Mites can infest a dog and wreak havoc on its hair. In fact, changes in the hair are often the first clues to a veterinarian that a dog has mites. Mites not only affect the hair, but other parts of the dog as well. Mites are also transmissible to other pets as well as humans. Therefore, if you suspect your dog is suffering from mites, have it examined by a veterinarian immediately.
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Mites
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According to Dr. Race Foster of Doctors Foster and Smith, a few different types of mites will cause changes in a dog's hair. Mites such as Demodex canis and Demodex injai can cause demodectic mange and subsequent issues with the hair. The mite Sarcoptes scabiei can create sarcoptic mange, also called scabies, in a dog. The mites will typically live off of the dog and lay their eggs on it. Some mites may burrow under the dog's skin and create tunnels inside.
Causes
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Both of the mites that cause mange are transmitted from one infected dog to another. Demodectic mange mites are on virtually every dog; however, some dogs develop problems because of the mites, while others do not. Mothers transmit the mites to their puppies, but typically only puppies with compromised immune systems develop any issues. The mites that cause scabies are spread from animal to animal by contact. In addition, mites that live in the environment can also infect a dog when it comes in contact with them.
Symptoms
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Dogs with mites can show a variety of symptoms. Dogs with Demodex canis or Demodex injai will typically experience spots of hair loss. Dogs with sarcoptic mange will develop large areas of hair loss, often on the elbows, chest, ears, armpits and stomach areas, states Dr. Holly Nash of Doctors Foster and Smith. Dogs with scabies typically also experience intense itching.
Diagnosis
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A doctor will usually perform skin scrapings to diagnose mites on the dog. The doctor will often use a blade to scratch the skin to obtain samples, and will then look at them under the microscope to identify the mites. Often, the samples will come back inconclusive, but if the doctor is suspicious of the mites, he may treat the dog for mange anyway.
Treatment
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Dogs with the mites that cause demodectic mange are typically treated with lotions, dips and shampoos. However, if the mange is serious or has caused many lesions throughout the dog's body, it may require more aggressive treatments, such as dips or oral medications. Dogs with scabies are often treated with dips, including amitraz, mitaban and lime sulfur dips, and oral medications such as ivermectin and selamectin.
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