Frequently Asked Questions About Mite Infestations

Fortunately, veterinarians know how to diagnose mite-based disorders, get rid of those troublesome infestations, and help you keep your pet mite-free going forward. In the meantime, boost your knowledge on this subject with

the aid of the following frequently asked questions and their answers.

Mites live off of decomposing organic matter. Animals provide a ready source for such matter because their skin and hair cells constantly die off, replaced by new tissue. This availability prompts mites to burrow into an animal's skin and take up residence there, producing whole new generations that can lead to a full-scale infestation.

Mites roam free in nature and can attach themselves to pets that play or live outdoors. Some species of mites may then move from one pet (or even one species of animal) to another. This means that if your pet develops a mite infestation, it can end up infesting your other pets or even the human members of your household.

Different species of mites create different kinds of health problems for pets. For instance, Otodectes cynotis mites commonly irritate the ears of puppies and kittens. Sarcoptes scabiei mites prefer to burrow their way into the groins and armpits of dogs, causing the skin redness and bald patches associated with sarcoptic mange.

Demodex mites normally inhabit a pet's hair follicles in modest numbers, causing skin irritation and hair loss only when those numbers grow out of control. Underlying immune system weakness can encourage this overgrowth.

These kinds of infestations tend to cause more facial symptoms and itchiness in cats than in dogs.

Mite infestations in cats can prove harder to identify, in terms of the actual mite species, than infestations in dogs. Cats tend to show more generalized reaction patterns, with symptoms appearing in less specific body parts. They also groom themselves frequently, removing mites before you can see them.

While you might not see mites crawling on your pet's skin or know which species of mite has created trouble for it, you can tell a probable infestation when you see one. Look for patchy or large-scale hair loss, skin redness, crusting around the mouth or eyes, dark specks in or around the ears, and the telltale skin flakes of dandruff.

Mite infestations often cause discomfort, which your pet may express through changes in behavior. An infested pet may constantly scratch, chew, or bite the irritated area. A pet infested with Otodectes cynotis mites may paw at its ears as if it has an earache.

Your veterinarian can diagnose the specific type of mite infestation your pet has by taking tiny samples of skin and hair and then examining them under a microscope. If your vet suspects that your pet might have an underlying health condition that makes mite infestations more likely, additional tests can look for such conditions.

Treatment for mite infestation typically involves a soothing medicated bath using an anti-parasitic shampoo that you can bathe your pet with at home. Your pet may also receive prescriptions for topical medications to relieve acute symptoms. More extensive treatments can address health conditions affecting the immune system.

The most effective way to keep mites off of your pet involves maintaining the cleanest surroundings possible. Vacuum your carpets and wash pet bedding frequently. Ask your veterinarian to recommend flea and tick preventatives that can also kill mites.

Whether your pet currently shows signs of an uncomfortable mite infestation or you simply want to keep it protected against the effects of these annoying pests, Baywood Animal Hospital has the answers. Contact our veterinary clinic today to schedule an appointment for your furry friend.