How to identify chigger bites on dogs. What are the most effective treatments for chigger bites. How to prevent chigger infestations in dogs. What are the symptoms of chigger bites in dogs. When should you seek veterinary care for chigger bites. How long do chigger bites on dogs take to heal. Are chigger bites on dogs contagious to humans.

Understanding Chiggers: Tiny Mites with a Big Bite

Chiggers, scientifically known as Trombiculiasis, are minuscule mites in their larval stage that can cause significant discomfort to dogs. These barely visible creatures, also referred to as harvest mites, red bugs, or itch mites, thrive in warm and humid environments. Typically red in color, chiggers can sometimes appear orange, yellow, or straw-colored.

Adult Trombiculiasis lay numerous eggs on grass or foliage. Upon hatching, the chigger larvae don’t travel far, instead waiting for a host to attach to and feed on. This host could be your beloved canine companion or even you.

Chigger Habitat and Seasonal Activity

Chiggers are most active during late spring to fall, but in regions with year-round warm and humid climates, they can be a persistent presence. These mites are found worldwide, making them a global concern for dog owners.

• Peak activity: Late spring to fall
• Preferred climate: Warm and humid
• Global distribution: Found worldwide

Can Dogs Fall Victim to Chigger Bites?

Indeed, dogs can suffer from chigger bites. While their fur provides some protection, chiggers can still attack areas with less dense fur coverage, such as the head, neck, or ears. Dogs with shorter or thinner coats may be more susceptible to these bites.

Due to their minute size, chiggers are often undetectable even upon close inspection of your dog after outdoor activities. The first sign of infestation typically manifests as intense itching in a specific area of your dog’s body, occurring anywhere from a few hours to a day after exposure to chiggers.

Common Misidentifications

Chigger bites are frequently misdiagnosed as other skin conditions. They may be mistaken for:

• Skin irritation (dermatitis)
• Flea bites
• Scabies
• Allergic reactions

This potential for misidentification underscores the importance of knowing how to correctly identify chigger bites on dogs.

Identifying Chigger Bites on Dogs: Key Indicators

Recognizing chigger bites on your dog requires attention to specific signs. Here are the primary indicators that distinguish chigger bites from other skin issues:

1. Intense Itching: Your dog will likely exhibit pronounced itching behavior within a few hours to a day after chigger exposure.
2. Clustered Red Bumps: Chigger bites typically appear as small, red bumps clustered together. This clustering occurs because chiggers hatch and live in groups before finding a host.
3. Location of Bites: Chigger bites often appear on areas of the dog’s body with less fur coverage, such as the head, ears, or underbelly.

Is your dog exhibiting these symptoms after spending time outdoors, particularly in grassy or wooded areas? If so, chigger bites may be the culprit.

Differentiating Chigger Bites from Other Skin Issues

To further aid in identification, consider these distinguishing factors:

• Multiple bumps in a cluster, rather than a single bite or widespread rash
• Appearance on less fur-protected areas of the body
• Recent exposure to outdoor environments, especially tall grass or foliage

Immediate Actions for Chigger Bites on Dogs

Upon suspecting chigger bites on your dog, prompt action is crucial. The primary goal is to remove the chiggers and alleviate your dog’s discomfort. Here’s what you should do:

1. Remove the Chiggers: Chiggers don’t burrow into the skin, making them relatively easy to remove. A thorough bath with soap and water is the most effective method. While a soft cloth or vet-recommended skin wipe can be used, a complete bath ensures better results.
2. Address the Itching: Chigger bites are intensely itchy, and excessive scratching can lead to secondary infections. Treating the itching is crucial to prevent your dog from exacerbating the condition.

How long do chiggers typically stay on a dog? Chiggers don’t establish long-term residency on your pet. They’re in their larval stage and will leave your dog after feeding or when washed off. This is why prompt removal is essential.

Transmission Concerns

Are chigger bites on dogs transmissible to humans? Fortunately, chiggers are unlikely to transfer from dogs to humans. Once they’ve found a host, they tend to stay put until they’ve completed feeding or are removed.

