Dog Hair Loss Due to Mites & Treatments
Hair loss due to mites causes a condition called mange. This uncomfortable skin condition causes your dog's hair to fall out, either due to the action of the spider-like mites or because of the incessant scratching your dog does. With proper treatment, your dog can recover from an infestation of mites.
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Types
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Demodectic mites cause red patches of hair loss on the face and legs, usually on puppies. Sarcoptic mites cause raw open sores and bumps with a crusty appearance. You can see cheyletiella mites with the naked eye. They look like red dust and cause an itchy, scaly rash.
Diagnosis
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Only your dog's veterinarian can accurately diagnose mites as the cause of hair loss, and this is done through skin scrapings examined under a microscope.
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Mange Treatment
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Your veterinarian will likely prescribe topical, oral or injectable medications to kill the mites and allow the hair to regrow. Depending on how bad the infestations is, your vet may order a medicated dip for your dog. Antibiotics may be necessary to control secondary infections caused by itching and biting.
Transmission
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Cheyletiella and sarcoptic mites are transmitted from infected animals to healthy ones. Demodectic mites live on the skin of all dogs, and no one knows why the mites on some animals start reproducing and causing hair loss.
Precautions
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If your dog shows signs of hair loss from a mite infestation, wear gloves when handling the dog and wash your hands afterward, because sarcoptic and cheyletiella mites both can be transmitted to humans.
Prevention
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Most healthy dogs can fight off mites, so keeping the dog healthy, well fed and properly groomed is usually the best prevention against these pests. Also, keep the dog away from any animals that appear to have mange.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Craig Jewell/sxc.hu
