Grass mites make life difficult for dogs in summer. Animals, such as dogs, serve as hosts for the larvae of the mites, where they lodge in the skin and cause severe itching.

In a nutshell

  • Grass mite larvae attach themselves under the skin
  • Itching and inflammation can result
  • Disinfect small inflammations and treat with wound ointment
  • Hygiene is a good prevention against mites
  • prevent mites in the garden through nitrogen fertilization and regular lawn mowing

Look

Grass mites (Neotrombicula autumnalis) are also known as "harvest mites" or "autumn mites". They appear from April to late October, but prefer July to October. The vegetation is ideal, which is why it is often found in the garden or in meadows that are not yet very high.

Autumn mite larva (Neotrombicula autumnalis); Source: Tib124, Aoûtat, edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 3.0

The adult mites are a maximum of two millimeters in size and are often barely visible to the naked eye. They are yellowish in color and have eight legs. The larvae, on the other hand, only have six legs. The larvae themselves are yellow-orange and have long feathery hairs.

way of life

The adult mite does not pose a threat to mammals. However, they lay eggs on grasses from which larvae hatch. It takes four weeks from egg laying to hatching. In warm, humid weather, they climb on blades of grass. There they wait until a suitable host, such as a dog, comes by and they can get to the skin via the fur. There they cut themselves under the skin and the tissue is loosened with the help of the saliva secretion so that they can implant themselves. The larvae feed on lymph and cell juices. Occasionally, they also injure blood vessels to take in the blood.

If the larvae are sufficiently cared for after several days, they fall off and develop into adult mites with three nymph stages.

symptoms of an infestation

The symptoms of a grass mite infestation are similar to those of other skin parasites. You should check regularly for symptoms of a grass mite infestation, especially those areas that are in contact with the ground, such as paws, stomach or snout. The mites prefer to attack thin areas of skin such as the armpits or the area around the mucous membranes of the eyes.

Possible symptoms

  • itching
  • eczema
  • red patches of skin
grass mite infestation in a rabbit; Source: Uwe Gille, grass mite infestation, edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 3.0

consequences of an infestation

Although the grass mites fall off again after a few days, this time is extremely unpleasant for the dog. The severe itching in particular can lead to severe inflammation, which is difficult to treat. Although the mites fall off on their own, dogs should be treated to prevent infection.

If the larvae of the mites settle in the ear area, this can lead to a bloody ear. This is a severely swollen ear caused by bruising, which in this case is caused by the mites.

Treat grass mite infestation

If you find that your dog is affected by mites, you should act quickly to protect the dog from the unpleasant itching.

First measures

  • Rinse skin areas with lukewarm water
  • disinfect minor wounds
  • pat dry weeping sores
  • apply wound ointment if necessary

If the dog is not yet heavily infested with grass mites or if the mites are not yet under the skin, bathe the dog. Use an anti-mite shampoo. Alternatively, you can also use suitable sprays against mites.

Notice: If the mites have already caused extensive inflammation, you should consult the veterinarian. Left untreated, large infections can have serious consequences for the dog.

Large-scale cleaning

Once the mites have established themselves in the skin, it is imperative that you clean the areas where your dog spends time. The mites can survive for several days on indoor surfaces.

It is therefore essential to clean the following areas:

  • dog bed
  • Cover
  • Lying surfaces on upholstered furniture

You should re-clean the areas every few days until the mite infestation is completely eliminated. This prevents the mites that have fallen off from developing further.

Tip: It is an advantage if you also wipe down the rooms where the dog is staying.

prevent mite infestation

It is difficult to prevent an infestation of grass mites in your dog. Merely not going for walks outdoors or generally not staying outdoors during the particularly dangerous months could help, but this is impossible.

Instead, rely on extensive grooming. This not only prevents mites, but also other parasites such as ticks or fleas.

ways to prevent

  • Comb the fur regularly
  • Shower dog after walks
  • Wash the dog regularly with a natural shampoo

Notice: Not only the dog itself should be cared for, but also the areas where he stays should be cleaned regularly. By washing dog beds or blankets you can prevent a parasite infestation.

For dogs that are repeatedly affected by grass mites, consider using repellents. These are often scents that not only drive away the mites, but also other insects that can be annoying to the dogs.

You can prevent mites in your own garden by fertilizing the lawn with nitrogen and lime. Both do not like mites and keep away from such lawns. Even if the effort involved in mowing increases due to the nitrogen fertilization, your dog is at least safer in his own garden. Keeping the lawn short and mowing it weekly also helps in your own garden.

risk of infection

Many parasites can switch between their hosts. The situation is somewhat different with the grass mite. It is not necessarily fixed on animals as hosts and also accepts humans. In humans, however, the mites are false hosts and fall off after just a few hours. Nevertheless, an infestation in humans causes unpleasant itching and can also lead to the formation of eczema.

There is no direct transmission from dogs to humans.

However, it can happen that grass mites get from dog fur to humans. It is therefore important that in the event of an infestation, the areas where the dog is or is shared with people are cleaned.

Notice: You can also recognize a grass mite infestation in humans by the bites of grass mites.

frequently asked Questions

Does a cool shower help with the itching?

Yes, the itching can be relieved by giving the dog a cool shower. Make sure the water is not too cold. However, you should still use suitable remedies against the mite infestation, since prolonged moisture can also damage the skin.

How long does a grass mite infestation last?

As a rule, the symptoms subside after 10 to 14 days. This depends on how strongly the dog reacts to the mite infestation. Heat can intensify the symptoms, especially in the beginning.

Are there home remedies for grass mites?

No, there are no effective home remedies. Above all, preventive tips are circulating on various platforms, such as the use of essential oils directly on the skin or as a spray. However, this can lead to severe allergies in dogs and even death from anaphylactic shock in sensitive animals.

Category:

Animals in the garden