Effective Treatments for Chigger Bites on Dogs

While chigger bites will heal naturally over time, the intense itching can lead to complications if left untreated. Here are some effective treatment options:

• Antihistamines: Over-the-counter antihistamines can help reduce itching and inflammation. Always consult with your veterinarian for appropriate dosage.
• Topical Treatments: Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream can provide relief when applied to affected areas. Ensure your dog doesn’t lick these off.
• Oatmeal Baths: A soothing oatmeal bath can help alleviate itching and promote healing.
• Cold Compresses: Applying cold compresses to affected areas can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief.

How long does it typically take for chigger bites on dogs to heal? With proper care, most chigger bites heal within 1-2 weeks. However, severe cases or those complicated by excessive scratching may take longer.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

While most cases of chigger bites can be managed at home, certain situations warrant professional veterinary attention:

• Severe or widespread infestation
• Signs of secondary infection (increased redness, swelling, or discharge)
• Persistent itching despite home treatments
• Changes in your dog’s behavior or appetite

Preventing Chigger Infestations in Dogs

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to chigger bites. Here are some effective strategies to protect your dog:

1. Avoid High-Risk Areas: During peak chigger season, limit your dog’s exposure to tall grass, weeds, and wooded areas.
2. Use Preventive Treatments: Apply vet-approved insect repellents or preventatives designed to repel mites and other parasites.
3. Regular Grooming: Brush your dog regularly and check for any signs of bites or skin irritation, especially after outdoor activities.
4. Maintain Your Yard: Keep your lawn mowed and remove weeds and brush piles where chiggers might thrive.
5. Post-Outdoor Inspection: After walks or outdoor playtime, thoroughly check your dog for any signs of chiggers or bites.

Are there specific dog breeds more susceptible to chigger bites? While all dogs can get chigger bites, those with short coats or hairless breeds may be more vulnerable due to less fur protection.

Understanding the Impact of Chigger Bites on Dogs

While chigger bites are generally not dangerous, they can significantly impact your dog’s quality of life if left untreated. The intense itching can lead to:

• Restlessness and irritability
• Difficulty sleeping
• Loss of appetite
• Secondary skin infections from excessive scratching

How does a chigger bite affect a dog’s skin? Chigger bites cause localized inflammation and irritation. The dog’s scratching response can further damage the skin, potentially leading to open sores or hot spots.

Long-Term Effects of Chigger Bites

In most cases, chigger bites don’t cause long-term issues if properly treated. However, repeated infestations or severe cases can potentially lead to:

• Skin thickening in frequently affected areas
• Increased sensitivity to insect bites
• Behavioral changes due to chronic discomfort

Chiggers and Other Pets: A Comparative Look

While our focus has been on dogs, it’s worth noting that chiggers can affect other pets as well. Here’s a brief comparison:

• Cats: Generally less affected due to their grooming habits, but can still get bites, especially outdoor cats.
• Horses: Often affected on their legs and muzzle, particularly when grazing in infested areas.
• Small Pets: Rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small mammals can be affected if exposed to chigger-infested environments.

Do chiggers pose the same risks to all pets? While the basic mechanism of chigger bites is similar across species, the severity and location of bites can vary. Always consult with a veterinarian for species-specific advice.

Chiggers in the Ecosystem

Despite the discomfort they cause to our pets, chiggers play a role in the ecosystem:

• They serve as a food source for various predatory insects and small animals.
• Adult chiggers, which don’t bite animals, help decompose organic matter in the soil.
• Their presence can indicate a healthy, diverse ecosystem in natural areas.

Myths and Misconceptions About Chigger Bites on Dogs

There are several common misconceptions about chigger bites that can lead to improper treatment or unnecessary worry. Let’s debunk some of these myths:

1. Myth: Chiggers burrow under the skin.
   Reality: Chiggers remain on the surface of the skin and do not burrow.
2. Myth: You need to suffocate chiggers with nail polish or petroleum jelly.
   Reality: This is unnecessary and potentially harmful. Simple washing is sufficient to remove chiggers.
3. Myth: Chiggers can infest your home.
   Reality: Chiggers require outdoor environments and do not survive indoors.
4. Myth: All red, itchy bumps on dogs are chigger bites.
   Reality: Many skin conditions can cause similar symptoms. Proper identification is crucial.

