. Mites live in the fur, or sometimes in the ears, and can make life uncomfortable for your dog. Mites are also what cause ‘mange’, a well-known skin condition in dogs.

What health conditions do dog mites cause?

If your pet is infested with dog mites, it is known as a condition called mange. The common types are “sarcoptic mange” and “demodectic mange”. Other conditions caused by mites include cheyletiellosis, and trombiculosis, also known as “harvest mite” infestation. Ear mites live in the ear canals of dogs and can cause severe discomfort, so spotting and treating ear mites is extremely important.

Sarcoptic mange is a very itchy and unpleasant dog skin condition that can also affect humans. Affected dogs can cause damage to their skin and coat with constant scratching, leaving redness and sometimes scabs.