What are chigger bites on dogs. How to identify, treat and prevent chigger bites on dogs.

Understanding Chigger Bites on Dogs

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?

Yes, 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 its body anywhere from hours to a day after being infested with chiggers.

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

Treating 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 recurring 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 its 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.

Preventing Chigger Bites on Dogs

The best way to prevent chigger bites on your dog is to avoid areas where chiggers are known to thrive. This means keeping your dog away from tall grass, shrubs, and other foliage where chiggers like to lay their eggs and wait for a host.

You can also use insect repellent on your dog before going outside, especially in areas where chiggers are common. Be sure to choose a repellent that is safe for use on dogs.

Regular grooming and checking your dog for ticks and other parasites can also help prevent chigger infestations. If you do find chigger bites on your dog, be sure to treat them promptly to prevent further irritation and potential infection.

Conclusion

Chigger bites on dogs can be a frustrating and uncomfortable issue, but with proper identification, treatment, and prevention, you can help your furry friend stay healthy and itch-free. By understanding the signs of chigger bites and taking proactive steps to protect your dog, you can keep your pup happy and comfortable all season long.