Mites on Dogs: Signs, Treatments and Prevention Tips

Mites might be microscopic, but they can cause big problems for dogs. These parasites live on the skin or in your dog’s ears and, depending on the type, can lead to itching, irritation, hair loss or inflammation. Some mites are highly contagious and can infect not only dogs but humans and other animals as well.¹

Understanding the different types of mites, how they affect dogs and what signs to look for will help keep your pup healthy and comfortable.

What Are Mites?

Mites are microscopic parasites that are part of the arachnid family. They usually are only visible under a microscope, but sometimes they can be seen as very tiny white, black or orange dots moving around on your dog’s skin.²

Mites are similar to ticks in that they’re from the same family.² But ticks are external parasites that feed on your dog’s blood. Fleas — commonly found on dogs, cats and mammals around the world — cause itching and skin irritation the way mites do.³

Types

There are five types of mites that can infect your dog: canine demodicosis, canine scabies, ear mites, trombiculosis and walking dandruff.¹

• Canine demodicosis. This is caused by an overgrowth of Demodex canis mites, which normally live harmlessly in all dogs’ hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Potentially due to genetic predisposition or immune suppression, some dogs have more of these mites, which trigger inflammation and hair loss. The condition appears in two forms: localized, which is usually mild and seen in dogs under 1 year old, and generalized, which can be severe and widespread in dogs of all ages.
• Canine scabies (sarcoptic mange). This highly contagious parasite burrows into the dog’s skin to lay its eggs, followed by an incubation period lasting from 10 days to eight weeks. The entire life cycle of the mite (17 to 21 days) occurs on the infected dog, who will experience intense itching. The dog will likely develop small bumps that can turn into crusty sores, which can then develop into a bacterial or yeast infection.
• Ear mites (otodectic mange). As you would expect, ear mites are usually found deep in the external ear canal, though they can sometimes be found on the body. A dog with ear mites typically shakes their head or scratches their ear(s) to the point of causing inflammation.
• Trombiculosis. Caused by the larval stage of chigger mites, this occurs when dogs pick up larvae from the ground. The tiny orange-red larvae attach to areas like the head, ears, feet or stomach and feed for a few days before dropping off.
• Walking dandruff (cheyletiellosis). Walking dandruff in dogs is caused by Cheyletiella yasguri mites, which appear as moving dots on the skin. These parasites are highly contagious, can spread between species (including to humans) and spend their three-week life cycle on the dog. They can also survive up to 10 days in bedding, carpet or other areas where your pet spends their time. Many pups will experience skin scaling along the back that causes itching, but some pets show no symptoms while still spreading the mites.

How Do Dogs Get Mites?

Depending on the type, dogs can pick up mites from direct contact with other infected animals, contaminated environments (like bedding or soil) or through overgrowth of mites they already carry.¹

• Canine demodicosis. These mites are not usually caught from other dogs because they’re normally found in small numbers on all dogs. Overgrowth occurs due to hereditary factors or weakened immunity.
• Canine scabies. These spread mainly through direct contact with an infected dog, though contaminated bedding can also transmit these parasites.
• Ear mites. Ear mites are passed between animals by close contact, especially in multi-pet households. These typically infest the ear canal but can spread to other areas of the body.
• Trombiculosis. These mites infect a dog when the canine lies on or walks through infested ground.
• Walking dandruff. This is highly contagious and spreads easily in kennels, catteries and homes with multiple pets. Pets without symptoms can still carry and transmit mites, which can survive up to 10 days in the environment.

Signs Your Dog May Have Mites

Mites, depending on the type, can affect dogs in different ways, but many of the signs overlap. While some infestations show unique symptoms, there are a handful of common signs to watch for:⁴

• Hair loss
• Itching and scratching
• Redness and inflammation
• Scaly or crusty skin

Ear mites in dogs

Watch out for skin issues like scabbing and inflammation around the ears, which may be caused by ear mites.⁵ Other signs specific to ear mites include:

• Drooping of usually upright ears¹
• Ear shaking and head tilting⁴
• Excessive earwax and odor⁴
• Possible torn eardrum (in severe cases)¹
• Inflamed ear canal (sometimes with pus)¹

Diagnosing Mites in Dogs

Mites are microscopic, making them difficult to detect without proper tools. Because different types of mites live in various layers of the skin or ears, veterinarians use specific diagnostic methods to identify them accurately.⁶

The most common diagnostic technique is a skin scraping, where a vet uses a dulled scalpel blade, often with mineral oil, to collect material from the skin’s surface.⁶

In some cases, a hair pluck (trichogram) or an acetate tape impression — where clear tape is pressed onto the skin — can also collect mites. If ear mites are suspected, the vet may perform an ear swab to collect and examine debris from the ear canal.⁶

Dog Mite Treatments

Because most mites are highly contagious, eliminating them requires a multi-faceted approach. Treatment may involve a combination of topical applications (medicated shampoos, dips or spot-on products that go directly on the skin) and oral medication.⁶

If there is a secondary infection, your dog may need antibiotics as well.⁶ And some internal medications for mange are also used for heartworm prevention, so your veterinarian requires a heartworm test before starting your dog’s treatment.¹

How Much Do Dog Mite Treatments Cost?

The national average cost* for dog mite treatments and tests varies widely. The cost depends not only on the type of treatment/test but also on the size and breed of the dog, the severity of the infection and any office fees involved, among other factors.⁷

Tips for Preventing Mites on Your Dog

While it’s not always possible to prevent mites completely, there are steps you can take to reduce the chance your dog will get them:²

• Keep up with regular grooming, bathing and skin/coat/ear inspection
• Vacuum your home regularly, especially in areas where your dog spends time
• Wash your dog’s bedding and toys with hot water

Some prescription topical medications not only help prevent ear mites but also offer protection against fleas.⁵

Most importantly, keeping your dog healthy with good nutrition, hygiene and regular veterinary care supports their immune system, making them less vulnerable to mite overgrowth and related skin problems.²

Safeguarding Your Dog Against Mites

While many healthy dogs — and even people — naturally carry small numbers of mites without issue, problems arise when the immune system can’t keep them in check.⁸

When that happens, these tiny parasites can cause significant skin and ear problems for your dog. If you notice signs of irritation, hair loss or unusual scratching, it’s best to seek veterinary care quickly since mites are highly contagious.¹ With timely treatment and simple preventive habits like regular grooming and cleaning, your pup can recover fully and stay happy and comfortable.²

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Dogs

The CareCredit credit card provides a convenient way to pay for your dog’s vaccinations and other health and wellness expenses, including exams, medications and products at providers in the CareCredit network.** Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App. You can find a provider on the go, manage your CareCredit account and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos. Use our Acceptance Locator to find a veterinarian that accepts CareCredit to help keep your pet healthy and happy for a lifetime of love.

In addition to pet care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Abbie Mood is a freelance writer with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked with clients of all sizes to create compelling content and she has written for the American Kennel Club, Marriott Bonvoy, Women’s Health Online, Headspace and more.