Everything you need to know about removing chiggers from dogs
Are you looking for the "easy way" to get rid of chiggers on your dog? Are you sick and tired of your dog getting sores from scratching at it's itchy, red, white and brown chigger bites? If you answered YES to any of the above questions, then check out our article on how to get rid of chiggers from dogs. There are many ways to get rid of chiggers other than using chemicals or pesticides. If your dog is already bit by a chigger that has gone untreated, there is still hope.
Read on for more.
Why Are Chiggers On The Rise?
Chiggers are a type of mite that can be found on both humans and dogs. They can also be found on other warm-blooded animals like cats and horses. In areas where dog breeds are more common, such as in the United States and northern Canada, chigger bites are more common. There is debate among entomologists as to whether the increase in bites is due to a rise in the species or whether the increase is due to a change in the transmission of the parasites. While there is no direct correlation between the two, it is thought that a change in the breeding habits of the chigger would result in a corresponding change in the bites.
How to Identify Chiggers and Their Symptoms
The best way to identify chiggers on dogs is to examine your dog. Chigger bite sites are usually the most distinctive; you will usually find these pests on the tummy. When you're sure you've got the correct identification, you can treat the bite sites accordingly.
Bite Sites - Look for small swellings around the site of the bite. Swelling around the bite site usually appears first, followed by a red scab that falls off within a couple of days.
If your dog starts scratching certain parts of its body, it could be a sign of chigger bites. Itching can also mean that your dog might have some other type of pest bothering them. We as humans itch too, but we have fingers and thumbs that can help us remove certain pests. Dogs do not have that luxury. This is why we have to pay attention to everything our dogs do.
Treatments for Chigger Bites on Dogs
There are several treatments available for dogs that have been bitten by or infected with chiggers.
Chiggers are tiny red bugs that latch onto your pet's skin with their mouthparts. They are very tiny, but they are also very dangerous to your dog's health. If your dog has chigger bites, it is important to get them treated right away. Here are the 6 best ways you can treat chigger bites on dogs:
- Bathe your dog in warm water and calamine soap
- Apply hydrocortisone cream or lotion
- Apply calamine lotion to the affected area
- Apply antibiotic ointment to the affected area (such as neosporin)
- Take your dog to the vet for prescription medications if needed.
Shower Therapy for Dog Chiggers
Provided your dog is comfortable in a private shower, the benefits of shower therapy far outweigh the cost of purchasing a special dog shampoo. If your dog is uncomfortable or unable to shower in the usual ways, you can help ease the discomfort by using a special shampoo specially formulated for dogs. Many shampoos contain chemicals that are harmful to dogs, so be sure to look for natural and organic dog shampoos that are free of certain chemicals. Some shampoos also have herbal extracts and essential oils added to help the skin's barrier function better, thereby help in preventing chigger bites.
5 Natural Remedies for Getting Rid of Chiggers
Chigger bites can be quite painful for dogs. When a dog is bitten by a chigger, they will experience an intense itching sensation. If you have a dog that is suffering from chigger bites, there are several home remedies that you can use to soothe the discomfort and swelling caused by these little bugs.
Here are 5 natural remedies for getting rid of chiggers on your dog.
- Aloe vera – Aloe vera is a great natural treatment for ridding your dog of its chiggers. Make sure you get aloe vera that is free of chemicals and pesticides. Apply aloe vera gel to the affected area three times a day for a week. Remember, aloe vera is a healing plant, not a beauty product, so do not apply excessive amounts.
- Natural oils – Natural oils like walnuts, avocados and olive oil can be applied around the bite areas for prevention. Note – Avoid using olive oil on your dog's skin as it can cause an allergic reaction.
- Herbal teas – Herbal teas are a natural way to soothe your dog's skin. Make sure you buy organic and wholesome herbal teas. Take 2-3 cups of organic herbal tea two or three times a day for a week.
- Aloe vera gel – Aloe vera gel is a great moisturizer for your dog's skin. Apply aloe vera gel to the skin twice a day for a week. This will help promote an excellent skin-to-skin bond.
- Natural mentholated vaporizers – Mentholated vaporizers are a natural way to help ease your dog's discomfort. Place a mentholated vaporizer inside a bowl filled with warm (not hot) water. Place the bowl inside your dog's crate and leave it there for a few hours. Remember, do this at your own risk – herbal vaporizers are notoriously addictive.
How To Treat Chiggers On Dogs Using Green Tea?
If your dog has been bitten by chiggers, it is important to clean their wounds and apply an antibiotic ointment. However, there is another effective way to treat chigger bites on dogs is using green tea.
Green tea contains antioxidants that help soothe irritated skin. The tannins in green tea can also help reduce swelling and inflammation caused by insect bites. Brew a cup of green tea and allow it to cool completely before applying it to your dog's skin. You can also dilute one part green tea with five parts water for easier application.
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Conclusion
The best thing you can do for your dog is to keep it clear of these pesky little bloodsuckers. The signs of chigger bites are easy to identify, and as long as you catch them quickly enough, there's no reason why your pet should suffer from itching or anemia. Keep their fur trimmed and sanitized and get rid of anything that may attract chiggers. Things like tall grass, and your dog will be happy and healthy.