Symptoms of Fleas and Mites on Dogs: What to Look For

Dog Mite Symptoms:

Mites come in three primary types: scabies mites, demodex mites, and ear mites, each causing distinct symptoms:

1. Scabies Mites

Typically, puppies are more commonly and severely affected. The first signs appear on the bridge of the nose, cheeks, around the ears, and armpits, and then gradually spread throughout the body. Initially, there may be a slight skin redness, which then progresses to swelling, followed by blisters. After the blisters break, a sticky, yellowish, oily discharge dries and forms scaly crusts on the skin's surface. The affected areas can become intensely itchy, prompting the dog to excessively scratch or rub against surfaces to relieve the itching, leading to severe hair loss.

2. Demodex Mites

Demodex mites can be categorized into two types: scaly and pustular forms.

(1) Scaly Form

Specifically, there is a clear demarcation around the eyelids and surrounding areas, forehead, lips, under the neck, elbows, and between the toes. The skin surface shows mild erythema and dandrufflike scales. As the condition worsens, the skin becomes rough and cracked, with some dogs developing small blisters.

(2) Pustular Form

The inner thigh and lower abdomen often present with red papules that quickly turn into pustules. In severe cases, the lower part of the femur may exhibit large red and white intermingled bumps, accompanied by a distinctive odor and itching. The dog may appear extremely restless. Infestation with demodex mites can lead to systemic skin infections, hair loss, and ulcers that develop from pustule rupture, with secondary bacterial infections further exacerbating the condition.

3. Ear Mites

Ear mites infest the external ear of dogs and are highly contagious. They produce a large amount of earwax, and later may lead to secondary bacterial infections and pus formation. The ears become itchy, prompting the dog to scratch, shake its head, and bark continuously. The ear canal may have dark brown discharge, thickened skin, and the dog may exhibit a noticeable tenderness in the ear, refusing to be examined. In severe cases, the dog may turn its head towards the more severe affected area. If bacterial infection occurs, it can lead to the onset of suppurative otitis externa and otitis media. In severe instances, it can cause encephalitis, affecting the brain and its nerves.

Pet Doctor's Tip: For more information on mites, click on "What Are Dog Mite Symptoms and How to Treat Them" to learn more.