Grass mites in dogs: symptoms, treatment and prevention
Harvest mites pose a real nuisance for dogs in summer and autumn. These annoying parasites are widespread and cause significant itching and, in some cases, unpleasant skin inflammation in affected dogs.
In the following, you will learn how a mite infestation manifests in dogs and how it can be treated. We will also explain preventive measures that are advisable.
Harvest Mites in Dogs: What are they?
Harvest mites are also known as autumn mites or autumn harvest mites. The scientific name for these small mites is Neotrombicula autumnalis. The larvae of the harvest mite infest a host's skin and feed as ectoparasites on its bodily fluids.
How Dogs Become Infested with Harvest Mites
Harvest mites primarily reside in grass. The adult mites lay their eggs there as well. After approximately four weeks, the larvae of the harvest mite hatch. They climb onto moss and grass blades, where they wait for a host such as dogs.
When the harvest mite larvae come into contact with a dog's body, they find a spot to incise the skin and feed on the cellular fluids, lymph, and, in rare cases, the dog's blood. After completing their meal, the larvae drop off and develop into adult harvest mites on the ground.
Only the larvae of harvest mites infest dogs
When a dog is infested with harvest mites, it is always the larvae of the parasites. The adult harvest mites, on the other hand, do not live as parasites but solely reside on the ground. They live as free-living mites, hibernate, and eventually lay eggs, starting the life cycle anew.
Symptoms of Harvest Mite Infestation in Dogs
When biting, harvest mites release a salivary secretion that causes intense itching in dogs. You will quickly notice the mite infestation in your dog through excessive scratching and licking.
Since harvest mites prefer areas with thin skin for their meals, they primarily infest the armpits, face, ears, and the area between the toes. However, they can also settle in the dog's belly and chest areas.
Apart from that, harvest mites are usually visible as small orange dots on the body of dogs with light skin and short fur. However, since they only grow to 0.3 millimeters in size, it is usually necessary to inspect the dog's body more closely.
Why Harvest Mites in Dogs Should Be Treated Promptly
Unlike ticks, harvest mites do not transmit diseases to dogs according to current knowledge, fortunately. However, if left untreated, the infestation can have serious consequences.
Excessive scratching and licking often lead to persistent skin inflammation in many cases. Additionally, an infestation with harvest mites on a dog's ears can result in a condition called aural hematoma.
Treating Harvest Mites in Dogs
While other parasites, such as fleas, are usually a persistent problem for dogs, the larvae of harvest mites disappear on their own after a few days. However, they cause extremely unpleasant itching in affected dogs, so appropriate treatment measures should always be taken.
The following measures have proven effective in treating dogs with harvest mite infestations:
- Cleaning the dog's sleeping area and other items with which the dog had contact
- Rinsing existing harvest mites off with lukewarm water
- Treating minor wounds with Bellfor bed sore cream
- Drying moist inflammation and applying a wound ointment afterward
- Making a timely appointment with a veterinarian for extensive skin inflammation
- Using natural sprays and shampoos against mites if necessary
Preventing Harvest Mite Infestation in Dogs
If you want to completely prevent your dog from being infested with harvest mites, you would have to completely avoid outdoor trips in nature during summer and autumn and also not allow your dog on the lawn in your garden.
It goes without saying that such restrictions are generally not an option. After all, romping and playing on meadows are essential for a dog's happy life.
Therefore, most pet owners rely on a combination of grooming and suitable anti-mite products to prevent harvest mite infestations in their dogs. Regular combing and rinsing help remove existing harvest mite larvae from the dog's coat promptly, and appropriate parasite products are intended to prevent possible infestations in advance.
Possible Risks of Harvest Mite Products for Dogs
As a dog owner, you have a wide range of products available to treat harvest mites and other skin parasites in your dog. These include special collars, sprays, and spot-ons that are both preventive and intended for treating existing parasite infestations.
However, as you will quickly notice when examining the packaging, many products against parasites like harvest mites for dogs contain insecticides. While such products can help against harvest mite infestation, they also pose a significant risk to your dog's health. This is particularly true if you regularly apply the product during the warmer months of the year.
Natural Product Against Harvest Mites in Dogs from Bellfor
To avoid unnecessarily burdening your dog's health, it is advisable to prefer products with natural ingredients to prevent harvest mite infestations.
One product that can be relied upon for the safety of its ingredients is Bellfor Anti-Harvest Mite Spray, for example. This product against harvest mites in dogs contains only natural ingredients such as neem oil and insect fat, ensuring optimal tolerability.
Thanks to its high content of lauric acid, Bellfor Anti-Harvest Mite Spray can have a repellent effect on harvest mites. Moreover, due to the absence of chemical substances, daily application is safe.
Key Points about Harvest Mites in Dogs
Harvest mites are particularly widespread in dogs. In the warmer months of summer and autumn, their larvae lie in wait in the grass, waiting for an opportunity to infest a potential host such as a dog.
The larvae of harvest mites feed on a dog's bodily fluids for a few days and then drop off. On the ground, they go through various developmental stages and eventually grow into adult mites.
For affected dogs, harvest mite infestation is primarily associated with very unpleasant itching. Licking and scratching can also cause inflammation of the dog's skin.
To prevent infestations, rely on natural products such as Bellfor Anti-Harvest Mite Spray and refrain from using mite protection products containing potentially harmful insecticides as active ingredients.
If your dog becomes infested with harvest mites despite all precautions, we recommend using Bellfor Vermin Health Dog Shampoo to combat the parasites in a gentle manner.
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