How can I treat my dog for mites at home? Dog owners are looking for natural mite treatments for dogs that have fewer side effects and are gentler on their pets. Below are some home remedies that are good alternatives to conventional mite medications:
Natural Mite Treatment for Dogs #1: Olive Oil
Olive oil is a good home remedy against mild mite infestation in dogs. Applying it to your dog smothers and asphyxiates these parasites. Olive oil also alleviates the itching caused by mite bites and moisturises his skin.
If you are wondering how to treat mites on dogs using olive oil, the whole process is simple. Just lather a thin layer of the oil on the affected area. Do this 3 times a day for 2 weeks.
After applying this mite treatment to your dog, let him wear an E-collar. This will keep him from licking the olive oil on his coat. Just keep in mind that dogs ingesting too much oil can have digestive upset.
Natural Mite Treatment for Dogs #2: Calendula
Calendula is a herb that has long been used as a topical treatment for various ailments in dogs. Its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties help soothe irritation and swelling in affected areas and hasten to healing.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to treat mites on dogs using calendula:
- Make an infused calendula tea by boiling a handful of the herb’s flowers in 2 cups water.
- Allow it to steep for 15 minutes, then let it cool down.
- Dip a clean cloth or cotton ball into the calendula tea.
- Apply this natural mite treatment on mite bites on dogs.
Another way to do this is to soak the calendula leaves in olive oil for 4 days. Remove the leaves by straining. Then use a cotton ball to administer this home remedy. It is also effective in getting rid of ear mites.
Natural Mite Treatment for Dogs #3: Honey
Honey is one of the most common home remedies for mites on dogs. Much like olive oil, its thick consistency suffocates the adult dog mites and larvae infesting your pooch’s skin.
Honey possesses several antifungal and antibacterial properties that can relieve redness and inflammation. It may also help prevent skin infections caused by mite bites.
Always opt for organic raw honey as natural mite treatment for dogs. This type is more potent than the pasteurised variety.
Leave a small amount of honey on the affected areas of your dog’s skin for 15 minutes. Wipe it off afterward. Repeat this 2 times a day until mites have cleared up from his coat.
Most dogs find the taste of honey appealing and may try to lick it off. Thus, it would be best for your dog to wear an E-collar during the treatment.
Natural Mite Treatment for Dogs #4: Green Tea
Green tea is a natural antiseptic that helps combat dog mites. Create an antiseptic rinse using green tea by steeping a tablespoon of its leaves in a cup of hot water.
Let the green tea steep for 3–4 minutes before straining it. Make sure that it has cooled completely before pouring it on your dog’s coat. Use this once a day for a month.
Alternatively, you can fill a tub with warm water. Steep several green tea bags in it for 3 minutes. Remove the tea bags and allow your dog to soak in the tub for around 5 minutes.
Natural Mite Treatment for Dogs #5: Baking Soda
What kills ear mites naturally? Baking soda is a natural treatment against ear mites in pooches. To treat dogs using baking soda, dissolve a teaspoon of the powder in a cup of warm water.
Then soak a cotton ball in the mixture. Rub it gently into your dog’s ears to get rid of mites. Be careful not to apply it in his ear canal as it can lead to infection. Use this daily until all ear mites are eradicated.
You may also like: Ear Mites in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Natural Mite Treatment for Dogs #6: Tea Tree Essential Oil
How to get rid of dog mites in your home? Tea tree essential oil is said to effectively eliminate mites in homes.
Some dog owners may be worried since tea tree essential oil may cause poisoning in dogs. However, it is worth noting that tea tree essential oil concentrations less than 1–2% are generally considered non-toxic.
Moreover, essential oil poisoning is commonly caused by undiluted essential oils. This homemade recipe of tea tree essential oil anti mite spray is diluted with water:
Instructions to follow:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of tea tree oil with 2 cups of water.
- Place the mixture in a dark spray bottle. Avoid transparent ones since it will affect the potency of the tea tree oil.
- Spray this antiparasitic mixture in places in your home where mites proliferate. It can be applied to beds, pillows, and furniture.
You may also like: What Essential Oils Are Safe for Dogs and Which Ones Are Toxic?
Why Choose Natural Mite Treatment for Dogs?
Dogs with mites are commonly treated with oral medications or topical products. However, mite shampoo for dogs, as well as creams and ointments, usually contain harsh ingredients that can ruin their skin and coat.
In some cases, it can cause other health issues. Natural mite treatments for dogs are milder compared to these conventional medications. Thus, the chances of your pooch suffering from harmful side effects are significantly lower.
What Are the Most Common Types of Mites in Dogs?
Mites are often mistaken as insects. In truth, they are anthropods that belong to the same class as spiders or Arachnida. Here are the 3 most common mites that infect dogs:
Demodex canis
This type of mite thrives in the hair follicles of the dog’s coat. Puppy mites are often caused by Demodex canis. It also afflicts dogs with a weak immune system and poor diet.
Sarcoptes scabiei
This type of mite loves to burrow into the skin. Dog owners should be on heightened alert if Sarcoptes scabiei infestation happens on their dogs since it is highly contagious to humans and animals, same with the harvest mites.
Otodectes cynotis
These are black dog mites that congregate in the ears. Dogs that are in close contact with infected cats are the typical victims of these parasites. Puppies are also prone to Otodectes cynotis mite infestation.
Cheyletiella yasguri
This type of mite has the same appearance as dandruff. Because it looks like flaky skin, Cheyletiella yasguri is nicknamed “walking dandruff.”
The presence of any kind of mite in your dog should not be left untreated. These nasty critters can trigger allergies and other diseases, particularly mange.
What Are the Different Types of Mange Caused by Mites?
3 types of mange afflict dogs: demodectic, sarcoptic, and cheyletiella. Here is how to tell them apart:
Demodectic Mange
It is caused by demodectic mites. The affected areas by this type of mange are small and localised, usually around the eyes and paws. Sometimes, demodectic mange may occur on most parts of a dog’s body.
Sarcoptic Mange
With this type of mange, mites of the sarcoptic variety are the culprits. This type of mange is widely known as scabies. It commonly afflicts the ear flaps, elbows, and bellies of affected dogs. In a short period, sarcoptic mange can cover a whole dog’s body.
Cheyletiella Mange
This type of mange is caused by Cheyletiella yasguri mites. It is commonly seen on the back and upper part of the dog’s body. It does not cause intense itching, unlike the first 2 types of mange, and can be easily treated.
How Do I Know If My Dog Has Mites?
It is also a good idea to check your dog’s skin and coat for these parasites. So, what do dog mites look like? Most dog mites are small and oval-shaped. Their colours can be orange-red, black, or white.
Mites can badly affect dogs and may cause not only skin problems but also secondary infections. Thus, if you have confirmed that mites live in your dog’s skin, contact your vet immediately and form a treatment plan.
Always give the vet a heads-up if you want to try natural mite treatments as an alternative. Be sure to look for a reputable holistic vet as well. They will be able to provide helpful tips on how to control and get rid of dog mites.
