How Dogs Get 5 Types of Mites

Dogs and puppies are the hosts to several species of mites that seem to have evolved along with the various mammal species of the world. These mites have become so specialized in their lifestyles and diets that some can only survive on certain species such as cats or dogs. But how to dogs and puppies get these mites?

Sarcoptic Mites

The sarcoptic mite is responsible for sarcoptic mange in dogs or wild canines like foxes. The mites spend all of their lives on dogs. Dogs get these mites by coming into contact with a dog or fox that is already infested. The mites also can drop off into the soil or bedding of a healthy dog. When that dog comes over to the spot, the sarcoptic mites jump aboard.

They are so small and bury so deeply into a dog’s skin that is difficult for a vet to find them. But there is one inexpensive diagnostic test that usually works. Rub the inside edge of a dog’s ear. This is where sarcoptic mites prefer to roost. An infected dog will automatically try to scratch the ear with a hind leg, while uninfected dogs tend to look at you with a puzzled expression.

Demodectic Mites

These tiny mites, known as Demodex canis, are also responsible for mange in dogs, but do not make a dog as miserable as sarcoptic mites do. They are diagnosed in skin scrapings from the dog. These mites also pass from one dog to another through direct and indirect contact. Indirect contact would be from grooming tools used from an infected dog to an uninfected dog or from mites dropping off from one dog onto bedding that another dog picks up

Most adult dogs develop a strong resistance to them, but puppies under 18 months old often find them irritating and scratch bald patches in their fur.

Nose Mites

The Merck Veterinary Manual claims that it is not entirely known how dogs get nose mites. The dog nose mite, or Pneumonyssoides caninum, is thought to be transmitted from the nose of an infected dog to a nose of a healthy one. Dogs greet each other by sniffing and often sniff each other’s faces as well as under the tail.

Although nose mites the vast majority of their lives inside of dog noses, they can live briefly outside of it. The Merck Veterinary Manual theorizes that nose mites could crawl onto hands or the bodies of other animals and use them as taxis to get from an infected dog to an uninfected dog.

Cheyletiella Mites

Commonly known as “walking dandruff”, these tiny mites certainly do resemble flakes of white dandruff that move. They are also found on cats and people. Infected animals either come into contact with healthy animals through direct contact or if the mites fall off and then crawl on another animal that happens by. Chyletiella mites also can be transmitted by people petting an infected animal and then petting an uninfected dog. They can be prevented with the same preventive drugs used for fleas.

Ear Mites

There are several species that are lumped together under the term “ear mites,” but they all act in the same manner to bring misery to dogs and cats. The most common species is Otodectes cynotis. Ear mites also can be transmitted to a healthy dog from direct or indirect contact with an infected dog or cat. However, these mites cannot be transmitted to people. Puppies and dogs under 2 years old are the most prone to getting ear mites.

References

“Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook.” Debra M. Eldredge, DVM., et al. Howell Book House; 2007.

The Merck Veterinary Manual. “Canine Nasal Mites.” http://merckveterinarymanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/121603.htm

Pet MD. “Mange (Sarcoptic) in Dogs.” http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/skin/c_multi_Demodicosis

Pet Place. “Ear Mites in Dogs.” Dr, Debra Primovic. http://www.petplace.com/dogs/ear-mites-in-dogs/page1.aspx


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