mites on dogs: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Solutions

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Author: DogsBlogSS Team

⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for consulting a veterinarian.

mites on dogs

Imagine noticing your dog scratching more than usual, licking a spot endlessly, or waking you up just to scratch at their ears—little signs that something invisible might be going on under the fur. That “something” could very well be mites. These tiny arthropods may be unseen, but their impact on our canine companions can be quite real. In this article we’ll unpack what mites on dogs actually are, how they work, how you can spot them, treat them, prevent them—and most importantly, help your furry friend feel comfortable again.

We’ll lean on the insights of veterinary experts like Dr Michael W. Dryden (DVM, PhD) of Merck Vet Manual who explains the major types of mite infestations in dogs. According to MSD Veterinary Manual Our goal: to empower you with information that feels human, clear, and practical—so you can act from care, not confusion.

Let’s begin.

What are the different types of mites that affect dogs?

Mites are microscopic arachnids—cousins of spiders and ticks—that can live on or in a dog’s skin, ears, hair follicles or sebaceous glands. OK Vets+2PMC+2 Over time certain species grow in number and cause irritation, inflammation, crusting, hair loss and in some cases serious skin disease. Here are the major types you’ll find:

Sarcoptes scabiei (canine scabies)

This burrowing mite penetrates the dog’s skin and causes what’s called sarcoptic mange. Expert Dr Dryden notes this is “highly contagious” and can rapidly spread between dogs (and in some cases other animals, even humans superficially) via direct contact. According to MSD Veterinary Manual

The dog will often scratch intensely; hair loss, crusts and reddened skin are common.

Otodectes cynotis (ear mites in dogs)

These mites prefer the ear canal but may sometimes wander onto surrounding skin. They cause head‐shaking, ear scratching, dark debris (“coffee-ground” appearance) in the ear, and can lead to ear inflammation. According to MSD Veterinary Manual+1

Demodex canis (demodectic mange)

Unlike some mites, Demodex typically lives in very low numbers in a dog’s hair follicles and sebaceous glands under normal circumstances. According to PDSA+1 Problems arise when the dog’s immune system is weakened, allowing the mites to overpopulate. Localised patches of hair loss or severe, body-wide lesions can result.

Cheyletiella yasguri (“walking dandruff” mite)

These mites live more superficially on the skin’s surface and resemble moving flakes of dandruff. They’re contagious and may cause scaling, mild to moderate itching and visible skin debris. According to MSD Veterinary Manual+1

So when we talk about “mites on dogs,” we’re really talking about a number of species—each with its own habits, risks and treatment strategies.

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How do dogs get mites?

Understanding how your dog came into contact with mites gives you better control over preventing and managing them. Here are some of the key ways:

Direct contact with an infested animal: This is especially common with sarcoptic mites (Sarcoptes scabiei). Dogs in kennels, dog parks, grooming salons or who mingle with many other dogs are at higher risk. According to MSD Veterinary Manual+1
Contaminated environment: Bedding, carpets, grooming tools, toys may harbour mites (or eggs) especially for species that can survive a short time off the host. While mites often prefer a live host, they can wait long enough off‐host to re‐infest. According to PMC+1
Weakened immune system or underlying illness: In the case of Demodex canis, the mites are typically present but controlled; when the immune system falters, they escalate. According to PDSA
Exposure to wild animals or stray dogs: Wild canines, stray dogs or unscreened locations can act as reservoirs for mites, increasing risk.
Shared grooming or living spaces: Multi‐pet households, shelters, boarding kennels or daycare centres where dogs live or sleep close together can facilitate mite spread. According to Local Vet

In short: it’s not just about the mites themselves, it’s about opportunity + host vulnerability. That means good hygiene and monitoring are key.

Are dog mites contagious to humans or other pets?

Yes—but with important caveats. Some mite species are highly contagious to other dogs, and some to humans (though usually temporarily) or other pets. Understanding each species helps clarify the risk.