Why do these myths persist about chigger bites? Many of these misconceptions stem from outdated information or confusion with other parasites. It’s important to rely on current, scientific information when dealing with pet health issues.

The Science Behind Chigger Bites

Understanding the biological mechanism of chigger bites can help in better management and prevention:

• Chiggers don’t actually bite, but rather insert their feeding structures into the skin.
• They inject enzymes that break down skin cells, creating a small, hardened feeding tube called a stylostome.
• The itching is caused by the body’s reaction to these enzymes and the stylostome, not by the chiggers themselves.

Advanced Prevention Techniques for Chigger Bites on Dogs

While basic prevention methods are effective, there are more advanced techniques that can provide additional protection for your dog:

1. Environmental Management: Use natural or chemical treatments in your yard to reduce chigger populations. Diatomaceous earth, for example, can be an effective natural option.
2. Protective Clothing: For dogs prone to chigger bites, consider protective clothing like bodysuits or leg coverings when venturing into high-risk areas.
3. Timing Outdoor Activities: Chiggers are most active during the warmest parts of the day. Plan walks and outdoor playtime for early morning or evening when chigger activity is lower.
4. Regular Preventative Treatments: Some flea and tick preventatives may also offer protection against chiggers. Consult with your veterinarian about options that provide broad-spectrum protection.

How effective are these advanced prevention techniques? While no method is 100% foolproof, combining multiple prevention strategies can significantly reduce the risk of chigger bites on your dog.

Seasonal Considerations

Chigger activity varies with seasons and geographical locations. Understanding these patterns can help in prevention:

• Spring: As temperatures rise, chigger activity begins to increase.
• Summer: Peak chigger season in most areas.
• Fall: Activity begins to decline but can remain significant in warmer regions.
• Winter: Chiggers are typically dormant in colder climates but may remain active in tropical or subtropical areas.

This extensive guide covers the essential aspects of identifying, treating, and preventing chigger bites on dogs. By understanding these tiny yet troublesome mites, dog owners can better protect their furry friends and ensure their comfort and well-being throughout the year. Remember, when in doubt about your dog’s health or if symptoms persist, always consult with a veterinary professional for personalized advice and care.

Chigger Bites on Dogs – Identify, Treatment, Prevention

Chigger bites on dogs can be a serious problem if misidentified and not treated properly.

Fortunately, treatment is fairly simple and with a little care, your dog’s bites will be healed in no time.

The most important thing is to properly identify them as chigger bites so you can treat them and prevent further infestations in the future.

What Are Chiggers?

Chiggers are mites by the scientific name Trombiculiasis in their larval stage. They are very small, barely visible to the naked eye because they are only juveniles.

Chiggers go by several names including harvest mites, harvest bugs, harvest lice, mower’s mites, red bugs, itch mites, and scrub mites.

But all these names refer to the same thing – chiggers.

They are most commonly red but sometimes can appear orange, yellow, or straw-colored.

Chiggers thrive in warm, humid climates and are most common during the late spring to fall. But they can be found any time in climates that are warm and humid year round. They can be found all around the world.

Adult Trombiculiasis lay many eggs at a time on grass or foliage and when chiggers hatch, they don’t travel far. They wait for a host to attach to and feed on. This could be you or your dog.

One distinguishing feature of chigger bites on dogs or humans is that they come in clumps or clusters. This is because chiggers are born and live in groups until they find a host to feed on.

Can Dogs Get Chigger Bites?

Dogs can get chigger bites. They are more protected because of their fur but chiggers can still attack their heads, neck, or ears. Dogs with little fur may be more susceptible to chigger bites.

You likely won’t notice chiggers even if you check your dog after being outdoors because the chiggers are so small. But you may observe your dog becoming very itchy in a specific spot on it’s body anywhere from hours to a day after being infested with chiggers.

