Is your dog constantly scratching, experiencing hair loss, and developing bald spots on its body? Then there is a high likelihood that your pet is infested with mites. In the following text, we’ll explain what mites are, the potential effects they can have on your dog or cat, and what you can do about it.

In this article, we’ll answer the following questions: How do I recognize mites in dogs, and how can I combat them? What remedies work best against mite infestation: medications, home remedies, or homeopathy?

What are Mites in Dogs?

Mites are tiny creatures that make themselves comfortable on the skin or in the fur of your pet. They belong to arachnids and can vary in size depending on the species. They are transmitted through contact with already infested animals. Mites are not host-specific, meaning they can infest various animal species, and even humans.

There are many different species of mites in dogs, each with different effects on your four-legged friend. Some types can be seen with the naked eye, while others require a microscope for detection.

How do I Recognize Mites in Dogs?

Symptoms of a mite infestation vary depending on the species, but the following symptoms are typical:

If your furry friend exhibits such symptoms, you should schedule a veterinarian appointment as soon as possible. If left untreated, a mite infestation can lead to long-term complications, such as bacterial infections and a weakened immune system. Since mites can also infest humans, prompt action is necessary for your protection as well.

What Types of Mites Exist?

Sarcoptes Mites:

Sarcoptes mites burrow small tunnels into the skin of the affected animal, laying eggs, and causing intense itching. This results in extensive destruction of the skin, usually on the ears, legs, and paws. This infection is also called Sarcoptic Mange and is highly contagious to both humans and animals!

The mites spread on the host and can be transmitted to various animal species such as dogs, cats, foxes, rabbits, and even humans.

Ear Mites in Dogs:

Ear mites are a type that can infest both cats and dogs. This parasite typically infests the cat’s or dog’s ear but can also spread to the entire body. Infestation is recognizable by strong brownish deposits in the ear, resembling coffee grounds, and severe itching.

In particularly humid and warm conditions, these mites can survive for months without a host. In dry air, they do not survive long. Therefore, ensure that you regularly ventilate and clean items in warmer areas.

Additionally, there are Harvest Mites (see point 4) and Demodex mites (see point 5).

Examination for Ear Mites during a Home Visit

Harvest Mites

Harvest mites (Latin: Neotrombicula autumnalis), commonly known as grass mites in dogs, are mostly found in dogs. However, they can also infest cats, other small animals, and even humans.

The larvae of harvest mites enter the dog’s body through long blades of grass. There, their small bites cause intense itching after a few hours. The itching peaks after 2 to 3 days but can last up to 2 weeks. Fortunately, harvest mites do not transmit diseases to your dog, but the itching can be very irritating.

However, some dogs have a harvest mite allergy. In this case, mite exposure can trigger an allergic reaction, and you should quickly consult a veterinarian.

Symptoms of infestation are not caused by the mites themselves but by their larvae. The mite larvae prefer long, dry grass and easily transfer to passing animals from there. Especially in summer, there is a high probability that your pet will become infected with harvest mites. They typically infest paws, chest, and abdomen, the body areas close to the ground.

These young larvae bite the dog, causing severe itching at the affected areas, leading to allergies. A harvest mite allergy is recognizable by small, reddish dots resembling mosquito bites, which eventually form orange crusts.

Demodex Mites in Dogs

Demodex mites, also known as follicle mites or canine mites, are cigar-shaped parasites that are typically natural inhabitants of your dog, harmless when present in low numbers. They reside on your four-legged friend’s skin and in hair follicles, posing no contagious threat to humans.

What is Demodicosis or Demodectic Mange?

However, when the immune system is weakened, such as due to poor nutrition or conditions like fever, this type of mite can proliferate significantly. This condition is referred to as demodicosis and can occur either locally or in a generalized manner.

Localized demodicosis is common in puppies and mainly affects the head of the animal. Typical symptoms include hair loss and scaly patches around the head, usually around the eyes. Generally, localized demodicosis resolves on its own after a few weeks. If the affected areas have not healed or have even increased in size after two weeks, medical intervention is recommended.

In generalized demodicosis, the affected skin areas are significantly larger. Additionally, the infestation weakens the immune system of the diseased animal, which may lead to your furry companion behaving particularly weak and lethargic.

Symptoms of Demodectic Mange

Due to mite infestation, the skin’s barriers weaken, making it easier for bacteria to attack the skin. The affected skin areas are usually crusted, reddish, swollen, and sometimes even pus-filled. Generalized demodicosis can occur at any age, but dogs with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible.

This type of infestation also resolves automatically after a few weeks. However, recovery should be monitored by a veterinarian to promptly address any worsening conditions.

Combatting and Preventing Mites in Dogs

If your pet is infested with mites, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian. The veterinarian can monitor your four-legged friend’s therapy and detect any complications early on, providing prompt treatment if necessary. Depending on the type of mites, the appropriate medication will be prescribed (see point 7).

During this period, pay close attention to your furry friend’s diet. A vitamin-rich diet is a good support to boost the weakened immune system.