Sarcoptic mites (Sarcoptes scabiei): These are highly contagious among dogs and can transmit to humans, causing an itchy rash—but humans are a “dead‐end” host (the mites don’t reproduce on humans). According to MSD Veterinary Manual
Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis): These spread easily among dogs and cats via direct contact, but human infestation is very rare. According to OK Vets
Demodex canis: Generally not considered contagious to humans or other pets (the problem is usually within the same species when immunity is compromised). According to PDSA
Cheyletiella (walking dandruff): These mites can spread between dogs, cats—and sometimes appear on humans causing mild rash. According to Wikipedia+1

So yes, other pets and people can be affected, especially in households with an active infestation—but the severity and risk vary. Always consult your vet if you or another pet is showing signs.

What are the common symptoms of mites on dogs?

Mite infestations often present with tell-tale signs—but they can mimic allergies, fleas or other skin conditions, so paying attention to the pattern matters. Here are common symptoms you may see:

Persistent scratching, biting or licking—especially in certain areas. According to Bond Vet+1
Hair loss (patches or more generalised), often around the ears, elbows, chest, abdomen, paws. According to MSD Veterinary Manual+1
Red, inflamed or thickened skin; crusts or scabs; sometimes secondary infection (bad smell, oozing). According to PDSA+1
Visible debris or “dandruff”-like flakes (especially with Cheyletiella). According to Wikipedia
Ear-related signs (head-shaking, ear scratching, dark discharge) in the case of ear mites. According to OK Vets
General discomfort or restlessness—your dog may seem more irritable, less willing to be touched in certain areas, or may have sleep disturbances from itching.
For some types, the skin takes on a thickened, wrinkled appearance (especially if infestation has been long term). According to MSD Veterinary Manual

The key is: if you see persistent signs (especially in high-risk pups), don’t assume it’s just “normal itchiness”—it’s worth checking.

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How can I tell if my dog has mites vs. another skin condition?

Because many skin issues can look alike, differentiating mites from other problems (like fleas, allergies, fungal infections, dry skin) is important. Here are practical steps:

Pattern and location: Mites often show up in predictable places: ears (for ear mites), elbow/hock margins, chest/abdomen, around the face and paws. If you see hair loss in unusual places or spreading quickly, mites might be involved.
Response to treatment: If you’ve tried flea control or allergy medication without improvement, mite infestation should be ruled out.
Presence of debris or crusts: Dark “coffee-ground” discharge in ears, crusty patches, thickened skin are more characteristic of mites or mite-related disease than simple allergy.
Skin scrapings or vet tests: Ultimately a vet will likely need to take skin scrapings, tape impressions or ear swabs under a microscope to confirm mites. (More on that in the next section.)
Speed and severity of itch: Sarcoptic mange often causes very intense itchiness—much more so than many allergies. If your dog is scratching so much you’re seeing raw skin or open sores, mites may be involved.
Other pets: If you have multiple dogs or cats and more than one is showing signs, contagious mites become more likely.
Underlying health: Dogs with compromised immunity, young puppies, older dogs or those with underlying disease are more vulnerable to mite problems like Demodex.

When in doubt, make an appointment with your vet. Early diagnosis means a quicker path to relief.

Diagnosis and Treatment

How do veterinarians diagnose mites in dogs?

Diagnosis of mites is both an art and a science. A qualified veterinarian uses a variety of tools and clinical judgement to confirm the problem. Some of the methods include:

Physical examination: The vet will inspect the dog’s skin, hair coat, ears and behaviour. They may check for characteristic signs like the “pinnal‐pedal reflex” (scratching response when ear margin is manipulated) often seen with sarcoptic mange. According to Wikipedia
Skin scrapings: A small sample of skin is scraped and examined under a microscope to look for mites, their eggs or debris. This is essential for Demodex and burrowing mites. According to PDSA+1
Tape impressions or ear swabs: For surface mites or ear mites, clear tape pressed to skin or swabs of ear debris may help identify the culprit. According to Bond Vet+1
Additional tests: If underlying disease or immune suppression is suspected (especially in severe Demodex cases), blood work or other diagnostics may be recommended. According to PDSA
Clinical history: The vet will ask about how long the symptoms have been present, whether other pets are affected, grooming habits, environment, etc.—all of which help tailor diagnosis and treatment.

