A mite allergy in dogs is not uncommon. Many four-legged friends are allergic to food mites and house dust mites. Just like in humans, an allergy in dogs is an overreaction of the immune system and unfortunately, this can also relate to mites. Small parasites can be found in every household, but there are a few points that must be observed in order to prevent dogs from becoming allergic to mites.
What are the symptoms of mite allergy in dogs?
Excessive scratching of the dog is never a good sign. Areas that are particularly affected by a dust mite allergy are areas where there is less hair growth: the auricle, the face, the stomach and the skin between the toes. Since the dog scratches, licks and rubs itself there, injuries can quickly occur in these areas. Dust mites are not seasonal, so allergy sufferers experience symptoms year-round. Food mites or their droppings can also trigger a mite allergy in dogs. Other ailments can be skin symptoms, diarrhea, runny nose, cough and exhaustion. Most often, however, the itching occurs as an allergic reaction.
Diagnosis of mite allergy in dogs
If there is a suspicion of a mite allergy in the dog, this must first be diagnosed. In the first step, other diseases that cause itching, such as fungal infections or parasites, are excluded. The veterinarian must also first rule out food intolerance and a flea saliva allergy, after which he can make the diagnosis “house dust mite allergy” or “food mite allergy”. Skin and blood tests can also be done to help identify these allergies.
What to do if the dog is allergic to dust mites?
If the dog is actually affected, local drug treatment must remedy the situation. You should also carry out house dust sanitation in the event of a house dust mite allergy. Many four-legged friends also benefit from lifelong hyposensitization, in which increasing doses of allergens are regularly injected under the skin.
House dust remediation
The cause of the allergy is combated in house dust remediation, which is why owners of dogs with allergies should definitely carry it out. With this sanitation, the living conditions of mites are worsened, and the following points can be “worked through”:
Dog beds and blankets should be washed at 95°C. Washing at very high temperatures is more effective than dry cleaning.
Cuddly pillows and stuffed animals should also be washed hot, but tumble dryers and freezer compartments also help to kill mites.
The mite burden is greatest in the bedroom, so allergy sufferers should be kept away from the bed and the bedroom.
Carpets should be avoided as much as possible, because even little helpers, such as steam cleaners or additives that kill mites, only provide temporary relief.
The allergic four-legged friend should not stay in the room while vacuuming, as this dust not only removes but also stirs up.
Hot steam cleaners are definitely recommended, but the 100°c hot cleaning should be repeated every three months.
Humidity offers mites a paradise, so allergic fur noses should stay away from rooms with high humidity (many plants/bathroom/cellar/laundry room).
Leather furniture is best suited for upholstered furniture, curtains that are difficult to wash should be replaced and cushions should also withstand a hot wash.
What to do if the dog is allergic to food mites?
In the case of a food mite allergy, the allergic reaction is triggered by the droppings of the food mites. Fresh wet and dry food is usually free of the mites. However, it is unavoidable in the production of long-term stored food that it remains free of mite faeces. This can already be the case with the raw materials themselves, but it can also happen during production or storage. So there is no point in freezing the food. Live mites would of course die, but the droppings will remain. So the only solution is to choose food that is completely free of mites and mite excrement and not store it for too long.
Store feed properly
Certain precautionary measures should be taken to ensure that the food of the four-legged friends is not contaminated. Correct storage is particularly important in order to protect the food from infestation with food mites and an impending mite allergy in the dog.
The food should be stored in an airtight container
The container should only be opened briefly. It is best to portion the feed with a clean cup or spoon.
Rinse the empty container regularly with hot water.
Store dog food separately from other foods. Food for humans can also contain traces of feed mites.
The food mites can also survive in house dust. Therefore, do not store the food near mattresses, dog beds, upholstery, etc.
Storage in stables or similar should also be avoided. Feed mites can also nest in straw and hay.
It is better to buy more often and less amounts of food. This reduces storage time and reduces the likelihood of feed mite infestation.
Freezing dog food that is free of mites and mite excrement protects it from infestation, as mites cannot survive such low temperatures.
By observing these tips, the four-legged friend will be helped and he can lead an almost symptom-free life!
