Nasal Mites In Dogs
Written By Kevin Hughes
Published: 10/15/2016Updated: 11/20/2024
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
Nasal Mites In Dogs
What are Canine Nasal Mites?

Many different kinds of mites live on dogs — as well as other species of animals, including humans (we hate to break this to you, but it’s true).

Canine nasal mites (also known as Pneumonyssoides caninum) are very small; approximately only 1mm long in length, they are visible to the naked eye, though you’ll need to look carefully to detect them.

Dogs contract a specific type of microscopic mite that lives exclusively within their nasal passages and sinus cavities. The mites feed on the keratin layer of the epidermis.

Canine nasal mites can be found in all breeds, sexes, and ages of dogs, and are common. They affect dogs in numerous countries all over the world, and not just the USA — indeed, canine nasal mites have been reported in dogs worldwide.
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Symptoms of Nasal Mites in Dogs
As we know, canine nasal mites are tiny, so how can you tell if your dog has nasal mites?
Well, if you can’t see them yourself, there are a few tell-tale signs. Depending on the severity and whether or not the respiratory system is affected, any or all of the following signs may be present.

The greater the infestation of nose mites in dogs, the more severe the signs are. However, it’s important to know that sometimes there are no signs present.

Typical symptoms of nasal mites in dogs include:

Causes of Nasal Mites in Dogs
How do dogs get nasal mites? The main cause is from direct contact between dogs; dogs acquire these nasal mites through the direct nose to nose transmission and indirect transmission of another dog. The nasal mites are often transported from one dog to another in the larval stage.
Nasal mites in dogs are extremely contagious and mobile, moving from host to host in the larval stage of development.

Often, the nasal mites are present on the outside of the nostril area making transmission easier. While there is some suggestion that the mites may be able to travel via fleas, lice, or flies, this is just a theory.

Environmental factors regarding transmission are unknown, but if your dog is in close contact with other dogs, the likelihood of contracting canine nasal mites increases.
Diagnosis of Nasal Mites in Dogs
We know many of the common symptoms, but in order to receive proper treatment, a visit to the veterinarian is required. Your vet will be able to make a diagnosis of nasal mites.

Sometimes signs aren’t present and the diagnosis is made by chance. Your veterinarian may ask questions and examine your dog’s nose with an endoscope (rhinoscopy). The scoping may reveal nasal mites in the nasal passage, the end of the nostrils, or the sinus cavity.

A nasal flushing may also be performed. This entails flushing the nasal chambers, moving the mites to the upper part of the throat behind the nose. When that occurs, the nasal fluid will be collected and examined. The presence of mites in the discharge will be looked for.  Scoping in the nasal passage may also be done at that time to see if the mites are present.

Nasal mites may also be found in any discharge the dog may sneeze out in the examination room. Imaging such as dental x-rays, nasal and sinus x-rays or CT scans may be used to look for the presence of mites. Urine tests, bloodwork, and nasal biopsies may also be performed.
Treatment of Canine Nasal Mites in Dogs
There is no single, specific treatment that is recommended for nasal mites in dogs. The treatments used are usually effective but may not completely eliminate signs, especially if no mites are detected but signs suggest that nasal mites are present.

Nasal mites in dogs treatment includes:

Selamectin
This is a topical parasiticide (substance used to kill parasites) and antihelminthic (antiparasitic drug) used on dogs to treat and prevent heartworm, flea, ear mites, sarcoptic mange, and certain types of ticks. This treatment is an effective way to eliminate and prevent canine nasal mites, though it can have adverse side effects. Read about Selamectin toxicity here.

Ivermectin
Ivermectin is a drug that is effective against canine nasal mites. Oral or injectable Ivermectin is often used to treat the nasal mite infection. Because it was developed for the treatment and prevention of internal parasites, make sure to follow the exact directions of your veterinarian.

