Grass mites in dogs - what you can do about them
In summer and autumn, many dogs tend to suffer from increased itching and skin rashes. Why is that? It's grass mites, which infest your dog and whose saliva causes rashes and severe itching. We show you how to recognise grass mites in dogs and what you can do.
When grass mites appear in dogs
The time when your dog can get grass mites is mainly from April to October. The risk for your four-legged friend is at its highest in summer, when you are roaming the meadows and enjoying long walks. But even in mild winters, which are becoming increasingly common, grass mites do not die off and can continue to be a problem for your dog. Contrary to popular belief, however, it is not the adult mites themselves but their larvae that infest dogs and whose infestation manifests itself as red spots between the toes and in the ears. There is an increased risk especially with dry grasses. In freshly mown and short, damp meadows, the grass mite withdraws into the soil.
How to recognise grass mites in your dog
The larvae of the grass mite are only around 0.3 mm in size and therefore cannot be recognised with the naked eye. However, there are typical symptoms that indicate a grass mite infestation in your dog. Red spots under the armpits, in the ears and between the dog's toes are a sure sign that your dog has grass mites. Constant scratching and nibbling as a remedy for the itching reinforces the suspicion. If your dog licks its paws and legs, you can also assume that it has grass mites. An inflamed skin rash in these areas and in the immediate vicinity can also be an indication. If the infestation is more severe, there may be partial hair loss and thus visibly bald patches
Bald patches. If you find orange-yellow dots on white kitchen paper after brushing and shaking off the comb, you can be sure that your dog has grass mites.
Treatment methods for grass mites in dogs
If you are unsure whether it is grass mites, you should always consult a vet. Prompt treatment and the right remedy for grass mites (recommended by your vet) will prevent worsening symptoms and open skin wounds caused by scratching and nibbling. As a general rule, you should not only treat your dog, but also its living environment. This includes
- cleaning the sleeping areas and toys
- complete cleaning of carpets and home textiles
- treating your dog's inflamed skin with ointments or sprays.
Special shampoos from the vet leave an oily film on the skin, which sticks the larvae's sucking organs together and prevents them from causing your dog to itch. There is no 100% effective treatment if your dog has grass mites. It is therefore important to combat the symptoms and reduce the enormous itching and its consequences.
What remedies help against grass mites in dogs
There are many tips on what remedies for grass mites help dogs and relieve itching. However, you should only use household remedies after consulting your vet and in the knowledge that it really is a grass mite infestation. Anti-mite shampoos work best to remove the larvae from the dog and relieve the itching. A mixture of olive oil and apple cider vinegar
can also relieve the itching and, thanks to the light layer of fat on the skin, ensure that the larvae cannot suck and die.
How you can prevent grass mites in your dog
There is no complete protection against grass mites in dogs. However, there are ways to prevent re-infestation. Healthy food, regular washing after walks and a short, well-watered lawn in the garden ensure that your dog is protected from grass mites and the associated itching. It is just as important to always have clean lying areas so that the larvae can
cannot develop and spread to the dog.
Our recommendations for your four-legged friend:
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Frequently asked questions about dogs - grass mites
Are grass mites dangerous for my dog?
In principle, grass mites are not dangerous for dogs as they do not transmit diseases. Nevertheless, you should know that a grass mite infestation is very unpleasant for your dog and is associated with severe itching. Mild to severe inflammation can also occur as a result and cause your dog a lot of discomfort. Even if grass mites are not dangerous, they are unpleasant and can lead to secondary illnesses in the form of rashes and inflammation.
What can I do to stop my dog getting grass mites?
Thoroughly clean the areas of your dog that are susceptible to grass mites (between toes, armpits, ears) after every walk. Make sure that lying and sleeping areas are clean. There are special sprays for the paws that you can apply if you are suspicious. Water the lawn regularly and avoid walking paths where the grass is mostly high and dry. This is where grass mites live and this is how the larvae get onto your dog.
In which months is the risk of grass mites in dogs particularly high?
The riskiest time is between April and the end of October. As winters are also getting warmer, it is not uncommon for dogs to be affected all year round and be plagued by the larvae of grass mites. Nevertheless, the risk increases with the onset of spring and you should check after every walk whether your dog has red patches between the toes, under the armpits or in the ears.
Can I prevent grass mites in my dog with a special diet?
A strong immune system does not protect against grass mites, but it does prevent the risk of your dog suffering from severe itching and allergies. You should therefore feed your four-legged friend a balanced diet and always make sure that he is fed high-quality, natural and healthy food. The healthier your four-legged friend is, the lower the risk that he will scratch badly or even develop allergies when infested with grass mites. This alone is a reason to focus on high-quality dog food and strengthen your furry friend's immune system.