How to Kill Mites on Dogs

Mites are very small, even microscopic, arachnids. They are present on most dogs. They live in hair follicles and skin. In most cases they do not cause any issues. However, in some dogs a mite infestation can lead to mange or ear infections.


Demodectic mange is caused by Demodex canis, gatoi or injai mites. It is not considered a contagious mange. Sarcoptic mange is caused by Sarcoptes scabei mites. This type of mange is contagious. Ear mites are also contagious. An ear mite infestation is itchy and uncomfortable for your dog, and can cause ear infections.

Things You'll Need

  • EAR MITES
  • Cotton balls
  • Olive oil
  • Vitamin E
  • Medicine dropper
  • Garlic cloves
  • Sealed container
  • MANGE
  • 5-percent Benzoil peroxide gel
  • Water-soluble sulfur
  • Liquid aloe vera
  • Calamine lotion
  • Large pot
  • Sterile water
  • Trimming scissors
  • Bowl
  • 10-percent Benzoil peroxide
  • Dog shampoo
  • Neem oil
  • Water
  • Sponge

Instructions

  1. Ear Mites

    • 1

      Clean your dog's ears. Wet a cotton ball with a small amount of olive oil. Rub it around the creases and crevices of your dog's ears. Remove all visible dirt and debris. This process should be completed prior to starting any other treatment.

    • 2

      Puncture a Vitamin E capsule and squeeze the contents into half an ounce of olive oil. Mix the Vitamin E and olive oil together. Use a medicine dropper to squirt half of the mixture into one of your dog's ears. Rub the base of the ear to help the mixture move further into the ear. Clean with a cotton ball. Repeat procedure in the other ear. Reapply every other day for six days. Almond oil can replace the olive oil.

    • 3

      Add four crushed cloves of garlic into one cup of olive oil. Seal the mixture in a container and let it sit for a few days. Pour through a sieve to strain out the garlic. Warm the mixture. Squirt half a medicine dropper of the oil into your dog's ear. Rub the ear to distribute the mixture. Clean the ear with a clean cotton ball. Repeat procedure on the other ear. Reapply until there are no signs of infestation.

    Demodectic or Sarcoptic Mange

    • 4

      Rub a 5-percent Benzoil peroxide gel into the infected areas. Repeat every other day. Benzoil peroxide gel is easily available in over-the-counter acne treatments.

    • 5

      Place equal amounts of water-soluble sulfur, liquid aloe vera and calamine lotion into a large pot. Add a gallon of sterile water. Bring the mixture to a slow boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. Let the mixture cool and then use it to wash your dog. Let the mixture dry naturally. Do not towel dry. Repeat the treatment every five days until the mange is gone.

    • 6

      Trim your dog's hair to half an inch. Mix together an eight-ounce bottle of 10-percent Benzoyl peroxide and a 16- to 20-ounce bottle of high-quality dog shampoo. In a separate container blend a half cup neem oil and one gallon of warm water. Thoroughly wet your dog and shampoo with the peroxide and shampoo mixture. Leave the mixture on the dog for approximately 10 minutes. Completely rinse the mixture off the dog.

      Saturate a sponge with the neem oil mixture and use the sponge to apply the mixture all over the dog. Do not get the mixture into the dog's eyes. Massage the mixture into the dog's skin for about five minutes. Allow to air dry. Every two to three days, apply pure neem oil directly to any visible mange spots. Reapply the complete treatment every week until there are no signs of mites.