Posts Tagged ‘Bed Bugs’

Mites on Dogs

Dogs are loved the world over as loyal and rewarding pets, and we put up with their propensity to be affected by skin mites and fleas as we enjoy their company to a great degree. Indeed, where mites on dogs are concerned there are two very common varieties, and while they are easy to treat it is equally easy to miss their presence and inadvertently allow the colony to grow beyond all expectation.

While know primarily as dog mites cats are also prone to the same sort of mites, although the ear mite is relatively uncommon as an infection found on dogs.
Looking at the two most common mites on dogs brings us to the subject of mange; mange is a condition that is not uncommon in dogs and cats (and also occurs in humans where it is more commonly known as scabies) and is caused by one of two types of mite that likes to live on dogs. Mites feed off the blood and, in doing so, have to pierce the skin, and where this causes irritation it can be exaggerated by the animals desire to scratch, something that we often succumb to.

The scabies mite, otherwise known as the itch mite, is a common cause of mange in dogs; this irritating little parasite – like all mites a member of the arachnid family – actually burrows into the skin to lay its eggs, and it is this action, when occurring with many mites in the same place, that helps to bring about the onset of sarcoptic mange, to give the variety its full title.
Demodectic mange is the second type, and is caused by a mite known as demodex canis which is unique to dogs and, in fact, occurs naturally among the hair follicles. For most dogs the mites cause no problem at all and the two exist happily together, but should the animal be weak or suffer from a damaged immune system the reaction to the mites presence induces a mange that is caused by these tiny parasites.

Treatment for both types of mange mite is generally by insecticide lotion and shampoo, which helps to soothe the skin while killing the mites, or by a number of ‘natural’ remedies that are said to have the same effect. The choice of which method to follow is up to the owner of the suffering pet, but a vet’s opinion is highly recommended in order that the correct affliction is treated.

Mites pictures
There is a family of creatures that have been a pest to both us and to animals – domestic and otherwise – since time immemorial, and they continue to be so even today, in the days of advanced technology and 21st century living; these are parasites known as mites, and they – members of the arachnid family like spiders – live on our skin, or the skin of our pet dogs and cats, and can cause untold problems if left unchallenged.
Thanks to modern photography methods, and the advances in computer technology in recent years, we have the ability to look at mites pictures on a variety of websites, and in books, in glorious magnified detail and with astonishing accuracy; whereas, 100 years ago, the only knowledge we had of any of these skin mites would come thanks to a fine artist drawing a detailed illustration using a microscope and his or her copious talent, these days an electron microscope can take a fantastic picture of one of these quite fascinating and minute creatures, magnify it several thousand times and present it to us for our perusal.
Mites pictures are no made in the name of art but in that of science, for being able to examine these microscopic creatures in greater detail than ever before; mites on dogs are examined both in their habitat and otherwise and the greatest sufferers of mites cats are helped to live more comfortable lives as we learn more about ear mites, scabies mites, Demodectic mites and all other members of this annoying selection of tiny pests with which we share our daily lives.
Indeed, some mites are so prevalent and tiny that it is considered impossible to eradicate them completely – the house dust mite being a prime example – and the subject of how to get rid of mites has become a topic much discussed by experts in the field.
Thanks to mites pictures we have been able to build up a definite picture of the life cycle of these tiny bugs, to understand how they breed and where and what they eat and how, and to uncover many unsavoury secrets about our minuscule companions, and most of all to understand better how and why certain remedies work while others have no effect whatsoever.
Mites pictures have become the cornerstone of all research – run an internet search for the term now and have a look at some quite stunning images – and have proved their worth beyond all doubt.

Mites or Bed Bugs?
Mites are a collection of tiny creatures that live as parasites on both humans and animals, and are members of the arachnid family along with spiders. They are a common pest all across the world and are very widely spread, and are particularly troublesome when found on domestic pets such as cats and dogs, and on us.
There are several types of mites that like to exert their parasitical living style, and among the most problematic is the scabies mite. One of the more disgusting facts about the scabies mite – which is not uncommon on humans – is that it burrows into the skin to lay its eggs; this action results in a tiny silvery line that appears to be on the skin, the giveaway sign of the scabies mite.
On animals the problems occur when large numbers of the creatures congregate, and create a condition that can be very nasty indeed called sarcoptic mange; this results in loss of hair and severe skin infection for the creature concerned and is particularly prevalent in dogs.
The problem in humans is known as scabies, and results in a very ugly and irritating rash that can spread to many parts of the body and become so severe it may affect the sleeping patterns of the infected.
Another very common type of mite that is found abundantly in our lives is the house dust mite, a particularly annoying creature that is difficult, if not impossible, to see. It lives among the dust that settles on household objects – it is that small – and affects us as it causes an allergenic reaction in the respiratory system; this can be very dangerous in some cases, and it is helpful for sufferers of such as asthma if they do everything to keep the chances of the dust mite affecting them down.
To get rid of dust mites entirely is thought to be impossible, for they are simply too small and too mobile; the best advice is to carry out regular hoovering and cleaning and to do away with as much carpet and soft furnishings – the mites chosen habitat – as you can. The subject of how to get rid of scabies mites is another thing entirely, and involves the application of insecticide lotions and creams that kill the insects and their eggs, and enable to the patient to live a normal life again.
Skin mites have been with us for millions of years and, as we are seeing, are unlikely to be eradicated during our lifetime or in the foreseeable future.

