Dog Guidance Blog

Chiggers, although very hard to detect, can be a severe nuisance when they come in contact with human skin or dog skin.  The resulting irritation can be very unpleasant.

A chigger is actually a type of mite.  They are mites that are usually orange, red, or yellow in color.  A larval chigger (mite) feeds on dogs and other animals.  Their host’s blood enables them to grow and mature into nymphs. 

The nymphs then develop into adult chiggers or larger mites that lay eggs and begin the cycle over again.  The adult chigger (mite) feeds on plants, therefore the larvae are usually found in wooded areas.

These type of mites can be found in almost any part of the dog’s body, although they most often settle toward the head, neck, ear canals, ear flaps, and abdomen. 

Consult with your vet if you think your pet encounters this unusual type of mite.  He or she will probably a type of insecticidal preparation to the affected areas as well as prescribe an antibiotic steroid cream to soothe the itching and bring down the swelling.

Visit the dog parasite article page for more information.