Mites on Dogs

Types of Mites on Dogs

Sarcoptic mange (scabies)

Sarcoptes mites burrow into the skin and cause intense itching, red bumps and crusts, often starting on the ear edges, elbows and belly. They're highly contagious between dogs, and foxes and coyotes can carry them. People in close contact can get an itchy rash, but the dog mite can't complete its life cycle on people, so the rash goes away once the dog is treated.^3,5,8,2 See sarcoptic mange in dogs.

Demodectic mange

Demodex mites live in hair follicles of nearly all dogs, passed from mother to puppies in the first days of life. Mange develops when they multiply out of control, often in young dogs or dogs with another illness. It causes patchy hair loss, often on the face and legs, and usually isn't itchy unless the skin gets infected. It's not contagious.^6,4,2 See demodectic mange.

Cheyletiella ("walking dandruff")

These mites live on the skin surface and cause heavy scaling along the back, with flakes that seem to move. They're contagious and can cause a short-lived itchy rash in people. They're now uncommon thanks to modern flea control.^7,12,2

Ear mites

Ear mites live in the ear canal and cause dark, coffee-ground debris and head shaking. See ear mites in dogs.^13,14

Chiggers (harvest mites)

Only the larvae feed on animals, mostly in late summer and fall. They cause sudden itching, often around the ears, between the toes and on the belly, and can look like tiny orange clusters. They don't spread between pets, but people walking in the same grass can get itchy bites.^15,1,2

How Vets Diagnose Mites

Depending on the mite, your vet may use skin scrapings, hair plucks, tape impressions, a flea comb or an ear swab, all looked at under a microscope.^3,16,7,17 Deep scrapings are the main test for demodex.¹⁶ Sarcoptes mites are often not found even when they're there, so if scabies is suspected, your vet may recommend treating and watching for improvement.^3,2

Treatment

• Prescription anti-parasite medicine. Modern flea and tick chews and some spot-ons are now widely used for mange, often off-label. Your vet will choose a product based on the mite, your dog's breed and health history.^3,5,18 Some anti-mite drugs are dangerous for dogs with a certain gene mutation, which is common in Collies and related breeds, so tell your vet your dog's breed.^3,6
• Treat all in-contact pets for contagious mites such as Sarcoptes and Cheyletiella, and wash bedding.^5,12,2
• Treatment for skin infections, which are common with mange.³
• Don't give leftover steroid pills to an itchy dog without your vet's advice. Steroids can make demodectic mange worse.³

Most dogs with scabies improve within 2 weeks, though full healing can take 6 to 8 weeks. Call your vet if your dog is still very itchy 4 to 5 days after starting treatment.^11,8

Can Dog Mites Affect People?

• Scabies mites from dogs can cause itchy bumps, often on the arms, neck and waist, that clear up once the dog is treated.^19,9,8
• Cheyletiella can cause a temporary itchy rash.^2,12
• Demodex mites from dogs don't infest people.^4,2

If you have an itchy rash, see your own doctor and mention your dog's diagnosis. See also skin parasites on dogs and mange in dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my dog has mites?

Itching, hair loss, scaly or crusty skin and dark ear debris are common signs. Your vet can confirm mites with a few quick tests.

Can humans get mites from dogs?

Scabies and Cheyletiella can cause a temporary rash in people. Demodex mites don't spread to people.

Can dog mites live in my bed?

Scabies mites survive only a few days off a dog, and Cheyletiella up to about 10 days. Wash bedding when you start treatment.

Will dish soap kill mites on dogs?

No. Mites need prescription treatment from your vet.

Are mites contagious to other dogs?

Scabies, Cheyletiella and ear mites are. Demodex isn't.