If your dog is frequently sneezing, bleeding from their nose, and shaking its head frequently, nasal mites could be present. Unfortunately, these tiny parasites are invisible to the naked eye and therefore difficult to detect.
Vets can conduct blood and urine tests as well as take X-rays to confirm nasal mite infestation in your dog. They may also perform rhinoscopy or nasal flushing to detect mites inside its nose.
Treatment
Follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully when treating your dog for nasal mites to effectively rid him or her of these parasites, eliminating and preventing their return. They may also prescribe topical or oral medication that you can use at home to alleviate symptoms. Finally, keep your pup away from other dogs with mite infestation to avoid reinfestation; pet health insurance provides great financial security against the high vet bills associated with nasal mite infestation.
As with humans, nasal mites in dogs typically cause intense itching, often with nose bleeds, reverse sneezing and shaking of the head. These itchy feelings are caused by Pneumonyssoides caninum mites living inside of their nasal passageways; other indicators may include excessive tearing, runny nose or sneezing as potential indicators.
These nasal mites can quickly spread between dogs through direct contact, contact with contaminated surfaces or environments or indirectly through the air. No specific breed of dog seems more prone than any other; infected symptoms often mimic other conditions and illnesses; prompt veterinary examination is critical. A sample of mucus should be collected to test under a microscope to confirm its presence while radiographs, nasal flushing and blood tests may also provide useful diagnostic tools.
Prevention
Nasal mites can quickly spread among dogs living in close quarters such as boarding facilities or rescue shelters, infesting healthy ones simply through nose-to-nose contact with infested ones. A healthy dog may become infected simply through having close physical proximity with one already affected.
If a dog shows signs of nasal mites, their first stop should be with a veterinarian. Blood tests, X-rays and CT scans will allow your vet to rule out any internal conditions that could be contributing to symptoms. Once those have been completed, more targeted examinations can be performed which often involves flushing nasal passages with saline solution before inspecting under microscope for signs of mites.
Signs of nasal mites in dogs include reverse sneezing, impaired sense of smell, head shaking and coughing – however these symptoms could also indicate other respiratory conditions or diseases; it’s wise to get a professional diagnosis prior to treating at home with any over-the-counter remedies. Furthermore, keeping away from other dogs and staying current on external parasite prevention treatments prescribed by your vet is the best way to ward off nasal mites entirely.
Home Remedies
Nasal mites are highly contagious and easily spread between dogs through simple nose contact, making them a common problem at shelters and boarding facilities where many dogs congregate together for extended periods. Furthermore, these tiny mites do not discriminate between breeds – any age or size dog could contract them!
Unfortunately, nasal mites in dogs often mimic more serious issues and can be difficult to identify. Signs include excessive tearing, drooling, respiratory issues such as labored breathing and nasal discharge as well as itching around the nose – all telltale indicators of an infestation.
Antiparasitic medications for treating nasal mites in dogs are usually effective, though may not eliminate all signs. Ivermectin (often given orally in tablet form) and selamectin are popular treatments; Ivermectin must be administered exactly according to instructions from your veterinarian or else overdoses can occur.
Help your pup soothe from nasal mite itchiness with soothing cream that hydrates dry skin around its nose and ears, or use lukewarm water to gently wash away flakes and scabs with gentle washings of lukewarm water. Herbs such as Chamomile or Calendula contain anti-inflammatory properties to calm itchy skin while Oak extracts promote faster sloughing of minor wounds for faster relief from itching.