Treating Chigger Bites In Dogs: What You Need To Know

Chiggers are tiny mites that can affect dogs, humans, and other animals. They are commonly found in meadows, grasslands, woodlands, and forests. Chiggers feed on skin cells and cause itching and skin irritation. They are most active in the late summer and fall but may be present all year in warmer climates. Dogs often come into contact with chiggers when walking through tall grasses and other vegetation. Chigger bites can cause severe itching, and scratching the bites can lead to secondary infections. Treatment options include soothing baths, anti-parasitic medications, and topical products containing fipronil and/or permethrin.

Chigger bites: symptoms and treatment

Chiggers, also known as trombiculid mites, are tiny mites that live outdoors in grassy or wooded areas near water. They are most active during the summer months when temperatures are hot. Chigger bites are itchy and can cause skin irritation.

Symptoms

Chigger bites are intensely itchy and irritating. The bites themselves are small red spots or pimples, which can blister and form a hive-like rash. The itching can last for several days and may keep you awake at night. Chigger bites can occur anywhere on the body but are most common in places where clothing fits tightly, such as around the ankles, waist, armpits, crotch, or behind the knees.

Treatment

The first step in treating chigger bites is to wash the affected area with soap and water to remove any remaining chiggers. Over-the-counter anti-itch creams or ointments, such as hydrocortisone, menthol, or calamine lotion, can help to alleviate itching. Antihistamine pills or a cold compress may also provide relief.

If the bites have caused a severe reaction, such as intense inflammation, a healthcare professional may prescribe corticosteroid injections or antibiotics if the bites have become infected.

To prevent chigger bites, it is recommended to avoid areas where chiggers thrive, such as grassy or wooded areas, especially during the summer months. When spending time outdoors, use insect repellent containing DEET or wear clothing treated with an insecticide like permethrin.

How do dogs get chiggers?

Dogs can get chiggers when they are exposed to them outdoors, especially when they are walking through tall grasses and other vegetation. Chiggers are tiny mites that are commonly found in meadows, golf courses, woodlands, parks, and grasslands around lakes and rivers. They are also found in wooded areas of the US and around the world. They thrive in wet, warm conditions and are most active in the late summer and fall, but may be present year-round in warmer climates.

Chiggers are the larvae of trombiculid mites and are also known as harvest mites, red bugs, itch mites, heel bugs, and scrub mites. They are nearly microscopic, measuring only 1/100 of an inch (0.4 mm) and have an orange or red hue. They feed on skin cells and inject saliva into the skin to dissolve tissue and create a pool of body fluids to drink from. This causes an extremely itchy skin infestation in dogs, which can lead to secondary skin infections due to irritation and scratching.

Dogs typically come into contact with chiggers when they are running off-leash or spending a lot of time outdoors. Working dogs, such as hunting dogs, are more commonly affected. Chiggers attach to the dog's body at points of contact, most commonly on the paws, legs, belly, head, ears, and area under the tail. They are also commonly found in areas of thinned skin, such as wrinkles and warm folds of skin such as the crotch, groin, armpits, elbows, and behind the knees.

Chigger bites can be identified by red, raised bumps that are very itchy for your dog and may be inflamed or irritated. Other symptoms include broken skin, rashes, pimples, and hair loss. It is important to have your veterinarian diagnose chiggers before beginning any treatment, as other skin conditions can have similar signs but require different treatments.

How to prevent chigger bites

Chiggers are tiny mites that live in grassy or wooded areas near water. They are most active during the summer months when temperatures are hot, and their bites can cause itching and irritation. Here are some tips to prevent chigger bites:

Wear Protective Clothing

When spending time outdoors in areas where chiggers may be present, such as grassy or wooded areas, it is recommended to wear protective clothing. This includes long-sleeved shirts, long pants tucked into tall socks or boots, and a hat. This creates a barrier between your skin and the chiggers, making it harder for them to attach to your body.