Preventing Mites in Dogs

Regularly clean your dog’s sleeping areas and collar thoroughly. Adequate ventilation is also crucial.

Maintaining healthy fur and skin helps prevent mites. Regular grooming, including combing and bathing, allows you to detect signs of mite infestation earlier.

A robust immune system contributes to healthy skin and defense. However, even perfectly healthy dogs can be affected by mites.

There are repellent agents that prevent mites preventatively. These substances often also protect against other parasites, such as ticks.

You can choose between tablets, spot-ons, or special collars. It’s best to consult with your veterinarian to determine which option is best for your dog and how long the protection lasts.

Remedies for Mites

To combat mite infestations, there are specific preparations, such as spot-ons, that can be applied to the affected areas. There are also special tablets containing medicinal ingredients to kill mites. Additionally, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics or other specific medications that can also prevent secondary infections.

In the case of harvest mites, intense itching occurs, but the mites remain on the host for only a very short time—meaning they are usually no longer on the animal. Therefore, for harvest mites, treatments are typically chosen to alleviate itching rather than targeting the mites themselves. Itchiness is then treated with a spray or cream.

For Demodex mites and ear mites, various preparations are available:

Home Remedies and Homeopathy

There are some home remedies that can help alleviate itching in dogs or assist with general coat care. Regular washing with soap, rubbing with coconut oil, or an apple cider vinegar mixture is sometimes recommended. Home remedies for healthy skin and coat are generally not harmful. Various homeopathic remedies, such as globules, are believed to be effective against itching, depending on the type and accompanying symptoms.

You can try these home remedies or homeopathic methods, but exercise caution with essential oils or alcohol! It’s best to consult with your veterinarian to determine which remedies are safe to try.

However, it is crucial to note that there is no homeopathic remedy that can protect against or repel mites in dogs. Similarly, there is no home remedy with proven effectiveness against mites.

If multiple signs indicate a mite infestation in your dog, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a mite infestation look like in dogs?

This depends on the type of mites.

In general, signs of mite infestation in dogs include itching, dandruff, hair loss, and/or deposits in the ears. Depending on the type of mite, the itchy areas on the skin may become inflamed and pus-filled.

How long does it take for mites to go away in dogs?

This also depends on the type of mites.

Infestations with harvest mites typically resolve on their own after a few days. However, itching may persist for some time.

For Demodex mites, it depends on whether a localized or generalized demodicosis has been triggered and how weakened your dog’s immune system is. Localized demodicosis usually heals on its own after a few weeks. If the areas have not decreased or have increased after two weeks, consult a veterinarian. Generalized demodicosis can take weeks or months to heal.

For ear mites, it takes about 3 weeks for the mites to be completely eradicated through treatment. However, itching usually disappears after a few days.

Sarcoptes mites require treatment at least twice within 4 weeks.

What to do if my dog has harvest mites?

Harvest mites typically infest your dog temporarily and disappear on their own after a few days. However, during this time, dogs may suffer from severe itching. If left untreated, dogs may injure their skin through scratching, licking, and biting.

Your veterinarian will prescribe anti-inflammatory ointments or sprays against itching.

Don’t worry, harvest mites are not contagious to humans and do not linger in the home.

How do I recognize mites in dogs?

Some mites are visible to the naked eye due to their size, e.g., harvest mites or ear mites.

Other mites cannot be seen with the naked eye, such as mites living in the skin of dogs. In such cases, the veterinarian takes a small skin sample to make a diagnosis.

You can also recognize mite infestation by typical symptoms. If your dog exhibits intense itching or has bald skin patches, you should definitely call a veterinarian.

Can mites be transmitted from dogs to humans?

Mites that can be transmitted to humans:

With an infestation of these mites, it is crucial to observe careful hygiene. This means regular handwashing, vacuuming, and cleaning of all objects and textiles that your dog comes into contact with. If you notice any changes to your skin, consult with your dermatologist.

These mites cannot be transmitted from dogs to humans:

Are there home remedies for mites in dogs?

There is no scientifically proven home remedy with effectiveness against mites in dogs. If your dog is infested with mites, you should get a remedy from your veterinarian. Additionally, your dog’s skin is already irritated by the mites, and experimenting with home remedies could cause more significant harm, such as infections.

Appropriate fur and skin care in a healthy dog can help prevent mite infestation. Ask your veterinarian for a suitable home remedy that you can try without concerns.

Does vinegar help against mites?

There is no scientific evidence that vinegar is effective against mites.

We also strongly advise against using vinegar. If your dog already has irritated or injured skin, vinegar can lead to bacterial or fungal infections.

Talk to your veterinarian. They will prescribe a suitable remedy for mites.

How effective is homeopathy against mites?

There are homeopathic remedies for inflammation and itching. You can try using homeopathic globules to treat itching caused by mites.

However, your veterinarian will still prescribe a preparation against mite infestation that you should use. While homeopathy may help with itching in some cases, there are no homeopathic medications that effectively treat mite infestations.