A male veterinarian holding a tablet and speaking with a female pet owner who is cuddling a small white dog in a clinic.

Mites: Everything you need to know

Understand how they affect your pet, the risks they pose, and how to effectively control them.

Mites are microscopic parasites that live on or within the skin. Although they are not always visible, they can cause persistent irritation and skin conditions that worsen over time. Understanding how mites spread and develop is key to identifying infestations early and preventing more severe outcomes.

Overview

Mites exist in different forms, each adapted to a specific environment on the host. Some mites live on the surface of the skin, while others burrow into deeper layers or reside in hair follicles or ear canals.
Their life cycle typically includes egg, larva, nymph, and adult stages. These stages occur directly on the host, allowing infestations to build quickly if left untreated. Because mites are microscopic, their presence is often only detected once symptoms such as itching or irritation appear.
Transmission can occur through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. In some cases, mites can persist in bedding or living areas, increasing the risk of reinfestation.
As infestations progress, the number of mites increases, leading to more noticeable skin damage and discomfort.

Mites are not visible to the naked eye, which means infestations often develop before they are recognized.

Risks of Mites

Persistent itching and discomfort
Infestations often cause continuous scratching
Skin inflammation and lesions
Redness and irritation can develop as the condition progresses
Hair loss 
Certain infestations can lead to visible loss of hair
Secondary infections
Damaged skin can become infected over time
Spread through contact 
Mites can be transmitted between animals or environments

Microscopic view of a scabies mite against a blue background.

White dog sitting outdoors on a road scratching its body.

Treatment and Prevention

The most effective way to manage mites is through a combination of treatment and prevention.
If mites are present:
Use a veterinary recommended treatment that eliminates mites across all life stages. This helps stop reproduction and reduces the severity of the infestation.
Environmental hygiene also plays an important role. Cleaning bedding and living areas can help reduce the risk of reinfestation.
Because mites can spread through contact, ongoing protection is important to prevent recurrence and maintain skin health over time.