Mites of any kind are not pleasant for your dog and will cause itching and discomfort. Harvest mites only feed on warm-blooded mammals when they are in the larval stage. Their bites can cause a secondary infection that if left untreated, can create severe health issues from a secondary bacterial infection.
Harvest Mites in Dogs
Harvest mites tiny mites that live in dense vegetation and eat plants and other insects can cause extreme discomfort to dogs when the mites attach to the skin. The harvest mite is also called Trombicula Autumnalis. Harvest mites are most active during late summer up to the first frost; the harvest mite will bite warm-blooded mammals, especially dogs and cats. They will jump up onto your dog and find the area of the body where the skin is the thinnest. They only feed on warm-blooded mammals during the larval stage.
These mites feed on your dog by biting into the sensitive part of their body and injecting a special fluid just under the skin. This special fluid will liquefy the cells surrounding the bite and the harvest mite then drinks the liquefied cells. Generally, a harvest mite will feed for 2-3 days on your dog.
Symptoms of Harvest Mites in Dogs
Harvest mites may not sound like a serious health problem for your dog; however, if left untreated, your dog can develop a secondary bacterial infection. Some dogs are allergic to the fluid that the mites inject into their skin and this can cause severe irritation. If you notice your dog is itching constantly or you notice orange bumps or red dusting on their skin, you should have your veterinarian check your dog over thoroughly. Expect your dog to be most itchy on his ears, between his toes, armpits, stomach, chest, and chin. Things to look for to indicate harvest mites are present:
- Redding of the skin
- Crusting on the skin
- Orange dots on the skin
- Red “dust” on the skin
- Intense itching
Causes of Harvest Mites in Dogs
The fluid that the harvest mite injects into your dog’s skin is a digestive enzyme that causes the skin cells to liquefy; this liquefaction allows the mite to ingest the skin cells. The mites will feed for 2-3 days before they fall off your dog. During those 2-3 days of feeding, the mite will grow in size to about 3-4 times its original size.
The digestive enzyme most likely causes an allergic reaction in your dog. This then causes him to scratch at the offending mites. When your dog scratches his skin, he can cause abrasions that can then become infected causing a secondary issue that will need treatment. These mites do not look like fleas or ticks, they will create an orange cluster on your dog’s skin.
Diagnosis of Harvest Mites in Dogs
Incessant scratching or small orange dots on your dog’s skin could indicate harvest mites and you should make an appointment with your veterinarian. A complete physical examination will need to be performed, paying close attention to the areas that seem to be the itchiest.
If there is a large grouping of the mites, forming a large orange or reddish spot on your dog’s skin, your vet may be able to diagnose harvest mites without needing to do a skin scraping. If the mites are not grouped closely together, your veterinarian may take a skin scraping. The skin sample will be viewed under a microscope, looking for harvest mites or any other cause for the itching.
If your veterinarian suspects your dog is suffering from a secondary infection they may opt to perform more diagnostic tests to pinpoint the infection. A complete blood count, urinalysis, and biochemistry panel may be ordered. Once harvest mites have been found, your vet will then discuss treatment options with you. They will also discuss ways to boost your dog’s immune system.
Treatment of Harvest Mites in Dogs
Medications to soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation will be prescribed for dogs that are susceptible to harvest mite bites. Soothing shampoos with moisturizers and oatmeal are great for irritated skin. A topical ointment or spray needs to be applied to eradicate any remaining harvest mites. Your vet may recommend Frontline Spray for the affected areas. Frontline Spray is not the same as the topical drops generally used for flea prevention.
A corticosteroid may be prescribed to relieve the itch and reduce any inflammation caused by the mites biting or your dog scratching. If your dog has developed a secondary bacterial infection from scratching, antibiotics will also be prescribed. There are no vaccines available to prevent or eradicate harvest mites.
Recovery of Harvest Mites in Dogs
Dogs suffering from harvest mites will usually recover without any lasting side effects. If your dog is susceptible to harvest mites, you may want to take preventative measures to ensure that they are safe when harvest mites are actively biting warm-blooded mammals. Frontline Spray or other topical sprays can be applied as a preventative spray to keep harvest mites from biting.
You can also spray your vegetation for mites to eradicate them from your yard. Harvest mites are most active on bright, sunny days and late morning and afternoon. They are generally inactive in the early morning, late evening, or night or on cloudy, chilly days.
