Predatory Mites in Dogs (Cheyletiella)

Written by Franziska G., Veterinarian

Predatory mites, colloquially known among dog owners as "walking dandruff," may sound alarming. But are they dangerous to dogs? And how can you protect your pooch from these critters? This article compiles key information about the so-called Cheyletiella.

Intense itching, along with dandruff, can be a sign of mange mites in dogs.

Are Predatory Mites Dangerous to Dogs?
Symptoms: How to Spot Predatory Mites in Dogs?
Diagnosis: How Are Predatory Mites Detected in Dogs?
Treatment: How to Fight Predatory Mites in Dogs?
Causes: What Do Predatory Mites Look Like and Where Do They Come From?
Prevention: How Can I Protect My Dog from Predatory Mites?

Are Predatory Mites Dangerous to Dogs?

Predatory mites on dogs (Cheyletiella yasguri) infect the skin and cause a mostly mild condition known as cheyletiellosis.

Left untreated, predatory mites can trigger not only unpleasant symptoms in your canine friend, but they can also affect you and your family.

Can Dog Predatory Mites Be Transferred to Humans?

Owners of dogs suffering from predatory mites can catch them too. Symptoms of a predatory mite infection in humans include skin irritations and intense itching. If you suspect you’ve been infected, consult a dermatologist.

Symptoms: How to Spot Predatory Mites in Dogs?

The primary indicator of a predatory mite infestation in dogs is the presence of white dander in the animal’s fur – these even resemble the white mites themselves.

Other potential signs of infection include:

Dull fur
Severe itching
Sores from scratching

Which Skin Areas Are Most Commonly Affected?

Cheyletiella does not infest just any part of a dog’s body but primarily favours certain predilection sites such as:

The skin around the neck
The rump
The back

In cases of severe infestation, mites may spread to other parts of the body.

When Should I Visit the Vet?

Itching or dander can be indicators of various ailments in dogs. That’s why it’s important to visit a vet early to determine the exact cause and offer your dog the best possible treatment.

Close-up on dog hair — Scales are a telltale sign of a predatory mite infestation in dogs.

Diagnosis: How Are Predatory Mites Detected in Dogs?

Your vet can usually quickly ascertain if your dog has predatory mites. Based on visible skin dander and your description of your dog’s general health, the vet can promptly confirm any suspicions.

Identifying the Mites and their Eggs

To detect the presence of mites or their eggs on a dog’s hair, combing out and examining the fur under a microscope may suffice in many cases.

Alternatively, an adhesive tape impression or taking a superficial skin scraping can also be effective.

Treatment: How to Fight Predatory Mites in Dogs?

Specific antiparasitic (mite) treatments are effective against predatory mites. Depending on the size of the dog and severity of infestation, sprays, shampoos or spot-on treatments may be usable.

After treatment with the appropriate agent, your vet will re-examine your dog to check the success of the therapy. Treatment continues if mites are still present.

Treating Other Pets

If you have other pets that have been in contact with your dog, they should also be examined and treated if necessary.

Caution: Particular care is needed with rabbits, which can’t tolerate Fipronil.

Hygiene Measures to Combat Predatory Mites

It’s advantageous to treat your home with suitable antiparasitic products as part of your dog’s therapy. Additionally, washing bedding and cushions at temperatures above 60 degrees Celsius, or freezing them for a time, is recommended. Seek advice from your vet regarding this.

Causes: What Do Predatory Mites Look Like and Where Do They Come From?

Predatory mites in dogs are relatively large compared to other mite species, measuring about 0.2 to 0.5 millimeters. They have strong mouthparts (chelicerae) and sensory organs (palps).

How Do Dogs Get Predatory Mites?

Dogs can contract predatory mites through direct or indirect contact. Indirect infection occurs when your dog comes in contact with contaminated items, such as a fur brush or a dog bed.

How Common Are Predatory Mites in Dogs?

Predatory mites tend to appear where many dogs congregate, like kennels, breeding facilities, or pet shops.

However, Cheyletiella in dogs has become less common due to the widespread use of prophylactic parasite preparations, which offer effective protection against predatory mites.

The owner applies flea and tick drops to the withers of a large red dog. Animal care concept. View from above. — Good parasite prevention is the be-all and end-all when it comes to protecting your dog from mange mites.

Prevention: How Can I Protect My Dog from Predatory Mites?

The best way to protect your dog from predatory mites is appropriate parasite prevention. Suitable spot-on treatments, collars or tablets are available on the market.

This article from zooplus Magazine is purely informative. If your pet is experiencing discomfort, contact your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

Here are some purchase proposals curated by the zooplus editorial team

The products featured have been carefully selected by our editorial staff and are available at the zooplus online pet shop. The selection does not constitute advertising for the mentioned brands.

Franziska G., Veterinarian

At the Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen I was extensively trained as a veterinarian and was able to gain experience in various fields such as small animal, large animal and exotic animal medicine as well as pharmacology, pathology and food hygiene. Since then, I have been working not only as a veterinary author, but also on my scientifically driven dissertation. My goal is to better protect animals from pathogenic bacterial organisms in the future. Besides my veterinary knowledge, I also share my own experiences as a happy dog owner and can thus understand and enlighten fears and problems as well as other important questions about animal health.

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