How to get rid of mites on dogs (2024)

Are you wondering how to get rid of mites on dogs? Mites are tiny creatures — usually around a millimetre long — that burrow deep into your dog's skin causing irritation and inflammation. Mite infections in dogs can be incredibly contagious, with the eggs of the mites often transferring to other dogs.

"Mites are a group of parasites that can live in a dogs ears or amongst their fur. They can cause a range of skin problems, such as itchy, red skin or hair loss, and can make things very uncomfortable for the affected dog," Nick Sutton, health expert at The Kennel Club, tells Country Living.

"If your dog begins to scratch, chew or bite at themselves, or if you can see any mites on their skin, then always speak to your vet for advice."

Take a look at everything you need to know about mites on dogs, including how to know if your dog has mites and how to get rid of them.

What are the different types of mites?

There are three common mites that are known for infecting dogs: Demodex mites, Sarcoptes mites and ear mites. Demodex mites will result in hair loss, while Sarcoptes mites can also be transmitted to humans.

"Sarcoptes are the mites that cause mange in dogs. Mange is intensely itchy and also causes crusty skin and hair loss," Claire Roberts, vet at PDSA, says. "Symptoms are usually focused around the ears and legs but can spread over the whole body. Mange is highly contagious and can spread between dogs and foxes. Without treatment mange will often get worse over time."

Claire continues: "Demodex mites live on nearly all dogs without causing problems however, in some puppies and dogs with lower immune systems or other illnesses, the mites can multiply and cause skin disease. Demodex infestations tend to focus around the eyes and feet but can spread across the body. They cause red, crusty, scaly skin and hair loss. Dogs with Demodex may feel itchy, although not all dogs get this symptom.

"Ear mites cause intensely itchy ears, a build-up of earwax and can lead to ear infections. They can also spread to other pets such as cats and ferrets."

How do I know if my dog has mites?

Some of the symptoms your dog may have mites include:

• Hair loss (either in patches, or all over their coat)
• Dandruff
• Excessive scratching
• Visible irritation, such as red skin
• Crusty patches of skin
• You may be even able to spot the mites on their skin by parting the fur and looking closely
• Secondary infections, either bacterial or fungal infections

How do you get rid of mites on a dog?

While mites on dogs can be irritable for our pups, the good news is that most mite infestations can be treated with a simple anti-parasitic wash. Some shampoos — which you'll find in local pet stores and online — can help cure your dog of mites. Always check with your vet first if you're unsure.

Dr Linda Simon, Pooch & Mutt's in-house Veterinary Surgeon, tells us:

1. Always get a definitive diagnosis first. Many conditions, including fleas and allergic skin disease can mimic mites.

2. Vets should perform diagnostic tests including a skin scrape and possibly a blood test, to confirm which mites are present.

3. Prescription products like Bravecto and Nexgard Spectra tend to work effectively to kill mites.

4. Some dogs will require a medicated wash, which would be performed in the vet clinic.

5. Bedding, clothes, dog clothes and toys should all be hot washed. It can help to declutter the home and to dust and hoover frequently.

6. In-contact pets may also need treatment, as mites can be highly contagious.

"Different mites require different treatments so it is best for your vet to diagnose which mite is present and prescribe the correct treatment," explains Claire.

"Treatments might include spot-on treatments, tablets or shampoos. For Sarcoptes and ear mites, your vet might also recommend treating other pets as well as your home. Severe cases might require multiple treatments over weeks or months, alongside regular checks with your vet to make sure that the condition is improving."

How did my dog get mites?

Close contact with other dogs is commonly what causes mites to be transmitted to your pup, but another reason could also be mites getting onto surfaces, such as pet beds, towels and bedding.

Can humans get mites from dogs?

The most common type of mite on dogs is the sarcoptic mite (mange), which is also called canine scabies. Humans can catch sarcoptic mange from dogs, but the skin irritation won't last long as the mites cannot complete their life cycle in human skin.

"If your dog is suspected to have sarcoptic mange, you should keep them off of furniture that you share, wash their bedding and avoid very close contact, particularly with children," advise the Blue Cross.

"You should avoid close contact with other dogs outside the home until the infection has cleared. All other dogs in the home should be treated for sarcoptic mange if one dog has it, even if they don't show symptoms."

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What do mites look like on a dog's skin?

Mites look like small spider-like creatures, with are estimated to only be 1/4 to 1/3 millimeters long. To the naked eye, they may look like tiny black dots on the skin, so you can only really see them under a microscope.

They have a world-wide distribution, often being transferred from one dog to another. Some burrow themselves into the skin of dogs, while others live in their hair follicles.