Be extremely careful when administering this; a very small overdosage of this medication can be fatal. We’ve covered Ivermectin poisoning here
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Recovery of Canine Nasal Mites in Dogs
Your dog’s recovery from nasal mites will involve applying the prescribed topical or oral medications that your veterinarian may recommend. It’s very important to follow the exact instructions of your veterinarian in order to eliminate the nasal mites and prevent them from occurring again. 
Keeping your dog away from stray or infected dogs is the best way to prevent infestation or re-infestation of canine nasal mites.
Canine nasal mites can be expensive to treat. To avoid high vet care expenses, secure pet health insurance today. The sooner you insure your pet, the more protection you’ll have from unexpected vet costs.
Nasal Mites In Dogs Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
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Pomeranian/terrier
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A year and a couple months
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Noisy Breathing
So i took my dog for a walk yesterday afternoon and we were going up this hill then my phone rang I turn around for a couple seconds and I see blood in her mouth and she kept sneezing i poured water in her mouth the bleeding stopped i searched the area she was at and there's was another dogs poop but I didn't see no glass and I searched her at home and she has a cut by her front Whiskers and she won't stop sneezing when she drinks water or licks her nose or licks me
Sept. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails. I hope that your pet is feeling better. If they are having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 21, 2020
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Mix-lab
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dog-age-icon
Seven Years
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6 found this helpful

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6 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Noisy Breathing Shaking Head Runny Nose Restlessness
My lab mix just recently started ribbing his face shaking his head breathing loudly when sleeping and had a runny nose. I thought it was allergies so I gave him benadryl with no relief.
July 24, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
6 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It certainly does sound like something is bothering his nose, from your description. The Benadryl was a good thought, and a test of sorts. Since it did not help, this may not be allergies, and it would be best to have your veterinarian examine him to see what is going on with his nasal passages. He may have an infection or a growth, and your veterinarian will be able to figure out the cause and get treatment for him. I hope that all goes well for him!
July 24, 2020
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English Bulldog
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Ivy
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16 Weeks
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10 found this helpful

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10 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Loud Breathing
Sneezing
Coughing
Yellow/White Nasal Discharge
I have taken my dog in and he keeps putting her on antibiotics . I know repeated use of antibiotics is a problem but I am not sure if it is a bacterial infection causing her nasal discharge. Could this be nasal mites or allergies? Especially since bulldogs have such a narrow airway and elongated soft palate.
April 30, 2018
10 Recommendations
If the nasal discharge doesn’t stop, you should consider having a culture and sensitivity test done to identify any possible infection as well as the antibiotic it is most susceptible to; without examining Ivy I cannot say what the specific cause of the discharge is but you should consider the culture and sensitivity test to determine whether bacterial infection is the cause or not. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
April 30, 2018
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Australian Shepherd (Standard, Toy or Miniature)
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joey
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3 Years
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10 found this helpful

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10 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Sneezing
My dog has started sneezing after being boarded. If my dog has nasal mites, will it take longer than 2 weeks to cure? Will he be allowed to be boarded as we have a trip coming up?
Dec. 5, 2017
10 Recommendations
A dog may sneeze for a variety of reasons including parasites, infections, foreign objects, allergies, chemical irritation, tumours among other causes; you should speak with your Veterinarian about the sneezing to determine the underlying cause. There is no perfect treatment for nasal mites and the options available may not be curative; ivermectin, selamectin and milbemycin have all been used to treat nasal mites with varying results. Speak with your Veterinarian as soon as possible. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM www.msdvetmanual.com/respiratory-system/respiratory-diseases-of-small-animals/canine-nasal-mites
Dec. 5, 2017
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Chihuahua
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Isabel Taylor
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8 years
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6 found this helpful

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6 found this helpful

i think my Chihuahua who is 8 years old and weighs 3 lbs 2 oz may have canine nasal mites . she is doing the reverse sneezing and rubbing her face and nose she is real congested and had had a white drainage coming from nose she sneezed a lot and one time something tan and something white came out what can you so for it? I have taking her to vet twice and her put her on decongestant medicine. but not getting better
Nov. 2, 2017
6 Recommendations
Without examining Isabel I cannot advise any specific prescription treatment; the congestion and discharge may be attributable to infections, allergies, parasites, foreign bodies, dental disorders among other causes. If your Veterinarian keep giving a decongestant, it may be worth checking with another Veterinarian in your area to see their take on the symptoms. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Nov. 2, 2017
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Jack Russell Terrier
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Rosco- jackchi and axel
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2 Years
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0 found this helpful

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My pet has the following symptoms:
Wheezing, Coughing And Sneezing
Hey so I have 3 dogs total about 3 days ago by jackchi (Jack Russell/Chihuahua) started wheezing really bad I thought it may have been dust so I cleaned out his bed and washed everything and then it seemed to get better and know it’s back along with my German Shepard who is doing the same thing they cough every know and then but other than that no signs but my other dog is doing fine
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