Is your chihuahua constantly sneezing or reverse sneezing, shaking his head and appear to have a runny cold. It could be an infection of canine nasal mites. Yep they’re a thing.
An infestation of canine nasal mites could also be mistaken for respiratory illness, rhinitis, a fungal infection or even a foreign body lodged in the nostril like grass seeds.
Nasal mites in dogs have the unpronounceable name of Pneumonyssoides caninum. They are also referred to as nose mites, (cats have their own version)
They live in the nasal passage and sinus cavities of the infected dog and feed from the keratin layer of the epidermis. They are about 1 mm long and can be seen by the naked eye.
Nasal mites are highly contagious between dogs, but people can’t pick them up. They are spread in by close contact between infected dogs often at the larva stage. They look like tiny light-yellow grains of rice.
They live their full life in your dog’s nose from egg, lava, nymph and adult, the cycle is about 19 days.
Nasal mites have been seen on fleas, lice and flies so it’s possible your dog can pick them up this way, but where they originate from is unknow. Digging in dirt has been suggested.
They are highly contagious between dogs and any dog breed, age or gender can pick them up.
There is nothing specifically licenced to deal with mites, but vets are treating it successfully with general parasite medication. They may also flush your dog’s nose out as well.
I’ve had a look about and can’t see any natural remedies and given that nose mites are so contagious, working with your vet to eradicate them might be the best first idea.
How do I know if my dog has nasal mites?
Clinical signs of nasal mite infections may vary and range in severity. Sometimes, dogs carry mites in their nasal passages with no signs at all. Symptoms may include:
- Coughing
- Restlessness
- Collapse
How are nasal mites diagnosed in dogs?
Nasal mites often live far into the nasal passages; however, they can sometimes be seen on the outside of the nostrils or the muzzle. If your vet suspects nasal mites but can’t see them, further diagnostics will be recommended.
Rhinoscopy (endoscopy of the nasal passages) and nasal flushing are often performed if nasal mites are suspected. Your vet will use a flexible scope with a camera to visualize and obtain nasal fluid and samples, which are then examined for the presence of nasal mites. This procedure must be done under general anesthesia.
Nasal mites can be present on their own (primary) or as a result of a compromised respiratory tract due to a separate disease process (secondary). Because of this, other helpful diagnostics are often performed (before endoscopy) to help rule out other more common causes of respiratory disease. These include:
Plant-Based Dog Mite Remedies
Mite infestations are a treatable condition with a variety of solutions. After diagnosing a mite infestation, a traditional veterinarian will most likely prescribe either a topical treatment like a dip, shampoo, or cream , or a oral medication. In some cases, the vet will prescribe an antibiotic or antifungal medication to address a secondary infection. Dips that arent free of toxins can have harmful side effects like vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Insecticides may kill the mites, but they aren’t exactly ideal for your pet’s health. A holistic vet will not only provide a solution for the symptoms, but also consider how your dog’s diet and lifestyle may be affecting their immune system. A dog with a well-rounded, nutritional, and natural diet will have a healthier immune system that’s able to control mite populations before they get out of hand. Whatever treatment route you and your vet choose, it’s important to thoroughly clean and disinfect your dog’s bed and other belongings. Wash any sheets, plush toys, rugs, collars, leashes, or cushion covers your dog may have used while affected by the mites. Separate the infected dog from other household pets in a comfortable and safe area. Wash your hands and change your clothes after handling or providing care to a dog with mites. It can take up to six weeks for the symptoms to fully resolve, so give your chosen treatment time to do its work. Too many vet visits could stress out your pup and also put it at risk of re-contracting mites due to the contact with other dogs in public places. Even if your dog’s symptoms start to clear up immediately, be sure to complete the course of treatment, following product or vet instructions. It’s a good idea to follow up with your veterinarian if you’re not sure whether the condition has cleared after six weeks. They can perform a skin scrape to see if mites are still present. Unfortunately, some cases of mange are more chronic due to a suppressed or weak immune system. Cases like this will need long-term treatment and the advice of a holistic veterinarian. You may be able to improve your dog’s immune system with holistic treatment, which will help fight off mites and resulting infections. Refrain from breeding a dog that suffers from chronic mite infestations, as their immune system deficiencies may be hereditary.
FAQ
How do I know if my dog has nose mites?
How do you get rid of mites on a dog fast?
Are nasal mites contagious in dogs?