What should be done for dogs against mites? - briefly
Administer a veterinarian‑approved acaricide—topical, oral, or injectable—following the prescribed schedule, and treat the dog’s bedding, home environment, and any other pets with the same product. Maintain regular grooming and monthly preventive medication to prevent reinfestation.
What should be done for dogs against mites? - in detail
Mite infestations in dogs cause skin irritation, hair loss, and secondary infections. Prompt identification and targeted action are essential for recovery and long‑term health.
Diagnosis
- Physical examination of affected areas.
- Microscopic analysis of skin scrapings, hair plucks, or ear canal debris.
- Laboratory confirmation of species (e.g., Sarcoptes, Demodex, Otodectes).
Therapeutic measures
- Topical acaricides: Apply products containing amitraz, selamectin, or fipronil according to label instructions. Repeat applications follow the recommended interval (usually 7–14 days) until two consecutive negative examinations.
- Oral medications: Administer ivermectin, milbemycin oxime, or afoxolaner at the dosage prescribed by a veterinarian. Adjust dosage for breed sensitivity (e.g., collies).
- Injectable treatments: Use macrocyclic lactones such as doramectin for severe cases; monitor for adverse reactions.
- Supportive care: Clean lesions with antiseptic solutions, apply soothing shampoos, and treat bacterial or fungal superinfections with appropriate antibiotics or antifungals.
Environmental control
- Wash bedding, blankets, and toys in hot water (≥ 60 °C).
- Vacuum carpets and upholstery; discard vacuum bags after use.
- Treat the household environment with a residual acaricide spray if indicated.
- Restrict contact with other animals until the infestation is cleared.
Preventive strategies
- Implement a regular prophylactic schedule using monthly spot‑on or oral preventives.
- Perform routine skin inspections, especially after outdoor activities or contact with other dogs.
- Maintain optimal nutrition and immune support to reduce susceptibility to Demodex overgrowth.
- Keep living areas clean and dry to discourage mite survival.
Follow‑up
- Conduct re‑examinations at 2‑week intervals until negative skin scrapings are confirmed.
- Record treatment dates, products used, and any adverse events for future reference.
Adhering to this protocol eliminates current infestations and minimizes recurrence risk.