What Is Biting My Dogs?
“I have two Chihuahua dogs that are almost two years old, two that are ten years old, and one pit puppy about 18 months old. Sadly I just realized that our yard has mites in it, and my pit puppy is covered in some dog mites. She has them in her ears, by her bottom and female organs, and on her paws, her neck, and in her ears; she also has little bumps all over her.
We do not have the money to take all our dogs to the vet. Is there anything that you would possibly recommend that we could do over the counter? Can we treat our yard with lime? What about our beds?” —Christina
How to Identify Mites and Fleas
How are you sure that your dogs have mites? Sarcoptic and other types of mange mites are microscopic. You can see the signs, like bite marks, hair loss, and walking dandruff, but you cannot see the mites themselves with the naked eye.
Have you seen any parasites on your dogs? If you have seen them, fleas are much more likely. Please do an internet search for “external parasites dogs” and look at the images.
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What about just taking your pet puppy in for an exam and then treating your Chihuahuas at home? It will be much less expensive, and it sounds like that dog suffers the most. If you do not have her appropriately treated, she will spread the infection to your Chihuahuas (and maybe to you), so if you can, please take her in as soon as possible.
Home Remedies for Mites
If it is mites, they can also infect you and other people in the house, resulting in an expensive problem. If you cannot buy one of the medications for mites from your veterinarian, then you can try some home therapies, but they are usually less effective. A product called “happy jack” has sulfur and is more effective than most other medications available at home. Additional therapies (like olive oil) work in the ears but are much less likely to help if the problem is widespread.
Do Not Let Your Dog Sleep in Your Bed When They Have Mites
No matter what treatment you use, it would help if you did not let your dogs sleep in your bed until this is over. Mange mites can live in the sheets, the mattress, and the couch, as well as anywhere else the dog sleeps. Here are some tips on cleaning up the house to eliminate mites.
This article is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from your veterinarian. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
