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Effective Treatments for Dog Mites
If your pet is experiencing skin problems, dog mites may be the culprits.
These small parasites can live anywhere on your dog's body and can cause skin irritation, sores, and infections.
Because mites are not as common as ticks or fleas, most dog owners don't even know they exist.
Well, just because they are less common doesn't mean you should ignore them!
Lets review some of the more common types of mites and then take a quick look at medications you can use to treat your pet.
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Types Of Dog Mites
Just like ticks, mites are members of the arachnid (spider) family. Here are the most common dog mite species:
- Demodex canis (commonly known as "Mange")
- Sarcoptes scabei var. canis (or "Scabies")
- Cheyletiella (also known as a "Walking Dandruff")
For simplicity, I will refer to these mites as Mange, Scabies and Walking Dandruff.
There is another member of a dog mites family - Otodectes cynotis, more commonly called "Ear Mites". If you would like to learn more about them, visit dog ear mites page.
Let's go over the details of these dog mites.
Mange
These mites are usually transmitted from a dog's mother to puppies in the first couple of weeks of their lives.
Mange live in hair follicles of virtually all dogs and whether they become a problem or not depends mostly on your dog's ability to keep them under control.
A disease will develop when mange population begins to multiply on young dogs with not fully developed, and old dogs with weak, immune systems.
Dogs sensitive to mange mites develop patchy hair loss and scaly red skin. Usually, the disease develops around the dog's face area and sometimes spreads to the whole body.
If the disease is localized, it will heal on it's own as puppies get older and their immune systems get stronger. Most of the mange cases are localized, but if the disease spreads, your dog will need treatment that may consist of special lotions, shampoos and dips.
Learn more about How to Keep your Dog Healthy
Your veterinarian will choose treatment that's appropriate for your dog and you can usually buy the medication right from your vet.
Scabies
Unlike mange, scabies is highly contagious between dogs and can even be transmitted to cats and humans.
The most telltale sign of scabies is constant itching and discomfort.
Other symptoms include crusty sores and hair loss. Some dogs also develop skin infections.
Until the condition is resolved, isolate your dog from other animals and members of your household.
To treat scabies, your veterinarian will prescribe special shampoos and dips.
Walking Dandruff
Of all dog mites, these are probably the largest. You can see them with the naked eye as little white specks on your dog's fur or skin.
Though not as severe as scabies, these dog mites cause an itchy skin condition accompanied by dandruff along dog's back.
Like scabies, walking dandruff can be passed on to people and other animals.
If your veterinarian determines that treatment is required, it will usually consist of a series of medicated baths.
Dog Mites Medications
Many medications to treat from dog mites, especially dips and medicated baths, are sold by prescription only. In most cases, you can buy them right from your vet.
I prefer to buy all medications (even prescription), supplements and shampoos for Bo on-line. The reason is simple – even when I buy from
1-800-PetMeds, I can save 30% to 60%.
Why did I say "even when I buy from…"?
Because while 1-8000-PetMeds are cheap, they are not the cheapest.
You see, most medications (for pets and humans) sold on-line are counterfeit. At best, they are useless and you just throw your money away. At worst, they are dangerous.
The reason I buy from
1-800-PetMeds is because they are a large, publicly traded company and I know that what I buy from them will not hurt my pet.
The way 1-800-PetMeds works is when you buy a prescription-only medication, you need to provide them with your vet's contact information. Before your order is shipped, they will contact your vet to confirm the prescription. Of course, if the product does not require a prescription, they will just ship your order.
So, when you buy medications on-line, don't let the price alone determine who you buy from. Do your homework…
And another thing...
Avoid any website that sells a prescription-only medication without a prescription. Even if the medication is not counterfeit (usually it is), they are still breaking the law.
Here are some medications that are useful in treating from dog mites…
Mita-Clear is a lotion for killing both adult and larval stages of ear mites in dogs and cats.
Proticall For Dogs is inexpensive, acts fast, and is effective not only against dog mites but it also kills and repels ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, and dog lice.
The following products, while not specifically for treating from dog mites, will provide relief from dry and itchy skin that often accompanies dog mites. They are sold over-the-counter and don't require a prescription...
Vet Solutions Aloe & Oatmeal Shampoo is formulated specifically for dry and itchy skin, which often accompanies diseases I described above.
And it will not wash off any tick or flea medication.
Epi-Soothe Cream Rinse & Conditioner is similar to Vet Solutions shampoo. It too helps to relieve dry and itchy skin.
Your vet may choose other medications that are effective against dog mites when treating your pet.
As a dog owner, you are responsible for your puppy's health. A good source for dog health information, including puppy care and preventive medicine, how to protect your pet from worms and ticks, dog food, and how to recognize if your pet needs immediate medical attention, is the Ultimate Guide to Dog Health.
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I hope you will find this information useful and it helps you to recognize some common dog health problems your pet may be experiencing. However, if you suspect your pet is ill, immediately contact your veterinarian. He or she will be able to help you decide the best course of action when it comes to caring for your pet.
