Mites on dogs/puppies might
lead to acute hair loss & severe skin infections. Learn everything
about dog mites & mange as well its treatment.
Dog Mites
Mites are generally microscopic
parasites that excavate their ways to your dog's body through the hair
follicles or various oil glands in the epidermal layer of the skin. Your
downy pet may be reduced to a patchwork of damaged skin and shabby hair,
if it gets infested with mites. Also known as 'Mange'; mites on dogs may
lead to conditions like acute hair loss, severe skin infections
(accompanied with inflammation and itching), and sometimes to various
terminal diseases also. Normally, all dogs have a certain population of
mites thriving on their body. The condition gets exacerbated only when
the immune system of the animal fails to retaliate the multiplying
mites, thus leading to severe outbreak and unchecked reproduction of
mites on the dog's body.
Type of Mites
Generally there are two types of mites that may infest your dog.
Demodex Mites
Demodex Mites are responsible for the severe skin disease called
'Canine Demodicosis' in dogs. These miniscule vermin are generally white
and oblong. They spend their entire lifecycle in the hair follicles and
sebaceous glands of the host and feed on various skin debris, cells and
sebum. Mite-infested nursing bitches generally transfer these mites to
their offspring.
Sarcoptic Mites
These mites are also known as 'Scabies' and are more troublesome than
the Demodex Mites. They thrive on the hair follicles of dogs and lead to
intense skin-itching (also known as 'pruritus') and a variety of other
skin infections. Sometimes, dry skin lesions and severe hair loss in
your dog may be the result of Sarcoptic Mites. They might even invade
the skin of healthy dogs and puppies.
Symptoms of Dog Mites
- Alopecia or unexplained hair loss
- Bleeding from various skin abrasions and fissures
- Cracking and scabs in the skin
- Reddish or swollen skin
- Severe skin itching or 'pruritus'
Home Treatment for Dog Mites
Learn these various home remedies that can effectively cure mites on
your dogs.
- Apply dusting powder or medicated ointment that helps to cure
various bacterial skin infections.
- Feed him capsules containing zinc, selenium, vitamin E and
vitamin C. Consult your veterinarian.
- Feed him cod-liver capsules thrice a day.
- Feed him with fresh water or boneless canned fishes. Avoid fishes
that have high mercury content (like tuna and swordfish).
- Feed your dog few tablespoons of plain yoghurt after every meal.
It is effective in fighting intestinal bacteria and parasites.
- Give a good diet to your dog. Include lots of green leafy and
cruciferous vegetables to his diet.
- Maintain proper hygiene when it comes to your dog. Make sure you
give him a proper bath every other day with a medicated shampoo.
- Sprinkle a teaspoon of sesame seed oil on every meal that you
give to your dog. It helps in proper immune function and skin
repair.
- Various organic herbs like Olive Leaf Extract, Kyolic Garlic,
Cat's Claw and Flaxseed Oil help fight bacterial infections. Include
them in his diet.
- You can apply various topical treatments on the affected areas. A
mixture of lavender oil, neem and almond oil is very effective.
- You may consult your veterinarian regarding different dips and
oral medication that are available for fighting mites on dogs.
Remember that you cannot make the
life of your pet perfect. But you can contribute a lot towards his
happiness, by making sure that he leads a healthy lifestyle.
