Fleas and mites are types of external parasites that can affect dogs. Both cause extreme itching and discomfort and some cause hair loss and raw skin. A dog suspected of having fleas or mites should see a veterinarian for diagnosis. Fleas and mites are preventable and treatable with medication; the sooner you get treatment, the less chance you have of infecting other dogs or even yourself.
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Types
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Fleas are common parasites in the summertime. They lay eggs on an animal's skin and spread between animals such as dogs and cats. Fleas have a life cycle of 12 days to six months and female produce up to 50 eggs per day, according to Cherokee Animal Clinic. Types of mites include ear mites, Sarcoptes scabiei mites and Demodex mites. Certain mites live on a dog's skin naturally and only become problems if disease compromises the dog's immune system. Other types of mites spread between infected dogs.
Identification
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Adult fleas are dark brown and the approximate size of a sesame seed. They move quickly over the dog's skin laying eggs. The eggs can drop onto the floor as the dog moves and hatch into worm-like larvae, burrowing into carpets or under furniture to avoid sunlight, according to Cherokee Animal Clinic. Sarcoptes scabiei mites cause sarcoptic mange, also called scabies, in dogs. Symptoms include intense itching, hair loss and crusting of the dog's skin, according to the All About Dogs website. Demodex mites cause demodectic mange that causes itching, scaly red skin and patchy hair loss. Ear mites cause severe itching on the dog's ears, causing the dog to scratch the hair off its ears.
Treatment
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Flea treatment involves permethrin shampoo or antiparasitic medication prescribed by a veterinarian. Insecticides also work to kill fleas but can be harmful to the dog. Medication helps kill ear mites, Sarcoptes scabiei mites and Demodex mites. Thorough ear cleaning helps with ear mite infestations and dogs with mange may require an amitraz or lime sulfur dip, according to Cherokee Animal Clinic.
Prevention/Solution
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Certain medications help prevent skin irritants like fleas and mites in dogs. Prescription products such as selamectin and moxidectin provide dogs with 30 days worth of protection against fleas, and may also work to protect the dog against Sarcoptes scabiei mites, according to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center in Los Angeles. Keeping the dog up-to-date on its vaccinations and keeping it healthy help prevent Demodex mites from gaining the upper hand and causing demodectic mange. Ear mites spread from infected animals so keeping the dog away from other dogs or cats with ear mites helps prevent infestation.
Warning
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Certain breeds of dog, especially herding breeds, are sensitive to ivermectin, a medication used to treat mange. Giving ivermectin to dog breeds such as the collie, old English sheepdog, Australian shepherd and Shetland sheepdog could be fatal, according to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center.
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