Types of Dog Mites & Symptoms Explained

1. Demodex Mites

Demodex mites present with two distinct symptoms. The first is the scaly form, which primarily affects the facial areas of dogs, such as the eyelids, forehead, lips, and neck, as well as the elbows and between the toes on the limbs. The affected areas have a clear border, with the skin showing signs of redness and dandrufflike scales. The skin surface becomes rough and cracked, and the lesions are not itchy, appearing grayishwhite.

The second form is the pustular type, which manifests mainly around the inguinal and lower abdominal areas with small red papules. These can develop into small pustules, appearing as red and white speckled bumps, and may be accompanied by an unpleasant odor. Pustules can lead to systemic skin infections, hair loss, and when the environment is unclean, secondary bacterial infections can occur, resulting in systemic infection symptoms that, in severe cases, can be fatal to the dog.

2. Lice

Lice infestations can be quite severe. They first appear on areas such as the bridge of the nose, cheeks, ear roots, and armpits, and then spread throughout the body. Initially, the skin may appear slightly flushed, followed by the development of red, swollen blisters, which then burst to release a sticky, yellowish oillike discharge. Once dried, this discharge forms scaly crusts resembling fish scales.

3. Ear Mites

Ear mites primarily reside in a dog's external ear canal and are highly contagious. Dogs with ear mites produce excessive earwax and urine leakage, and when infected with bacteria, secondary abscesses can occur. Due to the itching, the dog may frequently scratch at its ears with its paws and continuously shake its head, rubbing against objects. Dogs with ear mites may have dark brown discharge in their ear canals, and they will experience significant pain in their ears. Secondary bacterial infections can lead to suppurative otitis externa and otitis media. Deep invasions can cause encephalitis, resulting in brain nerve symptoms.

Pet Doctor's Tip: For more information on dog mite symptoms, click on "Symptoms of Mites on Dogs" to read an informative article.