Does My Dog Have Harvest Mites? Vet explains symptoms of an infestation, treatment and can it develop into Seasonal Canine Illness?
It’s a danger that many dog owners simply aren’t aware of.
As autumn sets in and dogs spend more time walking through long grass, woodland, and undergrowth, vets are warning that this is a particularly active time of year for harvest mites.
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Dr Tanya Leslie, Veterinary Advisor for DOUXO, warns that many owners mistake the first signs of a harvest mite infestation for a minor skin irritation, when in fact prompt intervention can prevent it from developing into something more serious.
Here’s everything you need to know about the problem - including sypmtoms and treatment.
What are harvest mites?
Harvest mites are very small, bright red or orange arachnids (the same family as spiders and ticks).
Where do you find harvest mites?
Harvest mites are commonly found in soil, woodlands, grassy fields, tall weeds, and even overgrown gardens.
You may also spot them in the vegetation of low, damp areas, such as berry bushes, along lakes or streams, and they are visible to the naked eye.
What are the signs of a harvest mite infection?
Harvest mites typically look like tiny red or orange ‘dots’ found on the skin and within the fur. Typical signs dog owners should look out for following a walk this autumn include:
- Itchy skin, which can progress to intense itching or pain in some dogs
- Constant licking or biting, leading to stained fur
- Inflammation and redness of the skin
- Yellow scabs or pus caused by excessive itching/biting
What is the treatment for a harvest mite infestation?
If your dog is up-to-date with their flea treatment, it’s less likely that they will catch harvest mites.
However, if they do, unfortunately there are no treatments specifically designed to treat the issue, and there is nothing effective available ‘over-the-counter’.
At home, owners will not be able to kill harvest mites or remove the infestation completely, but bathing your dog in a soothing shampoo containing ingredients such as Ophytrium can help to reduce inflammation and soothe itchy skin while you are waiting to see your vet.
If your dog has broken skin due to itching or biting, there is an added risk of bacterial or yeast infections; shampoos containing chlorhexidine can help disinfect the skin and manage bacterial overgrowth.
Veterinary intervention is highly recommended, and your vet will be able to advise on what product may be suitable for your pet. Your pet may also require other medication for a short period to control intense itching or any secondary bacterial problems that may have developed.
Do harvest mites cause Seasonal canine illness (SCI)?
Seasonal canine illness (SCI) is a rare condition which tends to appear more frequently throughout the autumn months. It can affect dogs shortly after walking through woodland areas, and the consequences can be fatal; while the exact cause is still unknown, a link to harvest mites has been considered due to the seasonal nature of infestations.
What are the symptoms of Seasonal canine illness (SCI)?
Symptoms include: vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, a raised temperature, and muscle tremors, typically appearing a few days after a dog has been walked through a wooded area.
It’s important to contact your vet straight away if your dog shows any of these symptoms, particularly following a woodland walk or alongside signs of a harvest mite infection.
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