In summer and autumn, they lurk in tall grass, waiting to cling to passing canine legs: grass mites, also known as autumn chiggers, harvest mites, or autumn mites, trigger intense itching with their bites. Here, you’ll learn how to protect your four-legged friend from grass mites and what to do if they have infested your dog.

Grass mites, autumn mites, harvest mites – many names, one type of mite

Grass mites (Neotrombicula autumnalis) are among the most well-known types of mites, especially among dog owners. They are found almost everywhere in the United States and are noticeable due to their intensely itchy bites. However, it is precisely the orange-red larvae of grass mites, measuring only about 0.2 to 0.3 millimeters, that quickly become a target for our four-legged companions.

Adult grass mites live underground and therefore pose no problem for dogs and other mammals. The larvae of grass mites, on the other hand, hatch in summer and autumn from eggs laid in the soil of meadows and fields. For this reason, grass mites are also known by names such as autumn chiggers, autumn mites, hay mites, or harvest mites. Since they feed on cell sap and lymph fluid, the larvae of grass mites depend on other living beings that they can bite for nutrition and literally lie in wait for new victims.

How does a dog get grass mites?

To quickly reach a suitable host, larvae of grass mites prefer to climb up dry grass blades, from where they can easily transfer to passing legs. So, if your dog walks through a meadow where larvae of grass mites are lurking, there is a high probability of them getting infested. Especially on warm, dry days, grass mite larvae are most active.

Although more free-roaming animals suffer from grass mite infestations, these small arachnids can also easily transfer to a human host. While grass mites are potentially present everywhere in the US, they occur more frequently in some areas than in others.

Grass mite symptoms: How do I know if my dog has grass mites?

A typical sign of grass mites in dogs is pronounced itching, manifested by frequent scratching or rolling on the ground. This itching is caused by the saliva of grass mites, which they release during their bite. The saliva can potentially induce an allergic reaction in your dog, resulting in skin redness, swelling, pustules, or even hair loss. Intense scratching also poses the risk of bacteria entering the created wound, causing additional inflammation. Grass mites primarily bite in areas where the skin is thin, including the paws, legs, belly, and ears of the dog.

Grass mites are barely visible to the naked eye because they are so small. However, you can perform a simple test to reveal these little pests.

Transmission: Are Grass Mites Dangerous for Dogs?

Unlike other types of mites, such as predatory mites or mange mites, grass mites are not contagious. Transmission from dog to dog or even from animal to human (zooanthroponosis) is relatively unlikely because grass mites typically bite the first host they encounter and leave their victim shortly after feeding. Unlike fleas or ticks, grass mites also do not transmit serious diseases. In most cases, a grass mite infestation is extremely annoying for your dog but otherwise harmless.

In some exceptions, the bite of grass mite larvae can trigger stronger inflammatory reactions, known as harvest mite dermatitis. If your dog shows severe skin reactions or other symptoms indicating a poor overall condition, you should promptly visit a veterinary clinic.

What Can Be Done Against Grass Mites in Dogs?

You will often only notice grass mites in your dog when he starts scratching. However, this usually happens several hours after the little pests have already bitten. The best way to help your dog now is to protect him from further bites and soothe the itchy areas on the skin. Combing with a flea comb or a thorough shower with clear water can remove grass mites that have not yet attached to the dog’s body.

Remedies for Grass Mites in Dogs: What Helps Against Grass Mites?

If you discover grass mites on your dog, various remedies can be applied to get rid of the unwanted visitors. However, note that grass mites will fall off their host shortly after feeding. Therefore, carefully consider whether there is still an urgent need for action, and whether chemical repellents need to be used, or if you should focus on caring for the itchy skin areas. Consult your veterinarian for a professional assessment in this regard.

An effective remedy against grass mites in dogs is high-proof alcohol (ethanol), as alcohol kills the mite larvae. However, treatment with alcohol can be very uncomfortable for your four-legged friend, causing a burning sensation on the already irritated skin areas. Therefore, do not experiment independently; instead, have your dog professionally examined at the veterinary clinic.

In the market, you can also purchase various over-the-counter products such as mite sprays or spot-ons for dogs that repel grass mites. They can be used both in the case of an existing mite infestation and preventively as repellents. Here, too, consulting a veterinarian not only provides the best recommendations but also, if necessary, the appropriate remedy against grass mites.

Treating Grass Mites in Dogs with Home Remedies

If your dog has grass mites, you can try to support him in enduring the itch with natural, soothing home remedies. However, keep in mind that not all home remedies are equally effective for every dog, and their efficacy is generally not scientifically proven. In case of doubt, it’s better to consult briefly with your trusted veterinarian before trying something that might not be good for your furry friend.

Home Remedies for Grass Mites in Dogs

Coconut Oil:

Coconut oil is now considered a universal home remedy among dog owners for various types of ectoparasites. The reason is the lauric acid contained in coconut oil, which is said to have a highly deterrent effect on ticks, fleas, and mites, and can destroy their chitin shells. Additionally, lauric acid has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can be a positive side effect for your dog’s already inflamed skin areas. Regularly rubbing your dog with coconut oil can naturally protect him against mites and other parasites.

Neem Oil:

Neem oil is also commonly used as a natural home remedy against grass mites, ticks, and fleas. It can be used as a spray or added to dog shampoo and acts as a deterrent to many insects due to its smell. The active ingredient Azadirachtin in neem oil also inhibits the development of larvae. However, note that the smell of neem oil can be unpleasant for your dog.

Paw Bath with Castile Soap:

The paws of your dog are particularly prone to grass mite bites. A warm water bath with castile soap can alleviate the itching and simultaneously remove any remaining grass mites from the fur. Be sure to rinse your four-legged friend thoroughly with clear water afterward.

Aloe Vera:

A salve or lotion made from Aloe Vera can have a soothing effect on your dog’s irritated skin areas and alleviate itching. However, make sure to use only products suitable for use on dogs or other pets. Preparations for humans often contain additional components that should not be used on animals. An Aloe Vera spray for dogs can be a good alternative to ointments or lotions.

Prevention: How Can I Protect My Dog from Grass Mites?

The best remedy against grass mites in dogs is to prevent infestation as much as possible. You can follow a few simple rules to reduce the risk of your dog getting grass mites: