Mites on Dogs: Essential Tips for Adorable, Easy Solutions

Your dog won’t stop scratching. The vet says “mites.” Now you’re googling at midnight, worried you’ve failed your pup somehow. Stop right there. Mites on dogs are incredibly common, totally treatable, and honestly? Once you know what you’re dealing with, it’s manageable. I’ve seen hundreds of dogs bounce back from mite infestations in a matter of weeks. Let me walk you through exactly what mites are, how to spot them, and—most importantly—how to get your dog comfortable again.

What Are Mites on Dogs?

Mites are microscopic parasites—think of them as tiny eight-legged creatures smaller than a grain of sand. You can’t see them with your naked eye, but your dog sure can feel them. They live on or in your dog’s skin and cause inflammation, itching, and sometimes secondary infections. The wild part? Mites are everywhere. They’re in soil, grass, and even in your home. Most dogs have some exposure, but only certain types cause real problems.

Here’s the thing: mites on dogs aren’t a sign you’re a bad pet parent. They’re not about cleanliness or neglect. A dog with a compromised immune system, a puppy, or a senior can be more susceptible, but literally any dog can get them. I’ve treated mites in show dogs, rescue dogs, and dogs living in spotless homes. It happens.

The good news? Unlike some parasites, mites respond really well to treatment. Most cases clear up within 4–8 weeks with consistent care. Your dog will stop itching, their skin will heal, and life goes back to normal.

Types of Mites That Affect Dogs

Not all mites are created equal. Understanding which type your dog has is crucial because treatment varies.

Sarcoptic Mites (Mange)

Sarcoptic mites cause sarcoptic mange, also called canine scabies. These mites burrow into the skin and are highly contagious—to other dogs and sometimes to humans (though it’s rare and usually mild). A dog with sarcoptic mange will itch intensely, often losing hair in patches. You’ll typically see the worst symptoms on the ears, elbows, hocks, and face. The itching is so severe that dogs often scratch until they bleed, leading to secondary skin infections.

Sarcoptic mange spreads through direct contact or contaminated bedding. If you have multiple dogs, one infected dog can pass it to the others pretty quickly. This is the type that needs aggressive treatment and good hygiene protocols.

Demodectic Mites (Demodex)

Demodex mites are different. They actually live on every dog’s skin normally—it’s part of the natural skin flora. The problem starts when a dog’s immune system can’t keep the population in check. Then the mites multiply out of control, causing demodectic mange.

Demodectic mange comes in two forms: localized (small patches, usually on the face or paws) and generalized (widespread across the body). Localized demodex often resolves on its own as the dog’s immune system strengthens. Generalized demodex is more serious and requires veterinary treatment. Here’s the critical part: demodex is NOT contagious to other dogs or humans. It’s an immune issue, not an infection spreading from dog to dog.

Otodectes (Ear Mites)

Ear mites live in the ear canal and are super common in puppies and dogs with floppy ears. They cause intense itching, dark crusty discharge in the ears, and a distinctive yeasty smell. If your dog is constantly scratching their ears or shaking their head, ear mites might be the culprit. These are contagious between dogs but easy to treat.

Cheyletiella Mites (Walking Dandruff)

Cheyletiella mites are called “walking dandruff” because you can sometimes see them moving on the skin surface—they look like tiny moving flakes. They cause itching and scaling, mainly on the back and sides. They’re mildly contagious to other dogs and can cause temporary irritation in humans.

Signs Your Dog Has Mites

The symptoms of mites on dogs vary depending on the type, but here’s what to watch for:

• Intense itching – This is the #1 sign. Your dog scratches constantly, sometimes until the skin bleeds.
• Hair loss – Alopecia (bald patches) often appears on the face, ears, elbows, and hocks first.
• Skin redness and inflammation – The affected areas look irritated, raw, or scaly.
• Crusting or scabbing – Dried blood and serum form crusts on the skin.
• Secondary infections – Excessive scratching opens the door for bacterial or yeast infections, making the smell worse.
• Ear discharge – Dark, waxy buildup in the ears (especially with ear mites).
• Behavioral changes – Your dog might be restless, anxious, or unable to sleep because the itching is maddening.

If your dog is scratching like crazy and you’re seeing any of these signs, don’t wait. Call your vet. The longer mites go untreated, the worse secondary infections become, and the longer your dog suffers.

One more thing: if you notice your dog’s symptoms match what you’re reading about how to know if your dog has fleas, remember that fleas and mites are different parasites requiring different treatments. Your vet will help you figure out which one you’re dealing with.

How Vets Diagnose Mites

Here’s where the vet’s expertise matters. Diagnosing mites on dogs requires more than just looking at your dog—it requires actual evidence.

Skin Scraping

The most common diagnostic tool is a skin scraping. Your vet uses a small blade to gently scrape the skin surface, collecting cells and any mites present. They then examine the sample under a microscope. For sarcoptic mites, the vet might need to do a deep scrape because these mites burrow. Sometimes a scraping comes back negative even if mites are present—it happens. If your vet suspects mites but the scrape is negative, they might recommend treating anyway, especially if the symptoms are classic.

Fungal Culture or KOH Prep

Your vet might also do a fungal culture or potassium hydroxide (KOH) prep to rule out ringworm or yeast infections, which can look similar to mite infestations.

Visual Inspection

With ear mites, your vet can often see the mites directly using an otoscope (the little light tool they stick in the ear). With Cheyletiella, sometimes you can spot the mites moving on the skin.

The bottom line: trust your vet’s diagnostic process. They’re not guessing—they’re looking for actual evidence.

Treatment Options for Mites on Dogs

Treatment depends on the type of mite and the severity of the infestation. Here’s what you might expect:

Topical Treatments

Topical medications are often the first line of defense. These include:

• Selamectin (Revolution) – Applied monthly to the skin between the shoulder blades. Kills mites and fleas.
• Imidacloprid + Moxidectin (Advantage II) – Monthly topical that targets various mites and parasites.
• Permethrin-based products – Effective for sarcoptic mites but not safe for cats, so be careful if you have both.
• Lime sulfur dips – An older treatment but still effective, especially for demodex. Fair warning: it smells terrible and stains, but it works.

Topical treatments are convenient and generally well-tolerated. Most are applied monthly until the mites are gone, then continued for prevention.

Oral Medications

Oral medications offer another option:

• Ivermectin – A classic anti-parasitic given orally or by injection. Highly effective for demodex and sarcoptic mites. Some breeds (like Collies and Shelties) are sensitive to ivermectin, so your vet will check for that.
• Milbemycin oxime – Similar to ivermectin, often safer for sensitive breeds.
• Fluralaner (Bravecto) – A newer oral medication given every 12 weeks. Works for mites and fleas.

Oral meds are great if your dog hates topicals or if you have multiple pets and need to avoid cross-contamination.

Antibiotic and Anti-Inflammatory Support

If your dog has secondary bacterial infections (which is common with mites), your vet will prescribe antibiotics. If the itching is severe and affecting your dog’s quality of life, they might add anti-inflammatory medications like prednisone or newer biologics like apoquel to give relief while the mite treatment takes effect.

Medicated Shampoos

Medicated shampoos containing sulfur, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide can help manage symptoms and reduce secondary infections. They’re not a cure on their own, but they’re excellent support therapy. Bathe your dog 2–3 times weekly with a medicated shampoo while treating with topical or oral medications.

Pro Tip: When you use a medicated shampoo, lather it up and leave it on the skin for 10 minutes before rinsing. That contact time is when the medication does its job. I know it’s tempting to rush, but those 10 minutes matter.

Home Care and Management

Treatment only works if you’re consistent at home. Here’s what you need to do:

Wash Everything

Sarcoptic mites can survive on bedding, toys, and furniture. Wash your dog’s bedding weekly in hot water and high heat drying. Wash collars, leashes, and toys. If your dog sleeps on your bed, wash those sheets too. Vacuum frequently and consider using a steam cleaner on furniture and rugs.

Isolate if Possible

If you have multiple dogs and one has sarcoptic mange, keep them separated during treatment if you can. At minimum, don’t share bedding or toys. Demodex is not contagious, so separation isn’t necessary for that type.

Follow the Treatment Schedule Religiously

This is non-negotiable. If your vet says apply the topical every 2 weeks, do it every 2 weeks. If they say give oral medication weekly, give it weekly. Mites thrive on inconsistency. One missed treatment can set you back weeks.

Manage Secondary Infections

If your dog has a yeast or bacterial infection (you’ll notice a funky smell), use the medicated shampoo as directed and apply any prescribed topical antibiotics. This is where the Frito feet smell often comes from—yeast overgrowth secondary to mites.

Nutrition Matters

A dog’s immune system is their best defense against mites. Make sure your dog is eating a high-quality diet with adequate protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins. Some vets recommend omega-3 supplements specifically to support skin health during mite treatment. Talk to your vet about whether supplements make sense for your dog.

Monitor for Improvement

You should start seeing improvement within 2–3 weeks: less scratching, less hair loss, healing skin. If you’re not seeing any improvement after 3 weeks, contact your vet. You might need to switch medications or investigate if something else is going on.

Follow-Up Visits

Your vet will likely want to recheck your dog with another skin scraping after treatment to confirm the mites are gone. Don’t skip this step. It’s the only way to know for sure that treatment was successful.

