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Detecting and treating mite infestations in dogs

Milbenbefall beim Hund erkennen und behandeln

Unfortunately, mite infestation is a common problem in dogs, which many owners are confronted with. Mites are arachnids and feed mainly on the dead skin cells of their host animals.


If a dog suffers from an infestation with the annoying parasites, this is particularly evident in the form of skin and coat problems. We will explain below how you can recognise and treat a mite infestation in your dog.

Types of mites that occur in dogs

There are different types of mites. If your dog suffers from a mite infestation, it is very likely one of the following species:

  • Ear mites
  • Mange mites
  • Fred mites
  • Grass mites
  • Demodex mites

Ear mites

Ear mites are highly contagious and particularly common in dogs. They are specialized parasites that attack almost exclusively the ears. 


Ear mites are particularly prevalent in animals with long ears, particularly in young animals and older dogs. The transmission takes place with the body contact with an infected Artgenossen.

Mange mites

Even mange mites are very contagious and can be transmitted by contact with an already infested species or fallen skin components, such as dandruff.


Mange mites are also referred to as grave mites because they dig corridors in the skin of the infected dog. There they multiply and feed on keratin and tissue fluid. 

Food mites

Food mites can nest especially in the dry food of your dog. From there the mites and their faeces are then transferred to the four-legged friend and can lead to allergic reactions and skin problems.


In order to avoid this as much as possible, you should always keep your dog's food dry and well closed. In addition, once the food has been opened, it should be used up promptly.

Grass mites

Grass mites occur mainly on meadows, at forest edges or in gardens. Their larvae usually attack the paws and legs of the dog. From there, however, they can spread quite over the complete body of the four-legged friend.


An infestation with grass mites is not only possible with dogs, but also with humans. The parasites can be transmitted both directly while walking or by body contact with an infected four-legged friend.

Demodex mites

Demodex mites or hair follicle mites often live a lifetime in the hair follicles (hair follicles) of dogs and other mammals. This form of mite infestation often goes unnoticed and has no consequences for the affected quadruped.


If the immune system of the dog is weakened, this can change however fast. In this case also demodex mites lead to the skin problems typical for a mite infestation.

Symptoms of a mite infestation in dogs

The exact symptoms of mite infestation in your dog may vary depending on the type of mite. However, since mites cause severe itching in dogs, frequent scratching is a typical symptom. 


Over time, this can lead to bald spots in the coat and dandruff and crusting on the skin. The longer the mite infestation remains untreated, the greater the spread of skin and coat problems in the affected dog.


If you suspect that your four-legged friend is suffering from mites, you can search his coat using a flea comb. However, the parasites are very small and therefore not always easy to spot.


In the case of an infestation with ear mites, the itching is limited to the animal's ears. If your dog is affected, you will probably see him shake his head a lot. In addition, there are probably brownish to black crusts in his ear canals, which also indicate ear mites.

Dogs with mites must be treated promptly

A mite infestation of your dog is not something you as the owner should ignore. On the one hand the skin irritations connected with the parasites are extremely unpleasant for your four-legged friend and on the other hand the mites can lead in the long term to further illnesses with your dog, like for example anaemia or demodicosis.


In addition, mites are contagious. Some species can infect not only other dogs, but even humans and cause similar symptoms. 

Mites in dogs are a case for the veterinarian

Hund im Laub

If you suspect that your dog suffers from mites, you should have the four-legged friend examined by a veterinarian. The veterinarian can check your suspicion and at the same time determine which type of mite it is.


On the basis of the test results, the veterinarian then determines which treatment measures are necessary. Often preparations containing cortisone such as creams and injections are used. In the case of more harmless mite species, treatment with remedies for itching is often sufficient. 


Ear mites can be killed locally with appropriate preparations, while the inflammations caused by them can be treated with antibacterial agents.


Irrespective of the exact type of mite and the treatment required, it is important that you thoroughly clean and disinfect the blankets, pillows and brushes with which your pet comes into contact. Otherwise, it is only a matter of time before your dog gets infected again.

Preventing a mite infestation in your dog

If you want to avoid the consequences that a mite infestation can have for your dog, you should pay sufficient attention to the topic of prevention. 


The risk of an infestation with grass mites can be avoided, for example, by mowing your lawn regularly in the garden and not letting your four-legged friend romp through tall grass when walking.


You should also ensure adequate hygiene and clean your dog's sleeping area, blankets and pillows regularly. 


Another important aspect that plays an important role in connection with mites in dogs is the immune system. A strong immune system cannot prevent a mite infestation. However, you can make sure that this does not have any major consequences for the affected animal. 


In order to strengthen your dog's immune system, we recommend that you avoid excessive stress and ensure a diet appropriate to the species. In our shop you will find a large selection of high-quality dog food with exclusively natural ingredients for this purpose.


In addition we advise you if necessary to a food supplement with Bellfor Immune. The food supplement supplies your four-legged friend with valuable micronutrients as well as important amino acids and supports his immune system in a natural way.

Spot-on preparations against mites in dogs

In addition, various spot-on preparations are available to prevent mite infestation in dogs. However, these often contain insecticides that can harm not only the mites but also your dog's health.


The use of such products against mites in dogs is therefore not without risk, which is why we advise you to limit your prophylaxis to natural methods.

Our products against mite infestation in dogs

In Bellfor's range you will find a number of natural care products that can help you counteract mite infestation in your dog.

Mite infestation in dogs: the most important things at a glance

A mite infestation for dogs is often associated with severe itching as well as problems with the skin and coat. The longer the mites are not treated in affected dogs, the greater the discomfort they cause.


A visit to the vet will provide information about the exact type of mite and the treatment required. With regard to prevention, adequate hygiene is important, among other things.


In addition, a strong immune system helps to minimize possible health consequences of the mite infestation in dogs. The use of classical remedies against mites, on the other hand, is often associated with additional health risks for the four-legged friend due to the insecticides it contains.

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