Skin Mites and Bed Bugs
There are a number of different types of mites that choose to live on our skin, or that of our pet cats and dogs and other animals, and they are widespread across the world. Most take up residence on animals, a few choose to live in our homes – often unnoticed – and some can result in rather nasty ailments that we should strive to avoid.
So what exactly are skin mites? Mites are not to be confused with lice, the creatures that affect children and live on our scalp, and are usually members of the arachnid family; some of the larger mites are just big enough to be seen while others are so minute they manage to live among thin layers of dust and not be noticed.
Great sufferers from mites, cats have to put up with several different types of skin mites, but in particular are prone to ear mites – which, of course, live in the ear – and to the scabies, or itch, mite which is also prevalent in people. Mites on dogs tend to be of these two types, two, although animals that are prone to roam can pick up harvest mites and some forms of tick – particularly the sheep tick – that live on other animals.
Ear mites, however, do not only live in the ear and can be found anywhere on the body of a cat or dog, yet it is the ear canal that provides food for the creatures; scabies mites cats suffer from actually burrow into the skin, as they do when they are present in humans and on dogs, and cause great problems as a result.
A proliferation of either mite on a cat or dog causes added aggravation and scratching which, in turn, leads to further irritation, while a congregation of scabies mites on cats or dogs can be the cause of the affliction known as mange (or scabies when it occurs in people.)
If you want to learn more about mites there are many websites that cover the subject, complete with mites pictures that are quite fascinating, from which you can learn a great deal about how these parasites live.
How to get rid of mites is a question that is often asked; the best method is to use one of the many insecticide mite and lice creams and lotions, or if you are not happy putting chemicals on your pet, to browse the internet and look up many of the home remedies that are said to the job equally well.

Bed Bug Treatment of Signs & Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of Bed bug bites will usually affect only the skin surface.  Bed bugs inject an anticoagulant to keep your blood flowing as they suck, along with a numbing agent to keep you from feeling them while they are feeding off of their victim. The bites appear as small itchy red bumps known as papules or wheals. If you find the bumps in a linear or clustered fashion this usually indicates repeated feedings by a single Bed bug. Bed bugs do not carry pathogens like ticks and mosquitoes.  Bed bugs aren’t known to spread disease to humans, although they may be carriers of the organisms that cause hepatitis B and Chagas’ disease.

Adult Bed bugs are generally flattened and reddish brown in color. They closely resemble apple seeds in appearance and size. Newly hatched nymphs look very much like the adults of the species but they are almost colorless. The reddish brown color is gained as they mature. The adult Bed bug is capable of laying up to 5 eggs daily. These eggs are extremely hard to see with the naked eye and resemble a speck of dust on a dark surface.

Bed bug treatment as pertains to bites is aimed at relieving symptoms. Bites usually resolve within one to two weeks. Topical creams can be used to relieve itching.  Those with cortisone or a similar ingredient work well. Scratching should be avoided if at all possible to prevent infection. Consult your doctor if you have severe reactions. Some people are actually allergic to Bed bugs. An oral antibiotic may be recommended if infection occurs. Oral corticosteroids may be recommended for severe allergic reaction. Antihistamines are suggested to help relieve allergic reactions symptoms. A rare possibility exists that anaphylactic shock may occur as an allergic reaction to the substances the Bed bug inject while feeding. Bed bug bites do not normally require medical attention. They will go away in a few days. If you have bites that do not go away or that look infected, see your doctor for Bed bug treatment.

When trying to prevent Bed bugs some factors to consider that will increase your chances of a Bed bug infestation are climate, type of housing, and living with pets in your home.  Bed bugs love tropical areas, although they are not limited to these areas.  Infestation is more likely in apartments and homeless shelters where there is a high turnover.  This is much more so than in single-family homes.  Pets like cats and dogs can carry Bed bugs right into the home.

Because of their small size of less than one fourth of an inch Bed bugs can hide in the seams of baggage when you travel or boxes shipped from an infested source. College dorms, hotels, motels, shelters and even apartment complexes are a great food source for the Bed bugs. Anywhere where there are plenty of mattresses and warm blooded bodies are the favorite spots.  Even renting to a new roommate could be an invitation to Bed bugs. The Bed bugs can come along in boxes, bags and hidden in furniture. Use of a high quality Bed bug spray is a good idea for frequent treatment in any hotels, motels, personal dwellings and anywhere Bed bugs could pose a potential problem.

If you suspect Bed bugs are already present in your home and you haven’t been able to get rid of Bed bug yet, wearing nightclothes that cover as much skin as possible is a viable option until you can kill Bed bugs living in your home.  Look for these signs that will let you know that Bed bugs are present:
-    Small bloodstains on sheets and mattresses
-    Specks of blood behind wallpaper or other sites of heavy infestation
-    Insect excrement at the entry to hiding places in furniture crevices and walls
-    A strong pungent odor caused by Bed bugs’ oil secretions