Blinking #HarvestMites #chiggers they make my dogs itch like mad pic.twitter.com/I3iyWLVI61

— Sara Diana Williams (@serimalbpickles) August 7, 2016

It’s common to misidentify chigger bites for other problems such as skin irritation (dermatitis), fleas, scabies, or even an alergic reaction to something.

That’s why it’s important to know how to identify chigger bites on dogs.

Identifying Chigger Bites on Dogs

There are a few indications that your dog has been attacked by chiggers and is not having skin irritation or some other kind of bite.

The first indication is the itching. Anywhere from a few hours to a day after being infected with chiggers, your dog will be itching like crazy and you may observe several small red bumps.

The second indication is that there are several bumps in a cluster. Because chiggers hatch in groups, several chiggers infect your dog at one time. If you only see a single red bite, or a rash rather than bumps, your dog likely does NOT have chiggers.

The third indication is that the bumps appear on an area of your dogs body that is less protected from fur. It’s common for dogs to get attacked by chiggers on their head, ears, or the undersides of their bellies because the fur in these areas is not as thick as the fur on their backs. Chiggers are small and have trouble getting through thick fur.

You might also consider if your dog has been running around near tall grass or foliage in the past day. If your dog is mostly indoors and stays on a leash when you walk it, you might be able to rule out chigger bites. Use caution though, as sometimes it’s hard to know exactly where your dog has been in the past 24 hours.

What to Do for Chigger Bites on Dogs

The first thing you should do is get the chiggers off. They don’t burrow into the skin so they can be washed off by soap and water. It is possible to remove them with a soft cloth or vet-recommended skin wipe but a good, thorough bath is likely more effective.

Chiggers don’t live on your dog long term so you don’t need to worry about them being a reoccuring problem unless your dog gets attacked again. They are only in their larval stage and will leave your dog after they are done feeding on it’s skin or when you wash them off. That’s why it’s best to wash them off as soon as possible.

They also are unlikely to transfer from dogs to humans. If your dog has them, they will do their best to feed on it but won’t seek another food source.

The next thing to do is treat the itching.

Chiggers don’t carry disease and their bites will heal on their own if left alone. The problem is that chigger bites on dogs are extremely itchy and your dog will want to scratch them.

Excessive scratching makes the bites worse and they may turn into open spots or sores and become infected so it’s extremely important to treat the itching.

How to Treat Chigger Bites on Dogs

The chigger bites will heal on their own as long as they aren’t scratched too much. It can be challenging to get your dog to stop itching its chigger bites but you must do everything you can to control the itching so bites can heal.

There are several remedies that help control itching associated with chigger bites on dogs. Many of the same remedies are used on humans:

• Calamine lotion
• Colloidal oatmeal
• Apple cider vinegar
• Green tea
• Epsom salts

It’s common to see some inflammation along with chigger bites on dogs, especially after they have scratched them even just a little.

According to PetMD, a sweet potato and fish diet can help with inflammation. You can buy commercial dog food with these ingredients rather than try to prepare them yourself.

Consider giving your dog omega-3 fatty acids or applying them directly onto the chigger bites to help with inflamation.

Another topical treatment to help with inflammation associated with scratching chigger bites on dogs is aloe vera. This not only will help with inflammation, but it will cool your dogs skin and provide some relief from the itching and irritation.

If your dogs bites seem to be getting worse, take him to your vet. Prednisone is a common prescription for dogs with inflamation.

Prevent Future Chigger Bites on Dogs

The best way to prevent chigger bites on dogs is to keep them away from chigger infested areas. This is easier said than done though. Insecticides and natural repellents are also an option.

Controlling Chiggers in Your Yard

You may have chiggers in your backyard, in which case you will want to control them by removing their habitat. Keep long grass mowed and trim bushy shrubs that contain chiggers.

To test if an area of your yard has chiggers, place a dark piece of cardboard in the suspected area and leave it for a few minutes. Check the cardboard with a magnifying glass near the tops for tiny red bugs.

You can read more about controlling chiggers in your backyard here.

DEET, Insecticides, and Natural Repellents

If it’s not possible to keep your dog away from chigger infested areas, you may consider an insecticide or insect repellent. DEET is effective at repelling chiggers. Insecticides like permethrin and fipronil are also useful against chiggers.

