How to tell if your dog has fur mites
Fur mites are the most common type of mite in dogs. Other types also exist, such as harvest mites, ear mites, and mange mites. Fortunately, mites cannot transmit serious diseases to dogs, but the symptoms can still be unpleasant and severe. When a dog is infested with fur mites, its skin and coat may look dusty, as if the dog has dandruff. This is often accompanied by itching. In this article, you will learn exactly what fur mites are, what the symptoms are, and how to treat fur mites in dogs most effectively.
What are fur mites?
Fur mites (Cheyletiella mites), also known as walking dandruff, live in the dog’s coat, on its hair, and on its skin. The female attaches her eggs to the dog’s hair. Fur mite infections mainly occur in young animals. The fur mite’s entire life cycle takes place on the dog. The mites therefore do not end up on the floor or in the home where the dog lives. However, fur mites are extremely contagious between animals and can also spread from animals to humans. If a person becomes infected, this causes temporary irritation in the form of small, red, itchy bumps. Fur mites are transmitted through direct contact.
The symptoms of fur mites
Fur mites often cause little or no discomfort for the dog. Owners often discover that something is wrong when the dog suddenly has a dull coat, lots of flakes, and excessive hair loss. Fur mites can also cause itching in dogs, although this is not always clearly noticeable. The mites live on the surface of the skin, moving between the hairs. They feed on tissue fluids, which causes the flakes and occasional itching. Mites are almost impossible to see with the naked eye unless they are moving while you are looking at or searching through the dog’s coat. Do you suspect that your dog has fur mites? Consult a veterinarian as soon as possible to prevent further spread.
How do you treat fur mites?
The veterinarian will examine some skin flakes under a microscope to confirm that the dog has a fur mite infestation. Once this has been established, the dog should be treated with a suitable product or shampoo. Because fur mites are contagious, it is essential to thoroughly clean the dog’s environment as well, including washing cushions and blankets and cleaning combs, brushes, leads, and collars. It is also recommended that you treat any animals that have been in contact with your dog. In addition, it is wise to treat the living environment with an environmental spray. This is the only way to ensure that you are effectively eliminating the fur mites and preventing reinfestation after treatment.
