Several mite species affect dogs, ranging from the mildly irritating to life-threatening. Understanding the different mite conditions guides appropriate welfare-focused management.
Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis causes the most severe mite infestation in dogs. Female mites burrow into the stratum corneum, causing intense pruritus that is among the most distressing dermatological conditions in small animal practice. The hypersensitivity reaction to mite antigens (not just the mites themselves) creates pruritus disproportionate to mite numbers — even a few mites cause extreme scratching.
Welfare impact: Affected dogs scratch, bite, and rub almost continuously, causing severe self-trauma and secondary skin infection. Sleep is disrupted. Dogs may be in near-constant distress. Chronic cases develop thickened, crusted skin, lymphadenopathy, and emaciation from the metabolic cost of constant scratching. Sarcoptic mange is a zoonosis — easily transmitted to household members, causing a pruritic rash that resolves when the dog is treated.
Treatment: Highly responsive to modern antiparasitic treatments — isoxazoline drugs (fluralaner, sarolaner, afoxolaner) provide effective, convenient treatment. Traditional treatments (amitraz, selamectin, ivermectin) also work but are being superseded by isoxazolines. All in-contact dogs and humans (via their physician) require consideration.
Demodex canis are normal commensal mites of dogs, residing in hair follicles. Localised demodicosis — patchy hair loss in young dogs, usually self-resolving — reflects a transient immune immaturity. Generalised demodicosis (all body areas or multiple feet involved) reflects immune dysfunction and requires treatment. Secondary bacterial pyoderma from follicle damage causes additional pain and inflammation.
Generalised juvenile demodicosis responds well to treatment with isoxazolines. Generalised adult-onset demodicosis requires investigation for underlying immunosuppression — hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism, neoplasia, or immunosuppressive drug therapy. Untreated generalised demodicosis progresses with worsening folliculitis, furunculosis, and systemic illness.
Cheyletiella mites cause 'walking dandruff' — heavy scaling across the back with visible mite movement within the scale. Pruritus is variable but can be intense. Highly contagious between pets and transiently zoonotic. Treatment with topical antiparasitic products is effective.
Otodectes cynotis — ear mites — cause intense pruritus of the external ear canal, head shaking, and dark waxy discharge. More common in cats but affects dogs, particularly those in contact with cats. Welfare impact: persistent intense ear pruritus is distressing, and head shaking can cause aural haematoma formation (blood accumulation in the ear flap, requiring drainage). Treatment with topical or systemic antiparasitic drugs is effective.
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