Does My Dog Have Mites Or Mange? How You Can Tell

1) Surface mites

These live on the skin's surface, causing itchiness and scratching. The most common types are cheyletiella mites (which are sometimes referred to as 'walking dandruff' because they are light in colour and large enough to see moving about) and harvest mites, tiny orange mites which are most prevalent in the autumn, and tend to hide between the dog's toes or on the legs and stomach. Surface mites can be treated in the same way as fleas.

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs

Natural treatment for mites - our recommendations:

Ekoneem Organic Neem Oil Shampoo Bar

Billy No Mates Herbal Flea, Tick and Mite Treatment and Repellent

Billy No Mates Tincture

Homeopet Flea Bite - Allergies to Flea, Bug & Insect Bites

2) Mange mites

These burrow into the skin, so they can't usually be seen by the naked eye and will need to be diagnosed by your vet, using a microscope and skin scraping. The most common types of mange mites cause Demodex mange and Sarcoptic mange.

o Demodex mange is caused by mites that live in the hair follicles of almost all dogs and they aren't normally a problem. But if the dog has an impaired immune system, or is suffering from malnutrition or stress, the mites can overpopulate, resulting in hair loss and inflamed skin. This type of mange doesn't usually cause intense itching, and it isn't contagious.

o Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious and intensely itchy. Dogs can cause permanent skin damage from scratching and biting. What's more, these mites breed incredibly quickly and will eventually cover your whole pet if left untreated.

If your dog has mange, it is very likely to need veterinary treatment. However, for Demodex mange where the dog has an impaired immune system or is suffering from malnutrition or stress, there are several natural solutions available. For the immune system boost try Resist! then Keepers Mix. For malnutrition Tree Barks Powder.

For Demodex and Sarcoptic mange I highly recommend ekoneem shampoo also.

3) Ear mites

these live inside the dog's ears. Itching, irritation and a dry crusty discharge are common symptoms, along with frequent head shaking and ear scratching. What's more, ear mites can be easily transferred from one animal to another, so if you have more than one pet, chances are they will all need treatment, such as cleaning the ears thoroughly and using a natural repellant.

Natural treatment of ear mites in dogs - our recommendations:

Ekoneem Organic Neem Oil Shampoo Bar

Billy No Mates Herbal Flea, Tick and Mite Treatment and Repellent

Billy No Mates Tincture

Does My Dog Have Mites Or Mange? How You Can Tell

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs