Nasal Mites In Dogs

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.

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:

• Bleeding from the nose
• Sneezing and ‘reverse sneezing’ (inwardly, rapidly sniffing the air)
• Itching of the face
• Nasal discharge
• Impaired sense of smell
• Shaking of the head
• Labored breathing
• Noisy breathing during inhalation, sometimes high pitched
• Coughing
• Restlessness
• Small white to light tan specks may be seen in the nostril area

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.

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.

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. 

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.