Red bugs, trombiculid mites and scrub-itch mites are all common names for harvest mites. In autumn, these so-called “chiggers” spread rapidly in forests and grasslands, while they are still in their larval stage.
You can take your dog on a walk through the park with you, and they will attach to you as they do to other animals. These larvae are dependent on parasitic nutrition. The larvae are active throughout the day, particularly in dry, sunny conditions in late August and September.
You can find harvest mites in berry patches and tall grass, weeds or wooded areas, pine straws, leaves, bark, mulch, and bare trees. Dog owners should avoid taking their dog on walks in the autumn because of this.
Grass mites can still be carried on dogs, no matter how hard you try. Keep your dog happy by being aware of the signs and taking immediate action to prevent them from getting worse.
How to spot Harvest Mites
The six-legged creature can be seen with the naked eye if you look closely. The larvae are microscopic in their natural environment. Because they are bright orange, it is easy to spot them in the fur of your dog. Dogs often find harvest mites in large numbers and in places where they are difficult to see, like:
Henry’s pocket is the normal name for the pocket at the ear flap.
Between the toes
The webbing between the toes is located above the skin.
The nipples
Folds of the elbows and the chest
If your pet scratches more often than usual, it could be a sign of a harvest mite infestation. This is especially true if the scratching occurs around autumn or after a walk in woods. These issues or spots are more likely to be diagnosed by a vet than home remedies.
What does Harvest Mites do for Dogs?
Harvest mite larvae don’t burrow into the skin to live beneath it. These myths are merely a misconception. These myths are merely a misconception. The larvae live on the skin’s surface, injecting powerful enzymes through small hooked fangs. This causes the skin to liquefy and eat the cells. These can cause skin lesions ranging from crusted patches, hair loss areas, and raw, bleeding areas. Grass mites are most common in dogs around the ears and between your toes, but they can also be found anywhere on the body.
Is your Dog at Risk?
You can tell if your dog scratches after being near berry patches, tall grasses, weeds and wooded areas. To confirm, however, it is best to take your dog to the vet.
Harvest mites are very common in dogs, particularly during autumn. Avoiding the hotspots mentioned and walking early in the morning when it is still cool can reduce the chance of grass mites’ infestation.
Are Harvest Mites a Dangerous Pest?
Harvest mite infestations cause the same irritation as flea infestations. Harvest mite infestations may be linked to Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI). However, this has yet to be confirmed. This is a serious condition that can occur in the autumn months. This can sometimes be fatal. Experts believe this is due to harvest mites. However, this has not been proven conclusively.
Diagnostics for Harvest Mites in Dogs
Do not hesitate to call your vet if your dog is scratching more than usual, especially in areas that are susceptible to harvest mite infections. Your vet will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from grass mites.
Dogs with Harvest Mites: The Best Treatments
After the vet confirms that there is an infestation of harvest mites, you can proceed with the following:
Harvest mite bites in dogs should be treated by a veterinarian. The vet can prescribe medication to reduce the inflammation and soothe the pain.
Use a shampoo to give your dog a bath. You can spray or apply a cream to eliminate the harvest mites after drying your dog.
Sometimes, veterinarians will recommend Frontline Spray be applied to the affected area. These are used to prevent fleas. Although topical drops can be useful, they do not offer the same benefits as Frontline Spray.
The mites can be relieved of itching by using a corticosteroid.
After a complete body scan and body swab test, antibiotics may be prescribed in extreme cases.
Last Thoughts
Harvest mites are most prevalent in autumn. Dog owners and dog keepers should take the following precautions to protect their dogs. You should think twice about the places you take your dog to and try to avoid these areas. Follow these steps to get rid of grass mites from your dog.
