Dog skin Problem: Mites

Perhaps your dog will be one of the lucky ones who never get any dog skin
problem. But sometimes, even the most pampered and well groomed indoor dog
can catch a dog skin problem. Any dog, no matter what kind of breed or
environment he’s in, can be a candidate for a variety of dog skin problems.

Examples of parasites that attack even the cleanest of the dog are mites.
Mites are very tiny parasites that cause dog skin problems by triggering
irritation and also cause infection. There are three types of mites that
cause problems in dogs. Demodex and Sarcoptes both cause mange and
Otodectes causes inflammation of the ear.

Among the three types of mites that causes dog skin problem, Otodectes is
the only type that can be seen without the use of a microscope. Seldom,
you may see them as tiny white moving dots in the ear.

Demodex is another type of mite that causes dog skin problem. Although
they are naturally carried by most dogs, this type of mite does not usually
cause nuisance. But it can become a dog skin problem from time to time
when your dog is undergoing stress. It can also attack puppies and causes
dog skin problem because puppies’ natural defenses are not fully developed
yet and are more susceptible to this parasite’s attack.

Demodex causes what is termed as pustular dermatitis in your cute puppies,
located around the head and shoulders. Sometimes it becomes infected, a
dog skin problem that is known as juvenile pyoderma. Signs of this dog
skin problem are: hair loss, flaky and oily skin, and a characteristic
“mousy” odor.

In treating this type of dog skin problem, your dog must be taken to the
vet within 24 hours of this developing or serious scarring can occur. Your
vet can prescribe antibiotics and drugs that give your dog effective
relief. Your vet might also suggest a special shampoo to control the
oiliness of the coat as well as the smell.

Sarcoptes is another type of mites that cause dog skin problem that can
affect your dog regardless of his age. This type of mite is more commonly
known as scabies, a dog skin problem that can also affect humans. The
Sarcoptes burrow through the skin and produces tunnels where they lay their
eggs. When this type of dog skin problem attacks humans, the infection
usually dies away, although you should still consider treating it.

The following are signs of this type of dog skin problem in your dog; itchy
rash of red spots usually located on ears, elbows, and hocks. On human
skin, the “tunnels” can actually be seen.

Rapid treatment is also very important in treating this type of dog skin
problem in order to avoid human infections and also to prevent your dog
from harming himself by scratching and biting. The vet can prescribe
special chemicals that are applied in insecticidal shampoos. The vet can
also prescribe drugs to help stop your dog from biting and scratching
himself.