For natural defenses against chiggers, essential oils and sprays that contain the following ingredients are also effective: citronella, tea tree, jojoba, geranium, or lemon grass.

Conclusion

If you think your dog has a chigger infestation, the most important first step is to ensure the bites are from chiggers and rule out anything else. Next, it’s very important to control the itching because the chigger bites will heal on their own when left alone. Some inflammation is expected and there are simple treatments, but if the problem gets worse, it’s time to take your dog to the vet. Finally, you want to make sure to protect your dog against future chigger infestations.

Read about the many different ways to treat chigger bites in 17 Amazing Treatments for Chigger Bites (including Home Remedies)

You might want to pin this article on Pinterest. Here’s a cool pin I made just for you!

Chiggers – the mighty mite causing misery to your dog

Chiggers

What are they?

Chiggers are horrible little mites that are commonly found on meadows, golf courses, woodlands, parks and in grassland around lakes and rivers, that bite both humans and their pets.

Where do they live?

They thrive in wet, warm conditions, laying their eggs in soil and around grassy areas. The risk of infestations is highest in spring and summer when your dog may enjoy nothing more than a roll around in the long, dewy grass.

What are they called?

Chiggers are members if the Trombiculidae family and are tiny mite like spiders. They are also known as berry bugs, red bugs or harvest mites.

How to spot them?

They are orange/red and super small – about the size of the head of a pin making them tricky to spot with the naked eye. You may only be aware that your pet has an infestation when the intense itching starts.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of chigger bites include this intense itching, and flat or raised red bumps on the skin that sometimes appear blistered.

In pets?

Chigger bites will usually be concentrated around the belly, groin and inside of the ears of your pets. So breeds such as Shar Peis with their wrinkly skin are particularly susceptible to being attacked by chiggers.

In humans?

Chiggers most commonly bite areas of thinned skin such as wrinkles and warm folds of skin such as the crotch and groin areas, armpits, elbows and behind the knees.

The ankles and calves are also common sites for chigger bites.

How it bites?

When the chigger bites, it inserts its feeding structures and mouth parts into the skin. They inject enzymes into the host skin that destroy the tissue around the bite and it is these that frequently provoke reactions. The area around the bite then hardens, and they insert a feeding tube, called a sylostome, further into the bite area. They can feed on the skin through this structure for a few days if they are not disturbed.

The need for treatment

Chiggers cause extreme itching and when your dog scratches these itchy bites the damaged skin can easily become infected. These common treatments below should help you ease the situation.

Soothing home remedies

Epsom Salts

Bathing your dog in a warm bath containing 2 cups of Epsom Salts to soothe and a tiny bit of washing up liquid to help remove the chiggers, can give your pet relief.

Be extremely careful not to get any of this liquid in your pet’s eyes, mouth or nose.

You may wish to consult your vet before doing this in case your dog has any particular sensitivity to any of the ingredients in Epsom salts or washing up liquid.

Ice Pack

A wrapped ice pack can be a cheap and effective way of soothing the intense itch caused by chiggers on dogs. The cold numbs the area, soothing the skin and reducing itching and irritation for your dog.

Apply for 10 minutes, remove and massage the area, before re-applying.

Colloidal Oat Bath

Colloidal oatmeal is a soothing agent with protective anti-inflammatory agents. Simply add a cup of ground oatmeal to your dog’s bath water, stir and soak your pet to help ease the itch.

One of the easiest ways to add this to a bath is to put some porridge oats in a sock, hold the sock over the tap and run the bath through the oat filled sock. This will keep the oaty granules within the sock whilst enabling the soothing oatmeal to mix with the water.

Green tea

Green tea also contains anti-inflammatory elements that can soothe the itch and wash away the chiggers. Brew several bags of green tea depending on the size of your dog, add cold water, and then thoroughly rinse your dog with it.

For humans

Applying calamine lotion or aloe can also be soothing. Antihistamines and topical anti bite and sting relief creams. My children also love the click-it itch relief clickers and swear they work brilliantly.

