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"Dog Parasites (flea, Tick, Worms, Etc.)"
Dog Parasites (Flea, Tick, Worms, etc.): Page 16
of 26
Mites: All about “Chiggers”
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.
Copyright 2006 by Jay Jennings. All rights reserved.
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