How can mites be treated in puppies? - briefly
Effective control requires veterinary‑prescribed acaricides—topical (e.g., selamectin, moxidectin) or oral (e.g., ivermectin)—administered according to dosage guidelines, plus thorough cleaning of bedding, grooming tools, and the living area to eliminate residual mites.
How can mites be treated in puppies? - in detail
Mite infestations in young dogs most often involve Sarcoptes scabiei (causing sarcoptic mange) or Demodex canis (responsible for demodectic mange). Accurate identification through skin scrapings, acetate tape tests, or veterinary microscopy is the first step before therapy.
Treatment options fall into three categories: topical agents, systemic medications, and environmental management.
-
Topical acaricides
- Selamectin (Revolution) – applied once monthly, dosage 6 mg/kg on the skin.
- Imidacloprid + moxidectin (Advocate) – monthly spot‑on, 0.5 ml per kilogram.
- Lime sulfur dips – 2 % solution, applied to the coat for 10 minutes, repeated weekly for three weeks.
-
Oral systemic drugs
- Ivermectin – 0.2 mg/kg orally once daily for three consecutive days, then weekly until lesions resolve.
- Milbemycin oxime – 0.5 mg/kg orally, administered monthly.
- Doramectin – 0.2 mg/kg subcutaneously, repeated after two weeks.
-
Medicated shampoos and sprays
- Benzoyl peroxide 5 % shampoo – wash affected areas twice weekly.
- Chlorhexidine‑based spray – applied after bathing, twice daily.
Environmental control includes washing bedding at 60 °C, vacuuming carpets, and treating the household with a residual acaricide spray according to label instructions. For demodectic cases, regular monitoring of skin lesions and repeat skin scrapings every two weeks ensures therapeutic success.
Supportive care such as omega‑3 fatty acid supplementation and antihistamines can reduce inflammation and itching, improving comfort during the treatment course.