NOSE MITES / NASAL MITES

Nasal mites are a common but rarely diagnosed mite that infects the nasal passages of dogs and wild canines.

The mite lives inside the nasal passages, but some mites will travel to the outer edges of the nostril. A healthy dog becomes infected when it has nose-to-nose contact with an infected dog.

Symtom: Snezzing, nosebleeds, dogs may develop a heavy infection and will suffer from bouts of sneezing or nose bleeds. Other dogs may develop a chronic nasal discharge from the infection.
If the infection causes symptoms, the mite can be identified by taking a swab of the nasal passage and applying it to a microscope slide. There are usually a large number of mites visible on the slide if an active infection is present.


Treatment: Treatment is very straightforward and consists of administering oral ivermectin. The drug must be administered by or under the direct recommendation of a veterinarian.
Prevention includes keeping your dog out of contact with infected or stray dogs.