Distinguishing Mites vs. Fungus in Dog Skin Diseases: A

Dog Skin Diseases: Mites and Fungal Infections

Mites

Mites can cause skin issues in dogs due to a variety of factors, including damp living conditions, unsanitary environments, and contact with infected dogs. These parasites often target the eyes, ears, nose, and chest. The affected skin may become thickened and bleed, leading to severe itching for the poor pup.

Fungal Skin Diseases

Fungal skin diseases typically manifest on a dog's head, legs, and feet. The primary symptoms include scaly, crusty skin and, in some cases, circular patches of hair loss around the affected areas.

How to Distinguish Between Mites and Fungi

The causes of fungal skin diseases in dogs are primarily categorized into three types: Microsporum, Trichophyton, and Malassezia, with Microsporum being the most common.

After infection with Microsporum, you may notice small, coinsized circular spots on the dog's skin, sticky blood, red spots, scabs formed from scratching, and elliptical hair loss.

Mites come in several varieties, including scabies mites, ear mites, and demodex mites, which are further divided into desquamative and pustular types.

Let's start with the demodex mites, which are commonly found around the eyes and on the limbs. They are also prevalent around the back and lower neck, as well as around the mouth. These mites can spread rapidly, covering the entire body within a week. If left untreated, they can lead to secondary bacterial infections, characterized by pus or swollen lymph nodes, and even elevated body temperature.

1. Desquamative Demodex

Demodex mites can quickly spread to become a systemic infection, causing the skin to become red. You might notice pustules on the neck, armpits, back, and lower abdomen, along with severe sebaceous dandruff around the nose and eyes.

Demodex mites are particularly challenging to deal with due to three main difficulties: 1. The treatment cycle is lengthy; 2. They are prone to recurrence; and 3. They can be hereditary.

2. Scabies Mites

Scabies mites primarily affect the dog's head, including the bridge of the nose, eye sockets, and the base of the ears. They can also be found on the chest, lower abdomen, armpits, inner thighs, and the base of the tail, eventually spreading throughout the body.

In the early stages, the skin may show redness, which can later develop into nodules. If the skin is thin, you might even see small blisters or pustules. The skin can produce a significant amount of dandruff or develop crusty eczema, leading to thickening. As the condition progresses, hair loss and scab formation can occur. When the scabs fall off, the skin may appear bright red, moist, and bleed.

Dogs with scabies will be extremely itchy, constantly biting at the affected areas, and may become restless. Their digestion can be impaired, leading to weight loss. Without proper treatment, dogs can become severely ill, and if the infection spreads to the eyes, it could even cause blindness.

While there are many types of skin diseases in dogs, their symptoms can be quite similar, which can leave many pet owners, especially new ones, feeling overwhelmed and even desperate. If you're still unable to differentiate between the conditions based on the information provided, it's best to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.