Prevention Strategies

Once your dog is mite-free, keep them that way:

• Monthly preventatives – Continue using topical or oral preventatives year-round. Products like Revolution, Advantage, and Bravecto prevent mites as well as fleas and ticks.
• Regular grooming – Bathe and groom your dog regularly. This keeps the skin healthy and lets you spot problems early.
• Ear cleaning – For dogs prone to ear mites, clean the ears weekly with a vet-approved ear cleaner. This prevents mites from establishing themselves.
• Immune support – Keep your dog healthy with good nutrition, exercise, and regular vet checkups. A strong immune system is your best defense against demodex.
• Avoid contaminated environments – If possible, avoid areas where you know mites are present (like shelters with active outbreaks). If your dog has been exposed, bathe them when you get home.
• Minimize stress – Stress weakens the immune system, making dogs more susceptible to mites. Keep your dog’s life as calm and routine as possible.

Prevention is way easier—and cheaper—than treatment. Stay on top of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I catch mites from my dog?

– Sarcoptic mites can cause temporary irritation in humans (you might get itchy bumps where your dog touched you), but it’s rare and usually mild. Demodex is species-specific and won’t affect you. Ear mites and Cheyletiella can cause minor irritation in humans but aren’t a serious concern. Wash your hands after handling your dog, and the risk drops to nearly zero. If you do develop an itchy rash, see your doctor and mention your dog’s mite infestation.

How long does mite treatment take?

– Most mite infestations clear up within 4–8 weeks with consistent treatment. Some cases take longer, especially generalized demodex. You’ll see improvement in 2–3 weeks (less itching, some hair regrowth), but you need to continue treatment for the full duration your vet recommends, even if your dog looks better. Stopping early is the #1 reason mites come back.

Are mites contagious to my other pets?

– Sarcoptic mites are highly contagious to other dogs. Demodex is not. Ear mites and Cheyletiella are mildly contagious. If you have multiple dogs, talk to your vet about whether the others need preventative treatment. Cats can get sarcoptic mites from dogs, though it’s less common. Keep infected dogs separated if possible during treatment.

My dog has demodectic mange. Will it come back?

– Localized demodex often resolves completely and doesn’t return. Generalized demodex can recur if the underlying immune issue isn’t addressed. Some dogs have chronic demodex that requires ongoing management. Work with your vet to identify and treat any underlying immune problems (allergies, nutritional deficiencies, stress) to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Can I treat mites at home without a vet?

– No. I understand the cost is a real concern, but home remedies don’t work on mites on dogs. You need prescription-strength medications. Delaying veterinary care means your dog suffers longer and the infestation gets worse. Call your vet, explain your budget concerns, and ask about payment plans or lower-cost medication options. Most vets will work with you.

What’s the difference between mites and fleas?

– Mites are microscopic and cause intense itching and hair loss, especially on the face and ears. You can’t see them. Fleas are visible (you might see tiny black bugs or “flea dirt”), jump around, and cause itching mainly on the back and rear end. If you’re unsure, your vet can help. Some dogs get both, which makes everything worse. Check out our guide on how to know if your dog has fleas for a detailed comparison.

Is there a vaccine for mites?

– No vaccine exists for mites. Prevention relies on monthly preventative medications (topical or oral) and maintaining your dog’s overall health and immune function. If your dog has had demodex, keeping their immune system strong through good nutrition and stress management is key.

My dog is scratching their butt constantly. Is it mites?

– Maybe, but it could also be anal gland issues, fleas, or allergies. Check out our article on why dogs lick their bums constantly for a full breakdown. Your vet can examine your dog and figure out what’s actually going on.

Can stress cause mites on dogs?

– Stress doesn’t cause mites, but it weakens the immune system, making dogs more susceptible to demodex. A stressed dog with a weakened immune system is more likely to develop mites if exposed. Reducing stress and supporting immune health is part of the treatment and prevention strategy.

My vet wants to give my dog ivermectin, but I’m worried about side effects. Is it safe?

– Ivermectin is safe for most dogs when dosed correctly. Some breeds (Collies, Shelties, Australian Shepherds, and some others) carry a genetic sensitivity to ivermectin. Your vet should ask about your dog’s breed before prescribing. If your dog is sensitive, your vet will use an alternative like milbemycin. Ask your vet about your dog’s specific risk, and don’t hesitate to voice your concerns.

Should I bathe my dog during mite treatment?

– Yes, bathing with a medicated shampoo 2–3 times weekly is part of treatment. It helps manage secondary infections and reduces itching. However, if you’re using a topical medication, bathe your dog the day before applying it, not the day of. Bathing removes the topical treatment before it has time to work. Your vet will give you specific bathing instructions based on the medication you’re using.

How much does mite treatment cost?

– It varies widely depending on your location, your vet, and the type of treatment. A skin scraping and exam might cost $50–150. Monthly topical preventatives range from $30–80 per month. Oral medications like ivermectin are often cheaper (sometimes $20–50 per dose). Medicated shampoos cost $15–40 per bottle. A full course of treatment for 4–8 weeks could cost $200–600 total. Ask your vet for a cost estimate upfront so you’re not surprised.