The trick of using an oat filled sock to fill the bath is also great for humans.

Further treatment

Wash your clothes and any towels or pet blankets that have been in contact with the floor in hot water to remove any mites.

Repellents

Essential oils citronella and rosemary can act as natural deterrents. Traditional insect repellent can also work.

Avoidance

Chiggers tend to favour the same breeding sites year after year. Once you are aware somewhere is full of chiggers – stay well clear!

To read our article to help you identify common bites and stings click here 

To read our article to help your pet deal with ticks and avoid lyme disease click here

Written by Emma Hammett.

First Aid for Pets provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for veterinary advice. The author does not accept any liability or responsibility for any inaccuracies or for any mistreatment or misdiagnosis of any person or animal, however caused. It is strongly advised that you attend a practical First Aid for Pets course or take our online course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.
Please contact [email protected] or https://www.firstaidforpets.net

Painful: chiggers (chiggers): yoginka – LiveJournal

Scientific name – Trombicula alfreddugesi.

“One thing worse than self-hatred is chiggers.”
Edward Abbey

Repeatedly mentioned them on various occasions, found that many do not know what they are.
I did not find information about them in Russian, but in English there is a lot of things, but not always true, there are a lot of legends and myths among the people, besides, some other creatures are also called by the same word. Here is more or less true, although not all the details are reflected:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trombiculidae (in English, but there is a photo). Type of “bites” on the skin: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trombiculosis.
I read a lot about them in different sources in order to “know the enemy”. Therefore, I will write something (this is not a translation of the Wikipedia article). Maybe someone who lives in America and who has encountered this problem for the first time will read me. I did not immediately understand the mystery of the mysterious summer rashes on the skin in the most secluded places, seemingly well protected by clothing.

These photos were taken last summer on my back porch (deck):

Chiggers are most dangerous for “white people”, especially for children, women and people with thin, delicate skin. Probably the native Indians were not particularly bothered by them. Some white men are also not sensitive to them, I know at least one such.

I think that it is chiggers that guarantee compliance with the rule “not to walk on the lawns”, although this is not written anywhere. In parks and other places of recreation, people gracefully walk along the paths, without stumbling, not being tempted by ripe blackberries along the roadsides, which you can reach with your hand. Common mites and poison ivy also contribute, but they can be seen, you can try to avoid – unlike chiggers.

Chiggers are related to ticks and spiders. They have 4 stages of development, and only on one of them they feed on animals for 3-4 days (and the name “chigger” refers to this stage, but for simplicity I call other stages that way). The rest of the time they feed on decaying plant debris, insect eggs, etc. Adult individuals of the order of a millimeter, bright red-orange “spiders”, very quickly running about their business, but not touching anyone. But their offspring are very nasty small creatures, about 1/10 mm in size, they are almost invisible and you don’t know that they are already on you. They are looking for places with thin, delicate skin for a long time, thick skin is not suitable for them. (And where we have thin delicate skin – under the arms and in the most intimate places :)) They also love places where clothes, elastic bands fit snugly against the body, flattening and softening the skin. When found, they attach (usually near the hair follicle) and begin to secrete a special liquid that dissolves the surface scales of the skin, and feed on this solution. They do not bring much harm, they do not spread diseases (on this continent), but most people have an immune (allergic) reaction to this liquid. Many animals, birds, on which chiggers usually feed, do not feel them at all, although some dogs may suffer. For those who are sensitive, it’s even meaner that you don’t feel them right away, you can pick up a lot of them without noticing. It takes several hours before they crawl to a suitable place. And when I felt them, it was already too late, the reaction began. Chiggers are very fragile and usually die immediately after the first scratch, but this does not save. “Bites” look larger than mosquitoes, itch harder and last 2-3 weeks (for comparison, I personally forget about mosquitoes in half an hour, even the bite is not visible). Because of the chiggers, I hardly go out into the garden from June to the end of September. I only do “forays” once a week – mow the lawn, weed the weeds. And the rest of the time I admire the garden without going down from the back porch.

