Why do dogs grow mites on their bodies

When stroking a dog's soft fur, if you find it scratching frequently, losing hair, or even having red spots and scabs, and upon careful inspection, you can spot the traces of mites. Surely, every owner will feel distressed and anxious. Dogs can't tell their discomfort and can only express their pain by continuous scratching. Behind this, mites are quietly eroding their health. Understanding why mites grow on dogs is not only the key to solving the problem but also an important step in safeguarding the health of these furry companions.

From the biological characteristics of mites, mites are a type of tiny arthropods with a wide variety of species. Common ones like Demodex canis and Sarcoptes scabiei are prone to parasitizing on dogs. These mites have extremely strong survival and reproductive abilities. They prefer warm and humid environments, and areas such as the dog's skin folds, ears, and abdomen happen to provide ideal habitats for mites. Demodex canis usually parasitizes in hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Under normal circumstances, a small number of mites coexist with the dog and do not cause obvious symptoms. However, when the dog's physical condition changes, such as a decrease in immunity, the mites will multiply in large numbers and trigger diseases. Sarcoptes scabiei likes to dig tunnels on the skin surface and feeds on skin tissues and lymph fluid. The digging process and excrements will irritate the dog's skin, leading to intense itching and an inflammatory response.

Environmental factors play an important role in the process of dogs being infected with mites. Living in a damp and unhygienic environment for a long time is an important cause of dogs being infected with mites. For example, if the dog's bedding is not cleaned and aired for a long time, the damp environment will allow mites to multiply in large numbers. If a dog often plays in grassy areas and muddy places, these places are natural habitats for mites. Once in contact, mites may take the opportunity to attach to the dog. In addition, in summer, with high temperatures and high humidity, it creates excellent conditions for the growth and reproduction of mites. So, summer is also a high-incidence season for dogs to be infected with mites. In such an environment, even a healthy dog is very likely to be invaded by mites. Just imagine that a dog living in an environment full of mites is like living in an "invisible trap". Every breath and every contact may give mites an opportunity, and the dog is unaware of it and can only gradually lose its former vitality under the invasion of mites.

The dog's own resistance is also a key factor in determining whether it will be infected with mites. Puppies and senior dogs are more vulnerable to mite infestations because their immune systems are either not fully developed or have declined in function. When a dog is malnourished and lacks nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals, its body's immunity will decrease, and it cannot effectively resist the invasion of mites. In addition, for dogs that have been using antibiotics for a long time, suffer from endocrine diseases, or other chronic diseases, the balance of the flora in their bodies is disrupted, and the immune system functions are disordered, which also increases the risk of mite infection. Looking at the originally lively and healthy dog being listless due to a decrease in resistance and being tortured by mites, the owner is filled with self-blame and distress, wishing to bear this pain for them.

In addition to the above factors, contact with sick animals is also an important way for dogs to be infected with mites. If a dog plays with and contacts other pets suffering from mite diseases, mites will be transmitted to healthy dogs through direct contact or indirect contact (such as sharing food bowls, toys, bedding, etc.). In public places such as pet beauty salons and pet hospitals, if the disinfection measures are not in place, they may also become places for mite transmission. When the owner takes the dog to these places, originally intending to make them healthier and more beautiful, they don't expect the dog to fall into the crisis of mite infection. Such an accident often makes people feel regretful.

When it is found that a dog has mites on its body, the owner should not panic. First, take the dog to the pet hospital for treatment in a timely manner. The veterinarian will accurately determine the type and degree of mite infection through professional methods such as skin scraping examination and formulate corresponding treatment plans. During the treatment process, in addition to using drugs to kill mites, it is also necessary to thoroughly clean and disinfect the dog's living environment, regularly clean and replace the bedding, and keep the living environment dry and ventilated. At the same time, strengthen the dog's nutrition, provide them with foods rich in protein and vitamins, enhance the body's resistance, and help the dog recover its health as soon as possible.

Dogs bring endless warmth and joy to our lives with their loyalty and companionship. Every invasion of mites is a challenge to their health and a test of the owner's responsibility. We should use professional knowledge as a weapon and full love as a backup, deeply understand the reasons for dogs being infected with mites, actively prevent and treat them in a timely manner, keep dogs away from the trouble of mites, regain healthy skin and a lively figure, and continue to accompany us through every wonderful day.