Timing is important: if you delay, secondary infections may complicate the picture, making diagnosis and treatment more challenging.

What is the best treatment for dog mites?

Once a diagnosis is made, your vet will recommend a treatment plan tailored to the specific mite, the severity of infestation and the dog’s overall health. Some general treatment ideas include:

Topical therapies: Shampoos, dips, spot-on treatments, sprays designed to kill or repel mites. For example, in sarcoptic mange, lime-sulfur dips have been used historically. According to MSD Veterinary Manual
Oral or injectable medications: In more severe cases, systemic medications that reach mites inside the body may be required. According to Bond Vet
Ear cleaning / ear‐specific medications: For ear mite infestations, the ear canal needs cleaning and a medicated ear treatment applied. According to MSD Veterinary Manual
Treating secondary infections: Because mite infestations often lead to scratching, open sores and bacterial or fungal infections, your vet may prescribe antibiotics or antifungals. According to PDSA
Environmental cleaning: Treating your dog is only part of the solution—cleaning bedding, toys, grooming gear and the home environment helps prevent reinfestation. According to Local Vet
Follow-up monitoring: Some dogs need repeated treatments or monthly monitoring of skin scrapings until negative for mites. This is especially true for Demodex cases which may take months. According to PDSA

As veterinary advice from sites such as the Pet Health Club indicates, every case is slightly different, so your vet’s guidance is key. According to pethealthclub.com

Are there home remedies for dog mites?

Many pet owners ask about home remedies—and while they may offer supportive value, they should never replace veterinary diagnosed treatment, especially in serious infestations. Some home care ideas:

Regularly wash your dog’s bedding, toys and soft furnishings in hot water, and vacuum areas your dog frequents—to reduce environmental mites or eggs.
Grooming and bathing your dog can help you spot early signs of trouble and may remove surface debris.
Some holistic sources mention olive oil or mineral oil in the ear canal to suffocate ear mites(dog ear mites)—but these are not substitutes for veterinary treatment, especially if there’s ear damage or infection. According to The Spruce Pets
Maintaining a good diet and strong immune system helps your dog resist infestations—but it doesn’t guarantee they won’t happen.
Keep dogs away from infested animals until the issue is resolved.

Important: If you try a home remedy and symptoms worsen or persist, stop and consult your vet immediately. Mite infestations left untreated can spiral into much worse skin disease.

How long does it take to get rid of mites on dogs?

The answer depends on the type of mite, the severity of the infestation, how early you caught it, and whether the dog has underlying immune or health issues. Here’s a rough guide:

For surface mites or mild ear mite infestations: With prompt veterinary treatment and good cleaning of the environment, you might see improvement within a week or two.
For more extensive sarcoptic mange: It might take several weeks of treatments and monitoring before the dog is mite‐free and the skin begins to heal. Some sources suggest you continue treatment until two consecutive skin scrapings are negative. According to MSD Veterinary Manual
For generalised demodectic mange (Demodex canis) in dogs with underlying immune issues: This can take months—sometimes six months or longer—until full recovery. According to PDSA
Regardless of type: The environment needs to be cleaned, and all pets in the household need to be monitored or treated if necessary to avoid reinfestation.

The takeaway: don’t expect overnight fixes. Patience, consistency and follow-up are important.

What should I do if my dog’s mite treatment isn’t working?

If you’ve followed the plan and you’re still seeing signs of mites (licking, scratching, crusting, worsening hair loss) here are some steps to take:

Go back to your veterinarian and report what you’re seeing.
Ask whether the correct mite species has been identified (or if the diagnosis might be incorrect). Sometimes the wrong treatment is used because the wrong mite was assumed.
Verify whether all pets in the household have been examined or treated—untreated animals can serve as reservoirs.
Ask if your dog has an underlying immune or health issue (such as hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease or other immune suppression) that might be preventing recovery (especially relevant with Demodex). According to MSD Veterinary Manual+1
Check whether the environment (beds, carpets, grooming gear) has been cleaned or treated—otherwise reinfestation is likely.
Discuss with your vet whether a different medication or treatment protocol is needed—some mites may require repeated or alternate therapies.
Monitor closely for secondary infections—if present, they need to be managed for the skin to heal properly.

