If your dog is suddenly scratching like crazy after a walk in the grass, it could be more than just a passing itch. The cause might be harvest mites. These tiny, bright orange-red parasites, also known as chiggers, are notorious for causing intense irritation in dogs, especially during late summer and early autumn. 

But unlike fleas and ticks, harvest mites are lesser-known pests, making them a sneaky nuisance for both dogs and their owners.

Harvest mites are microscopic parasites that latch onto a dog's skin, typically targeting areas like the paws, ears, belly, and legs. Their larvae feed on skin cells, injecting an enzyme that causes discomfort for our dogs in the form of itching, redness, and inflammation. 

While harvest mites don't transmit diseases like ticks, their bites can cause severe discomfort and allergic reactions and even lead to secondary infections if a dog scratches too much.

Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know about harvest mites on dogs so you can keep your pup safe. 

How Do Dogs Get Harvest Mites?

Dogs typically pick up harvest mites when they walk or play in infested areas. Since the mite larvae live in soil and grassy areas, they easily attach to any animal that brushes past them. Unlike fleas, which jump onto a host, harvest mite larvae simply cling to the fur and crawl onto the skin to find a feeding spot.

Here are some ways dogs can get harvest mites:

• Walking through grassy fields or meadows. Overgrown grass and other related areas are prime hotspots for mite larvae waiting for a host.
  
  

• Rolling on the ground. Dogs that love to roll in the grass can unknowingly pick up a cluster of mites.
  
  

• Playing in leaf piles or compost. Damp, shaded areas with decomposing leaves or organic matter can harbor mites.
  
  

• Lying in a garden or backyard. Even a well-maintained lawn can be home to harvest mites, especially in flower beds or
  shaded spots.
  
  

• Hiking in wooded areas. Trails lined with tall grass and undergrowth provide a perfect environment for mites to latch onto a dog.

What are the Signs of Harvest Mites on Dogs?

The first sign that your dog may have harvest mites is intense itching. Unlike flea infestations, where itching can be more generalized, harvest mite irritation is usually concentrated in specific areas where the mites have attached.

Here are some of the symptoms of a harvest mite infestation on dogs:

• Excessive Scratching and Biting. Dogs with harvest mites will often scratch, nibble, or lick their paws, ears, belly, or other affected areas relentlessly. The itching tends to be persistent and severe, sometimes leading to self-inflicted wounds.
  
  

• Red or Inflamed Skin. The skin around the affected areas may become red, swollen, and irritated. This inflammation is a reaction to the enzymes the mites inject while feeding on skin cells.
  
  

• Clusters of Tiny Orange or Red Dots. In some cases, you may actually see the mites on your dog's skin. They appear as small, bright orange or red specks, often grouped together in areas with thinner skin, such as between the toes, on the belly, or around the ears.
  
  

• Scabbing and Hair Loss. If the itching persists, dogs may scratch themselves raw, leading to open sores, scabs, and even hair loss in the affected areas. These wounds can also become infected if left untreated.
  
  

• Restlessness and Discomfort. The intense itching caused by harvest mites can make dogs restless, anxious, or irritable. Some may have trouble sleeping or seem more agitated than usual.

Harvest mites remain attached for a few days before dropping off, but the irritation can last much longer. Even after the mites are gone, a dog may continue to experience itching and inflammation due to lingering skin irritation or an allergic reaction to the mites’ saliva. Some dogs are more sensitive than others, and their symptoms may persist for several weeks if not treated properly.

How are Harvest Mites on Dogs Diagnosed?

Diagnosing harvest mites on dogs can be tricky because their symptoms often resemble other skin conditions, such as flea allergies, bacterial infections, or general dermatitis. However, there are ways to confirm whether harvest mites are causing your dog’s discomfort.

If you suspect your dog has harvest mites, do a careful inspection of their skin, especially in areas where they commonly attach. You can check for the common symptoms on your dog’s skin. 

If you’re unsure whether your dog has harvest mites, you can enlist the aid of our vets. With a few simple steps and tests, we can diagnose your dog’s harvest mites.

• Visual Inspection. Our vets will check the common infestation sites for visible mites or skin irritation.
  
  

• Skin Scraping. In some cases, we may take a small sample of skin cells using a scraping technique to examine under a microscope. This can confirm the presence of mites.
  
  

• Other Tests. In the event your dog contracts a secondary infection from the skin condition, we’ll make use of the appropriate tests, such as blood tests, urinalysis, and other related tests.

How to Treat and Remove Harvest Mites on Dogs?

Once harvest mites are identified as the cause of your dog's itching, the next step is to get rid of them and relieve your pup's discomfort. Since these mites only stay attached for a few days before dropping off, the key focus of treatment is eliminating any remaining harvest mites on your dog and soothing irritated skin. 

Step 1: Remove the Mites

• Bathing with Anti-Parasitic Shampoo. Giving your dog a soothing bath with a mild anti-parasitic or soothing oatmeal shampoo can help remove mites and ease itching. Look for shampoos containing chlorhexidine or lime sulfur, which are effective against mites.
  
  

• Wiping Affected Areas. Gently wiping the affected areas with a damp cloth or a diluted antiseptic solution can help dislodge mites and prevent further irritation.
  
  

• Topical Sprays and Parasite Control. Some over-the-counter sprays and spot treatments designed for flea and tick control also work against mites. Fipronil-based products can be effective. 

Step 2: Treat Secondary Infections

• Antibiotic Creams or Oral Antibiotics. If your dog has contracted secondary infections, antibiotics will be needed. These help prevent or treat skin infections caused by excessive scratching.

  
  

• Medicated Shampoos. If the skin is inflamed, a chlorhexidine-based shampoo can help disinfect the skin and promote healing.

Step 3: Relieve Itching and Inflammation

• Corticosteroids. For dogs with severe itching, prescription corticosteroid creams or oral medications may be needed to reduce inflammation.

  
  

• Soothing Skin Treatments. Applying aloe vera gel, coconut oil, or a veterinarian-recommended anti-itch lotion can help calm irritated skin.

How to Prevent Harvest Mites on Dogs?

While treating a harvest mite infestation is important, preventing future infestations is the best way to keep your dog comfortable and itch-free. Since we know these tiny parasites thrive in specific environments and seasons, it’s helpful to start from there.

1. Avoid Mite-Prone Areas. Keep your dog away from tall grass, dense vegetation, and leaf piles, especially in late summer and early autumn.

   
   

2. Check Your Dog After Walks. Inspect your dog’s paws, belly, and ears for signs of mites after outdoor activities. Wipe them down with a damp cloth to clean them.

   
   

3. Bathe Regularly. Give your dog frequent baths with anti-parasitic or soothing shampoos. This helps remove any mites before they cause irritation

   
   

4. Use Preventative Treatments. Apply flea and tick preventatives that also protect against mites, such as fipronil-based products. 

   
   

5. Maintain Your Yard. Keep grass short and remove leaf piles or damp undergrowth where mites may thrive. Avoid letting your dog lie in shady, overgrown areas.

A happy dog is an itch-free dog. A little extra care goes a long way in keeping your dog happy and healthy!

- Dr. Sarabjit Singh

Conclusion

Harvest mites on dogs may be tiny, but they can bring a lot of discomfort for our pups. Most cases can be managed at home, with a few shampoos and home remedies able to do the job. However, in some cases, a visit to the clinic will be the best option.

By taking simple preventive steps, you can greatly reduce the risk of harvest mites on your dog. With the right care and prevention, you can keep your best friend comfortable, happy, and mite-free all season long.