Another unpleasant property is that if they are brought in from the yard, they can live for weeks in clothes (“infecting” neighboring clothes), upholstered furniture, etc. and wait in the wings if the house is hot and humid enough. Although, of course, not in such numbers as in the yard, and the “bites” from them are weaker. They tolerate normal washing, although not all, only a small amount. Having discovered this, I began to remove everything from myself and immediately throw it into very hot water, trying not to touch the upholstered furniture. Even if I went out for a minute to pick dill for dinner. Just a couple of years ago, I had the idea to try the freezer, and it worked! Now I put clothes and shoes in plastic bags and put them in the freezer for several hours. Then you can wash in the usual way or not wash at all. The hassle is much less than with boiling. And this idea came to my mind because I noticed that in the fall, after the first night frosts, they disappear until next June.

According to the Wikipedia article, chiggers are found almost everywhere except in the far north and deserts. Even if this is so theoretically, practically everything is not so bad. The fact is that they need special conditions (warm and humid, warm nights), so they are found locally, in spots. In the Moscow region, I did not come across them, in the Crimea and the Caucasus, too. Maybe I just got lucky. And in America, they do not everywhere capture territories as widely as we have in eastern Kansas.

In my area, they started up in the second or third year, but at first they didn’t. Not all of them live and breed on the plots, if they are not, then this is an additional plus when selling a house. I see two explanations for the appearance of them with me:
1. The previous owners could have used pesticides, but I don’t. Many times every two or three weeks, specialists are called in to spray the area, otherwise the children cannot play in the yard. Although, in my opinion, there can be no less harm from pesticides, but this is not immediately obvious.
2. Almost immediately after moving into the house, I started compost heaps and did not remove the leaves in the fall, creating ideal conditions for wintering chiggers (and not only them). Last summer I decided to give it up, but the chiggers were still in the same quantity. Let’s see if there will be fewer of them this summer.

More on the spread of chiggers, from personal experience. I have been in the wild forests of the northwestern states of Washington and Oregon a lot, climbing into the thickets, foraging for wild berries, but I never noticed chiggers there. Mosquitoes – yes, a lot of them, but no more problems. Same with Colorado and California. I myself did not wander through the wild places there, but I know from acquaintances.

There is an explanation for this. In scientific sources, it came across somewhere that chiggers begin to breed only when the air humidity is constantly high, and night temperatures do not fall below 20 degrees for a long time. And in the mentioned states, it is dry in summer, even in rainy Washington, July-August is very dry, and at other times of the year the nights (and days) are cold. Just in case, I remind you that it is the larvae that annoy us, and not the adult chiggers, and they are dangerous only for 3 days. Therefore, in climatic zones where breeding conditions are rare and in small isolated areas, a population of chiggers can exist, but not particularly noticed by people – you never know who can bite sometimes in the summer. But we have such conditions continuously from June to September inclusive, so chigger larvae are constantly and almost everywhere where there is vegetation that is not sprayed with pesticides. Further to the south and southeast, the chigger season lengthens; to the southwest, west, and northwest, the season shortens, and their presence becomes more localized and focal.

UPD:
Few people are interested in scientific research of chiggers (they do not threaten the harvest), therefore they are not funded. Mostly they are engaged in the American army. Perhaps it is no coincidence that the Hawaiian Islands hosted a huge collection of chiggers:
The National Chigger Collection, the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

How to understand that a dog has been bitten by an insect – prevention and first aid

Small insects can cause big troubles for a dog – from slight itching to serious diseases. This guide will help you figure out what to do if you find insects on your dog or find their bites, how to handle and prevent dog bites from some common insects.

Signs of fleas in dogs

What to look out for: if a dog has fleas, it will constantly itch and lick. Look for fleas or black crumbs on the animal’s head, neck, and groin. Dogs with sensitive skin can suffer from allergic dermatitis, an allergic reaction to proteins in flea saliva. Fleas are also carriers of tapeworms, which can be passed on to your pet.

Prevention of fleas in dogs is very effective. Ask your veterinarian about how to find an effective remedy in the form of a chewable treat, tablets, drops on the withers, or a flea collar.

