Home - Pet Health

What medicine should be used for dogs with mites

When we find that our lively and cute dog starts to scratch, bite its ears, lick its feet frequently, and its skin becomes red,

When we find that our lively and cute dog starts to scratch, bite its ears, lick its feet frequently, and its skin becomes red, swollen, inflamed, depilated, and even has more tears at the corners of its eyes and worsening tear marks, and its spirit becomes restless and its appetite decreases, our hearts must be filled with worry and heartache. This is likely due to the dog being infected with mites, a common parasite. As dog lovers, we wish we could immediately find effective medication to help our dogs get rid of mites and regain their vitality.

Dog mite infection is a common skin borne insect parasitic disease, mainly including three types: dog scabies mite, dog ear itch mite, and dog demodex mite. When the dog scabies mite parasitizes, it starts from the head, mouth, nose, eyes, and ears, gradually developing to the chest and body. The skin is itchy, red, papules, thickened, scaly, yellow scabs, abrasions, and hair loss. The affected dog presents with scabies and is restless. The canine ear itch mite parasitizes the external auditory canal, sucking on the exudate inside the ear, producing scabs, secondary bacterial infections, and lesions developing to the middle ear, inner ear, and meninges, causing the dog to shake its head and feel uneasy, scratch the ear, break the skin and leak fluid, accumulate scabs after swelling, and emit a foul odor. The symptoms caused by canine Demodex mites can be divided into four stages. The first and second stages mainly involve hair loss on the head, eyelids, and legs, thickening and redness of the skin with bran like scales, followed by a reddish brown color. The third and fourth stages are caused by bacterial invasion, leading to suppuration, scabbing, wrinkling, hair loss, and spreading throughout the body. Eventually, death may occur due to anemia or poisoning.

Dog mite infection not only causes great pain to dogs themselves, but may also bring a series of serious hazards. Mites can cause skin damage and easily infect pathogens such as bacteria and fungi, leading to more serious skin diseases. Mites invade the nervous system and can also affect the growth and development of dogs. Some species of mites, such as scabies mites, may also be transmitted to humans, causing skin itching, infections, and other problems. So, once signs of mite infection are found in dogs, timely treatment is necessary.

At present, the drugs for treating dog mites on the market are mainly divided into external and internal medications, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, suitable for different degrees of mite infection.

Topical medication is mainly used to treat mild to moderate mite infections in dogs, with the advantage of minimal side effects and relatively light burden on the dog's body. Common external drugs include acarid spray, such as acarid manchu and acaron, which can kill mites, diminish inflammation and relieve itching. When using the mite removing spray, first comb the dog's hair smoothly, and then spray the spray evenly on the dog's skin and hair, especially the infected part, to ensure that the drug is fully covered. After spraying, gently massage the dog's skin to help absorb the medication, but be careful not to lick the medication to avoid discomfort. Washing solution is also a commonly used topical medicine, such as mite cleaning solution, Chongaiqing, etc., which has the effect of cleaning the skin and killing mites. When using the cleaning solution, first wet the dog's whole body, then apply the solution to the dog's body, gently rub it, let the solution stay on the skin for a period of time, and then rinse it off with clean water. It should be noted that the concentration of the washing solution should be prepared according to the instructions to avoid excessive concentration that may irritate the dog's skin. Skincare creams, such as Pet Skin Treasure and Dog sebaceous gland care cream, have moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. Applying skincare cream to areas infected with mites in dogs can alleviate symptoms such as dryness and itching, and promote skin repair. When applying, apply the skincare cream evenly to the infected area and gently massage until fully absorbed.

Oral medication is mainly used to treat severe and stubborn mite infections in dogs. Its advantage is a high cure rate, but the side effects are relatively significant. Common oral medications include antibiotics such as azithromycin and doxycycline, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. When a dog is infected with mites and bacteria, the use of antibiotics can effectively control inflammation and alleviate the dog's symptoms. But the use of antibiotics must strictly follow the guidance of veterinarians, determine the dosage and medication time based on factors such as the dog's weight and age, and avoid overuse of antibiotics that can lead to drug resistance in dogs. Antiparasitic drugs such as praziquantel and ivermectin have the ability to expel parasites from the body. This type of medication can kill mites from the inside and fundamentally solve the problem of mite infection. However, ivermectin has certain toxicity to some dog breeds such as Collies. Before use, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian to confirm whether the dog is suitable for use. Berberine derivatives, such as berberine tablets and compound berberine tablets, have the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and relieving itching. When dogs are infected with mites and cause skin itching and inflammation, using berberine drugs can alleviate symptoms and make dogs feel more comfortable. Similarly, the use of oral medication also needs to be guided by a veterinarian, administered at the prescribed dose and time to avoid adverse reactions.

When using medication to treat mite infections in dogs, it is important to strictly follow the instructions or veterinary guidance. Before using topical medication, give the dog a warm bath to keep the skin dry. This can remove dirt and oil from the skin surface, which is beneficial for the absorption of the medication. Evenly apply ointment or spray on the affected part of the dog, gently massage until it is absorbed, and use it 1-2 times a day for 7-14 consecutive days. When using oral medication, it is necessary to follow the guidance of a veterinarian and administer it according to the dosage and time prescribed by the veterinarian. Oral medication may cause discomfort such as vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. If any abnormal conditions occur, please seek medical attention promptly. The course of oral medication is generally 7-14 days, and after continuous use for 2 weeks, observe whether there is a significant improvement in the condition.

In addition to medication, preventing mite infections in dogs is also very important. Strengthen daily care, regularly bathe dogs, clean their teeth, trim their nails, etc., and keep their skin dry and clean. Pay attention to dietary adjustments and feed dogs foods rich in vitamins A and E, such as carrots, green leafy vegetables, etc., which can help improve their immunity. Avoid contact with sources of infection and try to prevent dogs from coming into contact with sources of infection, such as other animals with mites or heavily polluted environments. Timely vaccination and regular vaccination of dogs to enhance their resistance.

When we see dogs being tortured by mites, our anxiety and heartache are indescribable. But as long as we master the correct treatment methods, choose appropriate drugs, and take good care of our dogs, we can definitely help them overcome mites and regain a healthy and happy life. Let's work together with love and responsibility to safeguard the health of dogs and accompany them through more wonderful times.

Related Articles