Mites are small parasites that live off your pet. The Cheyletiella mite is just one type of mite your dog may contract at some point in his life. They are sometimes referred to as walking dandruff. Knowing about the Cheyletiella mite can help you identify when you dog has an infestation and treat it as soon as possible.
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Description
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The Cheyletiella are small, red mites. They are larger than many mites and you can easily see them under a magnifying glass, while most mites require more magnification to be visible. They are a contagious mite, meaning an infested dog can infest other pets, including other dogs, cats and rabbits. They are often referred to as walking dandruff since the skin flakes, or dandruff, they create can sometimes be seen moving with the naked eye, according to Pet Education.
Symptoms
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Like most mites, the Cheyletiella causes irritation to your dog's skin. Usually this is localized to your dog's back, according to Pet Education. The skin around the infestation sometimes becomes condensed. Along with the flaking scales or dandruff that occurs, your dog may also experience a mild case of alopecia, or hair loss. The mites also generally cause increased itching across the skin.
Diagnosis
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If you suspect your dog has a case of these mites, you should contact your vet for a consultation. Your vet will likely examine the medical history of your pet as well as other animals in the household or that your dog may have come in contact with recently. If there are symptoms of Cheyletiella mites, your vet will probably use a magnifying glass to look for them. Your vet will want to take a sample of your dog's dandruff to observe under a microscope. He can collect this sample through use of a flea comb, skin scrapings or tape liftings. In other cases, according to Veterinary News, your vet may use fecal flotation or skin biopsy to check for mites.
Treatment
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If your vet is able to confirm an infestation, she will start your dog on a treatment regimen. Depending on the particular circumstances of the infestation, such as the severity and if there are other pets in the home, your vet may choose from a number of options. Ivermetctin is a common medication given via injection for the treatment of different kinds of mites. However, ivermectin is dangerous to certain breeds of dogs, such as collies and collie mixes, or to other dogs with medication sensitivities. Your vet will not prescribe it if your dog is at risk to adverse reactions, including tremors, weakness or even death, according to Pet Place. Other treatment options include topical flea treatments, lime sulfur or amitraz dips or pyrethrin sprays.
Prevention
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According to Canis Major, the Cheyletiella mite cannot live long off its host. Even though this is true, once your dog has been treated for a current infestation, you will want to take measures to prevent future infestation from any mites that may have survived. Simple steps like vacuuming and using a home flea spray can help kill any mites or their eggs that may be living in the environs. Also, wash all your dog's bedding and discard brushes and combs to prevent reinfestation.
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