Did you know that storage mites can trigger allergic reactions in dogs due to the microscopic particles they leave behind, not the mites themselves? Yes! That’s right, the nasty storage mite allergy affecting your dog does not even come directly from the mite itself. Storage mites are notorious troublemakers for dog owners. Rashes, itchiness, respiratory issues – these mites can cause all sorts of troubles for your dog. But don’t worry! We got your back. Eliminating and avoiding mite infestation and allergies is not hard. It just requires some care and attention.
Here is how to prevent storage mite allergies, but first, let’s better understand storage mites.
What Are Storage Mites
Storage mites are tiny, microscopic creatures not visible to the naked eye. They are usually found in dry food and products like flour and grain. These tiny, humble, yet not-so-humble arachnids feed on mould and thrive in warm, humid places. When they contaminate food products, they leave behind their feces, body parts, dust and other particles that can cause allergies in dogs when inhaled or consumed. Storage mites in dog food are one of the leading causes of allergies in our furry fellows.
Nature works in mysterious ways. Creatures not even visible to us can have such significant effects on our pets, which are much larger than these mites. Amazing, right? Now, on this note, let’s proceed to the symptoms of storage mite allergies so you can be prepared.
How Many Types Of Storage Mites Are There?
There are many types of storage mites. However, one thing is common, all of them are equally bad for your pets. Here are some common mites found in food items:
- Acarus siro (Flour Mite)
- Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Cheese Mite)
- Glycyphagus destructor (Grain Mite)
- Lepidoglyphus destructor
- Sarcoptiform Mites (Various species)
Symptoms That Your Dog Might Have Storage Mites
Knowing the symptoms of storage mite allergies can save you a lot of trouble. As dog owners, it’s our duty to ensure the perfect safety and care for our pets. Here are some common symptoms related to storage mites in dogs:
- Dry Skin: It may be accompanied by aggressive scratching, licking, or biting of the skin by the affected dog, especially around the face, paws, and ears.
- Rashes or Hives: Red, inflamed, or slightly swollen skin patches often due to constant scratching.
- Ear Infections: The dog may have problems with its ears to the point of chronic ear infections, which can be itchy and smelly.
- Hot Spots: Areas of painful, moist, red, inflamed skin patches developing due to itchiness and licking.
- Respiratory Problems: Sneezing, coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing when a dog inhales allergen particles released by dust mites.
- Eye Irritation: Conjunctivitis, redness and watering of the eyes.
- Hair Loss: Fur loss caused by rubbing and licking.
- Swelling or Inflammation: Swelling in different areas of the body is due to an allergic reaction.
As the saying goes, “An appointment a day early can save you years.” If you catch any of these symptoms, especially after exposing your dog to a dusty environment or dry food, contact your vet immediately and proceed accordingly.
Causes Of Storage Mites Allergies In Dogs
Storage mite allergies can be caused by many reasons, such as:
- Consuming food contaminated by storage mites
- Inhaling dust mite particles
- Coming in contact with storage mite allergen particles
- Cross-contamination by other dogs
While proper hygiene and care help prevent storage mite allergies and infestations, many dog owners are oblivious to them and often display carelessness until it’s too late. Let’s discuss some prevention methods next so both you and I can be prepared to fight off these little pests.
Are Dust Mites And Storage Mites Different?
Yes, dust mites and storage mites are different forms of mites. Storage mites are found in food items and feed on mould and other organic matter, while dust mites thrive in household dust and feed on dead skin cells and other organic matter found in dust, such as bacteria or fungi.
Preventive Methods for Storage Mites Allergies In Dogs
Preventing storage mite allergies is not hard. It just requires a little care and attention. Some of the effective preventive methods are listed below:
- Proper Food Storage: Store your food in a clean, dry environment, properly sealed and away from moisture and humidity. Do not stockpile food for more than 30 days, and maintain proper hygiene.
- Maintain Low Humidity Levels: Use humidity-absorbing material like silica gel. It is usually recommended to keep humidity levels below 50% in food storage areas. You can also use dehumidifiers or air conditioning to maintain a dry place.
- Regular Cleaning: Maintain proper hygiene and clean your storage jars, your pet’s food bowl and storage areas regularly.
- Freezing & Heat Treatment: You can get rid of mites and their eggs by freezing your food or heating it to 130°F or 54°C.
- Pay Attention To The Expiry Dates: Use the product before its expiry date. The closer the food is to its expiry date, the more at risk it is to mite infestation.
My Dog Has Storage Mites What To Do?
Here is what to do if you catch any signs of storage mite allergy in dogs:
1. Consult your vet
A vet can properly guide you on what to do next in case of storage mite allergy in your dog. As they say “to each his own”. Consult your vet and let them guide you on what to do next.
2. Treatment
Use prescribed Anti-allergen medications or homemade remedies to get rid of allergies. To get rid of storage mite allergy, you have to eliminate storage mite allergens and particles. You can use medicated shampoos, sprays and ointments for that purpose. Here are some of the things your vet might prescribe based on the severity of your dog’s allergy.
- Antihistamines (anti allergen medicine)
- Steroids (Corticosteroids)
- Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots)
- Topical Treatments (Shampoos, Sprays, Ointments)
3. Avoid Exposure to Mites And Control Your Dog’s Environment
If your dog catches storage mite allergy, you should avoid any more exposure to them as it can risk making the symptoms worse. Control the environment and maintain proper hygiene. Clean regularly and maintain low humidity levels and moisture. Store your dog’s food in a dry place away from executive moist and consider investing in air-tight food jars.
4. Food Alternatives
If you think dry kibble might be the cause of storage mite allergy in your dog, you can switch to frozen, canned, or homemade food instead. They are less likely to be infested by storage mites and are a safer option. However, consult a dog nutritionist first to ensure a balanced diet plan for your dog.
5. Monitor Symptoms
Keep a close eye on your dog’s symptoms. If you see them getting worse that means they are still being exposed to storage mite allergens. In such a case, you should book an appointment with your vet to try to find the cause of storage mite exposure and eliminate it.
Final Verdict
Storage mite infestation can be really annoying, and it is even worse for your dogs. I speak from experience. So take my advice and adapt to storage mite preventive methods before you have to suffer from an infestation. And in case your dog catches an allergy, it is best to consult a vet at the earliest.
That’s all for today, but don’t worry—Petlyx is not done bringing you useful information for dog owners. Stay tuned for more!
