A vet can treat ear mites with ear drops.
The treatment you choose to get rid of dog mites will likely vary depending on the type of mite your dog has and your preference in terms of treating the problem at home or visiting a veterinarian. Home remedies are often used to get rid of mites, but a trip to the vet may be necessary if the infection is severe or if home treatments don’t work. Some common treatments include washing the dog with a medicated shampoo, applying a soothing ointment, and administering prescription medications.
Dogs may receive a chemical wash as part of a mite infestation treatment.
Dog mites are tiny parasites that live on a dog’s skin. They like to tunnel under the skin to lay their eggs, which makes the skin swollen, red and itchy. Some treatments may be more effective than others at removing mites from your dog, depending on the type of mite your pet has and the severity of the infection. Common types of dog mites include ear mites, mange, and dandruff.
Get rid of ear mites
Applying ointment can reduce the discomfort of dog mites.
As their name suggests, ear mites live in a dog’s ears. The most common symptoms of this type of mite include scratching around the ears; moving head and ears; and blood or a substance similar to coffee grounds in your dog’s ear canal. Special ear mite treatments can be purchased online, at a pet supply store, or at some veterinary offices.
Drops that include an insecticide can help get rid of dog ear mites. These drops should be massaged deep into the dog’s ear canal for at least two to three weeks. Gently cleaning the entire ear every day will also help remove parasites. Many veterinarians recommend that the infected dog’s entire body also be treated, as ear mites can move to other areas of the skin. Most tick and flea medications will work to kill ear mites on a dog’s body; the product label usually indicates whether or not it also works on mites.
Get rid of scabies mites
A dog that scratches its ears may have ear mites.
Scabies mites can also be called scabies. Most dogs have this type of mite, and it is usually passed from mother to puppy during the first few weeks of life. In most cases, mange mites only cause symptoms in dogs with a weak immune system or who are very old. Symptoms of mange include hair loss and scaly skin, which usually starts around the dog’s face but can spread over the entire body.
Humans are generally not bothered by ear mites.
Most of the time, a veterinarian is needed to recommend or prescribe the best treatment option for mange. Lotions, shampoos and sauces are among the most effective treatments. Benzoyl peroxide is a popular home remedy that can be helpful in relieving skin irritations caused by scabies by rubbing a small amount on the affected area to relieve symptoms until the mites are gone. Mange is sometimes treated with weekly injections of a dog-safe insecticide, although this is not common and some breeds of dogs do not tolerate this treatment well.
Get rid of walking dandruff
Another common type of canine mite is the cheyletiella mite, more commonly known as “walking dandruff.” These mites can be seen moving around in a dog’s fur, giving them their name. The most common symptoms are itchy, peeling, and scaly skin on the dog’s back. A veterinarian will usually diagnose walking dandruff and prescribe a series of prescribed baths. These mites can be passed between dogs and humans through close contact, so you probably want to get rid of them quickly.
General treatments for dog mites
Both over-the-counter and prescription medications can help get rid of dog mites, and it’s best to talk to a vet before going this route. A general veterinarian or a specialist such as a veterinary dermatologist will be able to recommend the best course of treatment and prescribe medication if necessary. Some veterinarians sell medicated dips, shampoos, and lotions directly from their offices, and many large pet supply stores also stock prescriptions for animals.
Cortisone creams can help relieve itching and skin irritation caused by mites in dogs, but they’re not appropriate for all animals, so talk to your vet before using one. Antibiotic creams, available by prescription, can be used to help heal sores and other skin abrasions, as well as help prevent any further infection. Removing hair from heavily infected areas can also help dogs suffering from mites, as it can make treatment easier by exposing infected skin.