How to get rid of fleas in a dog: a course of treatment is necessary to solve the problem. If you have not been able to prevent infection with these parasites, bathe your dog with a special flea shampoo. Vacuum and clean the areas of the house where the pet spends a lot of time, and if necessary, consider using flea spray or pest control in the house. Flea prevention and collars are always the best way to get rid of these insects! Once these bloodsuckers have entered a home, they are extremely difficult to eradicate.

Ticks in dogs

What to look for: ticks can live in almost any area and are found at any time of the year, but most often they are waiting for their victims in the grass and bushes, from spring to late autumn, and in some regions all year round. Look for small brown spots, swollen black or gray dots on the dog’s face, head, paws, flanks, limbs, ears and groin. It is necessary to inspect the animal after each walk or exit to the street. Even if a tick has landed on a dog’s body, such inspections will help prevent a bite or prevent it from moving onto other pets or even family members.

Ticks carry serious diseases that can be transmitted to both animals and humans. Symptoms of conditions such as piroplasmosis (babesiosis), Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, bartonellosis, can be difficult to diagnose and may not appear for days, weeks, or even months after a tick bite, according to the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation. Prevention is the key to keeping your dog healthy.

Prevention of ticks in dogs: Many drugs prescribed for flea prevention also protect against ticks. To prevent tick-borne infections, check your pet from nose to tail after every walk and report any unusual behaviors, such as irritability or extreme lethargy, to your veterinarian.

How to get rid of ticks on a dog: If your dog has been bitten by a tick, take tweezers or a special tool to remove the tick (usually available in veterinary pharmacies). Grab the tick as close to the dog’s skin as possible and gently pull while twisting it 2-3 turns if you are using tweezers without squeezing the body (this way you can crush the tick). Place the tick on a piece of tape or in a small jar of alcohol in case your veterinarian needs to test for disease. If you are not sure or the tick is not completely removed, it is better to seek help from a veterinarian.

Canine scabies mites

Things to look out for: Scabies mites are so small and burrow so deep into a dog’s skin that they are hard to see. But any owner will notice the consequences – inflammation, hair loss and skin lesions. Scabies mites in dogs are noticeable by one symptom – severe itching. If your normally calm dog starts scratching and biting itself, it’s time to call your veterinarian.

Prevention: Unfortunately, there are no preventive measures against infestation with scabies mites. These parasites are contagious and are transmitted through contact with other dogs and animals such as foxes. You need to watch if the dog began to itch after visiting a kennel or exploring places where wild animals can live.

How to get rid of scabies mites in a dog: Woodruff Veterinary Clinic states that the most effective treatment is to see a veterinarian who, after an examination and appropriate research, will make an accurate diagnosis and tell you how to treat your dog.

What to do if your dog gets bitten by mosquitoes

Things to watch out for: pets, like people, instantly feel a tingle at the site of a mosquito bite, so you can see how the dog suddenly licks on some areas, biting or scratching them. A mosquito bite can cause swelling, redness, and hives in a dog, but it is unlikely to cause long-term harm on its own.

The most common problem associated with mosquito bites in dogs is heartworm infection. If the mosquito is a carrier of heartworm larvae (Dirofilaria), this dangerous disease can be transmitted to the pet.

Prevention: It is much more important to protect your pet from Dirofilaria than from the bite itself. Give your dog the exact dosage of a veterinarian-prescribed oral or topical prophylaxis year-round, especially during mosquito season, advises the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Special drugs to prevent heartworm disease can protect a dog’s heart and lungs and possibly save her life.

How to treat mosquito bites: In addition to the risk of heartworm, an itchy bite is unlikely to cause long-term harm to a dog. There are natural and pet-friendly mosquito repellents. Ask your veterinarian what safe products they can recommend because some of them can be toxic to pets.

What to do if your dog is bitten by a bee, wasp or hornet

What to look for: accidentally stumble upon an angry bee, wasp or hornet will be as unpleasant for the dog as it is for you. The bite will cause sharp and intense pain, so you will probably hear the dog squeal. The dog will limp if he stepped on a bee, or scratch and lick himself if he was bitten elsewhere.