Mites
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.
Mites on Dogs
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.
