How to get rid of mites on dogs?

Mite infestations on dogs are common, uncomfortable, and often misunderstood; acting early protects your dog’s comfort, prevents spread to other pets or people, and makes treatment simpler and faster.

Mites aren’t just itchy—how infestations affect your dog’s health

Some dogs are more likely to show problems from mites: puppies with immature immune systems, older dogs whose defenses have weakened, and any dog that is immunocompromised because of illness or medication. Certain breeds may be overrepresented for particular mite issues I see in practice—short-coated terriers and hunting breeds can be dramatic with scabies, while breeds with skin folds or immune quirks may show more persistent problems. Shelters, boarding facilities and homes with several dogs are especially vulnerable because close contact and shared bedding make transmission more likely. The goal for any owner is straightforward: relieve itching and pain, stop spread to other animals and people, and prevent secondary infections that can make a manageable problem much worse.

Immediate actions to take the moment you suspect mites

1. Isolate the suspect dog from other animals and limit human contact until you have a plan from your veterinarian.
2. See your vet quickly for diagnosis and start the recommended prescription treatment rather than relying on over-the-counter guesses.
3. Begin basic home cleaning—wash bedding and vacuum thoroughly—and schedule follow-up checks until the infestation is resolved.

Those three steps buy time and reduce risk. Isolation reduces exposure to other pets, a clinic visit establishes what kind of mite (so you use the right medicines), and cleaning removes mites and eggs from the environment so reinfestation is less likely.

Where mites come from: common causes and risk factors

Mites are tiny relatives of ticks and spiders that live on or in the skin. The three types owners most commonly encounter are Sarcoptes (often called sarcoptic mange or “scabies”), Demodex (live in hair follicles and oil glands), and Otodectes (ear mites). Sarcoptes burrow into superficial skin layers and are highly itchy; Demodex reproduce in follicles and often show up when a dog’s immune defenses are low; Otodectes live in the ear canal and cause head shaking and ear scratching.

Their life cycles tend to follow egg → larva → nymph → adult, but how long each stage lasts and how long mites survive off a dog varies. Demodex is usually closely tied to the host and is less likely to live long off the dog, while Sarcoptes and Otodectes may survive off-host long enough to contaminate bedding and grooming tools. Because survival times are variable, environmental cleaning is part of any sensible plan even when the mites themselves seem host-restricted.

The skin environment and the dog’s immune response shape how severe an infestation becomes. Oily, inflamed or damaged skin may be more hospitable to mites; likewise, stress, illness, medication and genetic immune differences can allow normally controlled populations to expand and cause visible disease.

When infestations flare up — timing, triggers and high-risk situations

Infestations commonly flare when a dog’s immunity is lowered (illness, stress, or drugs), when animals are crowded or newly introduced, or during environmental conditions—like higher humidity or lots of close contact—that favor mite transfer.

Spotting trouble: warning signs and red flags to watch for

Intense, persistent itching—often worse at night—should prompt a veterinary check rather than home guessing. Look for hair loss in patches, thick crusts or scaling, redness and raw areas from scratching, and a sharp odor if secondary infections are present. Scabies is often intensely itchy even on areas people don’t expect (elbows, chest, face).

Ear-specific signs include repeated head shaking, scratching at the ears, brown or black waxy discharge, and an inflamed ear canal; those signs are consistent with ear mites but can also indicate yeast or bacterial overgrowth. If you see widespread crusting with thickened skin—especially when the dog seems systemically unwell, lethargic, febrile, or refusing food—assume there may be secondary bacterial or fungal infection or an advanced parasitic problem and get urgent veterinary care.

Any sudden, dramatic increase in skin disease in a household with multiple pets is another red flag: it often means a contagious mite like Sarcoptes is present and you should act quickly to limit spread.

A practical day-by-day care plan for the first two weeks

Day 0: Keep the suspect dog separated, collect history (onset, other pets, recent shelter or boarding stays) and see the veterinarian. Expect a physical exam focusing on the skin and ears and diagnostic tests such as skin scrapings (to look for mites under a microscope), acetate tape preps, or ear swabs. Your vet may also take bacterial cultures or skin cytology if infections are suspected.

Days 1–7: Start the prescribed medications exactly as directed. That may be a topical medicated shampoo, a spot-on product, ear medication, or an oral agent. I typically recommend following administration schedules closely and noting each dose in a calendar or app; many medicated programs require repeat applications at weekly intervals or continuous monthly dosing for several months. If the vet prescribes antibiotics or antifungals for secondary infection, give the full course even if skin improvement starts early.

Weeks 2–4: Continue treatment and monitor. Expect slow, steady improvement rather than dramatic overnight cures—itching often decreases first, then hair regrowth and crust resolution follow. Keep photographic records weekly to show your vet at follow-ups. If you see increased redness, spreading lesions, new draining sores, or worsening ear signs, return to the clinic promptly.

Long-term: Some mite problems—especially generalized Demodex—may need treatment for several weeks to months, with follow-up skin scrapings to confirm control before stopping therapy. Sarcoptic mange often requires treating all in-contact dogs and repeating therapy according to your vet’s plan. Ear mites typically respond faster but need rechecks to be sure the ear canal is healthy and free of debris.

Home management, hygiene and gentle training adjustments

Environmental control matters. Wash all bedding, blankets, and removable couch covers in hot water and dry on high heat where fabric tolerates it; heat is the safest way to kill mites and their eggs. For non-washable items, sealing them in plastic bags for several days to a few weeks may reduce risk because many mites don’t survive long without a host. Vacuum floors, furniture and car seats carefully and discard vacuum bags or empty canisters promptly; a HEPA vacuum helps reduce allergen and mite debris in the air. For hard surfaces, wiping with a pet-safe disinfectant or a diluted bleach solution (follow label directions and ventilate well) may be appropriate—never apply household disinfectants to a dog’s skin.

Quarantine duration should follow your vet’s guidance; generally, keep the treated dog separated until signs are clearly improving and any required negative follow-up tests are documented. When introducing previously exposed pets back together, do it gradually and watch for early signs in the others so you can isolate again quickly if needed.

Training your dog to accept grooming, baths and topical treatments reduces stress and makes repeated healthcare easier. Short, calm sessions using high-value treats, steady handling practice, and positive reinforcement are more effective than forcing a dog. If handling is stressful or unsafe, ask your vet or a behaviorist for a stepwise desensitization plan or consider professional grooming help.

Essential tools and products vets recommend for treatment

• Medications prescribed by your vet—these may include medicated shampoos, spot-on parasite treatments, or oral medications (for example, veterinarians often use medicines from the isoxazoline family for some mite types, but your vet will choose the best option for your dog).
• Protective gloves for handling soiled bedding and applying topicals; a good ear-cleaning solution and sterile cotton swabs for ear-care under veterinary guidance.
• Home-cleaning tools: a HEPA-filter vacuum, laundry detergents for hot washes, plastic bags for sealed storage, and dog-safe disinfectants for hard surfaces.
• Grooming aids and stress-reduction tools: a slicker brush for removing crusts once the skin is less inflamed, calming wraps or pheromone diffusers if your dog becomes anxious, and treats for positive reinforcement.

Always check product labels and ask your vet whether a particular shampoo or over-the-counter remedy is safe for your dog’s age, pregnancy status, or health conditions.

References and expert sources

• Merck Veterinary Manual: “Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies) in Dogs” — Merck Veterinary Manual, section on parasitic diseases, updated clinical guidance.
• WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) Global Nutrition/Dermatology Guidelines — consensus statements on canine skin disease management and parasite control.
• Miller, W.H. Jr., Griffin, C.E., & Campbell, K.L. Muller and Kirk’s Small Animal Dermatology — chapters on mites and parasitic dermatitis.
• Otranto, D., & Nichols, D.K. “Mites affecting the skin of dogs and cats: diagnosis and management” — peer-reviewed veterinary dermatology literature (clinical review).
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): guidance on ectoparasites and best practices for treatment and prevention in multi-pet households.