Not resolving: never ignore it. Delay can lead to more serious skin damage, discomfort for the dog and higher treatment costs.

Prevention and Management

How can I prevent my dog from getting mites?

Prevention is always better. Here are smart, practical steps you can take:

Keep your dog’s parasite control program up to date—many broad-spectrum treatments may help control mites as well as fleas and ticks. According to Vets4Pets
Regular grooming and skin/ear checks—look for early signs of scratching, hair loss, ear debris or crusts. The sooner you spot something, the better.
When attending dog parks, grooming salons or daycare, ask about hygiene protocols and separation of sick animals.
Minimise your dog’s exposure to stray or untreated dogs, and if you adopt/rescue a dog, check for mites early. According to Local Vet
Maintain a strong immune system via good nutrition, clean living environment, and minimal stress. Healthy dogs are less susceptible to severe mite outbreaks.
In multi-pet homes, make sure all pets are monitored and protected—mites can travel between animals.
Clean bedding, crates, toys and grooming tools regularly—especially if one pet had mites.

What steps should I take to clean my home after a mite infestation?

If your dog has had mites, your home must be part of the cleanse:

Wash all dog bedding, blankets, toys, collars and leashes in hot water (at least 60 °C if the material allows) and dry on high heat.
Vacuum carpets, rugs, cushions, upholstery and discard or empty the vacuum bag/canister outside. Mites or eggs may lodge in fibres. Local Vet
Clean grooming tools, brushes, combs and pet crates thoroughly with a disinfectant recommended by your vet.
Consider treating carpets or bedding with a veterinarian-approved environmental spray if advised—some mites survive off the dog for short periods. According to PMC
Keep the treated dog isolated (to the extent possible) until the vet gives the “all clear” to avoid re-exposure to healthy pets.
Continue cleaning for at least a few weeks after treatment begins—mites or eggs that weren’t addressed may still emerge.
Monitor other pets and household members for signs—early detection in others can prevent full re-infestation.

Are certain dog breeds more susceptible to mites?

Yes—some breeds may be more vulnerable, particularly in relation to certain types of mite infestations and underlying immune/immunity issues:

With Demodex (Demodectic mange), breeds with genetic predisposition to immune issues may be more at risk. For example, some young dogs with failing immune responses develop the generalised form early. According to PDSA
Dogs with thick, double coats or heavy fur may hide symptoms longer—so mites can progress further before being noticed.
Puppies and older dogs (senior dogs) naturally have weaker immune defences and are more susceptible.
Dogs living in kennel conditions, shelters or with high turnover of animals may face higher exposure to contagious mites.
While breed alone isn’t the only factor (environment, hygiene, health status matter a lot), owners of high-risk breeds should stay extra vigilant.

When should I consult a vet for dog mites?

If your dog shows any persistent signs such as:

Unrelenting scratching, hair loss patches, crusts or scabs that don’t respond to basic care
Ear problems (head shaking, ear scratching, dark discharge) that keep recurring
Multiple pets showing skin issues simultaneously (suggesting contagious mites)
Your dog is a puppy, older, or has a known immune/health issue and you notice skin or ear changes
Previous treatment didn’t completely resolve the problem or symptoms seem to be coming back

…then yes: it’s time to consult your vet. Early intervention makes a big difference in comfort, recovery time, and cost.

Summary

dog mites might be tiny, but their effect can be anything but small. The good news: once you know what to look for, how to diagnose and treat, and how to prevent future trouble, you can help your dog live comfortably and itch-free again. Remember: it’s always about the dog’s health and the home environment.

If you suspect your dog may have mites, reach out to your veterinarian early. With the right care and follow-through, most dogs bounce back beautifully—hair grows back, skin clears and the joyful, scratch-free version of your pup returns.

Notice : The DogsBlogSS editorial team is dedicated to providing accurate, research-based information about dog health, behavior, and care. All our articles are fact-checked using trusted veterinary sources such as VCA Hospitals, Merck Vet Manual, and the AKC.

mites on dogs: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Solutions

mites on dogs