Use Insect Repellents

Apply bug spray or mosquito repellent containing DEET on exposed skin. You can also treat your clothing with insect repellent before going outdoors. Look for products containing permethrin, an insecticide that effectively repels chiggers. Alternatively, you can purchase clothing that has been pre-treated with insect repellent, such as insect repellent pants and socks.

Avoid Chigger Habitats

Chiggers thrive in warm and humid environments, especially during the summer. Avoid outdoor activities near grassy, wet, and wooded areas during this season. If you must venture into these areas, try to stay on designated trails and avoid brushing against vegetation. Keep your lawn mowed and remove any brush, weeds, or thick vegetation to make your yard less attractive to chiggers.

Practice Good Hygiene

After spending time outdoors, take a shower as soon as possible to wash off any chiggers that may have hitched a ride. Wash your clothing, blankets, and towels that were used outdoors in hot water to kill any remaining chiggers.

Keep Your Pets Safe

Chiggers can also affect your pets, especially dogs and cats. To protect them, avoid walking them in areas known for chigger infestations, such as fields or woods. If your pet does come into contact with chiggers, consult your veterinarian for safe and effective treatments. A simple bath can often remove chiggers, and there are also systemic pet treatments containing acaricides that can kill chiggers and repel them.

Diagnosing chigger bites

Firstly, chigger bites are most commonly found on a dog's head, particularly around the eyes and ears, as well as the belly, feet, and other areas with less fur. These areas are more accessible to the mites and provide less of a barrier. You may notice your dog scratching these areas frequently, as chigger bites cause intense itching. The skin may also appear red, cracked, and sore, with small red pimples or bumps that may be crusty. In some cases, there may be hair loss, rashes, or lesions.

If you suspect your dog has chigger bites, it is important to take them to the vet for a proper diagnosis. The vet will likely perform a physical examination, looking for signs such as orange crusts on the skin, which indicate the presence of chiggers. They may also recommend additional tests to rule out other conditions. Providing your vet with your dog's medical history and information about their lifestyle can also help determine the likelihood of chigger exposure.

Chigger bites are typically diagnosed based on the symptoms presented and the presence of the mites. The sudden onset of intense itching during late summer or early fall is a strong indicator of chigger activity. While the mites may be visible as tiny orange spots on the skin in large numbers, smaller infestations may require a microscopic examination of a skin scraping to confirm the presence of chiggers.

It is important to seek veterinary advice if you suspect your dog has chigger bites, as they can cause discomfort and lead to secondary infections if left untreated.

Natural treatment options

Chiggers, or Trombiculamites, are tiny red mites that can cause intense itching in dogs. They are commonly found in forests, grasslands, meadows, golf courses, and parks. While chiggers do not carry diseases, their bites can become infected if your dog scratches them.

Oatmeal Bath:

Colloidal oatmeal is a soothing agent with anti-inflammatory properties. Add a cup of ground oatmeal to your dog's bathwater, stir it, and soak your dog in it. This will help ease the itch. Alternatively, you can put some porridge oats in a sock, hold it over the tap, and run the bathwater through it to infuse the water with oatmeal without making a mess.

Epsom Salt Bath:

Add 2 cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath and a small amount of washing-up liquid to help remove the chiggers. Soaking your dog in this mixture can provide relief from itching and irritation. Be careful not to get the liquid in your dog's eyes, mouth, or nose. Consult your veterinarian before using this remedy to ensure your dog is not sensitive to any ingredients.

Green Tea Rinse:

Brew several bags of green tea, depending on the size of your dog, and add cold water. Thoroughly rinse your dog's coat with this solution. Green tea contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help soothe itching and wash away chiggers.

Ice Packs:

Apply a wrapped ice pack to the affected areas for 10 minutes, then remove and massage the area before re-applying. The cold will numb the skin, reducing itching and irritation.

Natural Repellents:

Essential oils like citronella and rosemary can act as natural deterrents to chiggers. Traditional insect repellents can also be effective in preventing chigger bites.

It is important to note that while these natural treatments may provide relief, you should still consult your veterinarian, especially if the condition persists or worsens. They may recommend additional treatments or medications to effectively manage chigger bites and prevent further infestations.

Frequently asked questions