Nasal mites are small parasites that live in the dog's nasal cavity and sinuses. They are not dangerous in themselves, but can cause persistent sneezing, a runny nose and a reduced sense of smell. The symptoms are also similar to several other nasal diseases, which is the main reason why a dog with long-term nasal problems should be examined.
What are nose mites?
Nose mite (Pneumonyssoides caninum) is a mite that lives in the nasal cavity and sinuses of dogs. Adult nasal mites are approximately 1–1,5 mm long and can rarely be seen near the nostril, but most live further inside.
Nose mites are usually not life-threatening, but can cause significant symptoms and a reduced sense of smell. The latter has practical significance for dogs that use their noses for working or hunting.
How are nasal mites transmitted between dogs?
Transmission is thought to occur primarily through close contact between dogs. Indirect transmission via recently contaminated environments or equipment may also occur, as the mite can survive for a period outside the host under favorable conditions.
All dogs can be infected, regardless of age and breed.
Symptoms of nasal mites in dogs
Some dogs have no symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, the most common are:
- sneezing
- reverse sneezing – forceful, sniffling inhalations. This is also seen in healthy dogs, and is not in itself a sign of nasal mites
- runny nose and increased mucus production
- itching on the face – the dog rubs its snout against the floor and furniture
- head shaking and sniffling
- impaired sense of smell
- nosebleeds or reddish-brown discharge
If the dog has a lot of mites in its nose, the symptoms may become more severe.
Other causes can cause the same symptoms
Sneezing and nasal discharge are nonspecific signs. Several other conditions produce the same picture:
- Foreign body – grass clippings or other plant material often causes sudden, severe sneezing and unilateral discharge
- Inflammation of the nasal mucosa for another reason
- Dental disease – an inflamed tooth root can provide a connection between the oral cavity and nasal cavity, with secretions from one nostril
- Fungal infection in the nasal cavity
- Tumors in the nasal cavity, which occurs especially in older dogs
Nosebleeds deserve special attention. Bleeding from one nostril in an older dog, or recurring bleeding, may have other, more serious causes than mites. Such symptoms should be investigated, not just treated for nasal mites.
How are nasal mites diagnosed?
Rhinoscopy is the most direct examination. With an endoscope, the veterinarian can look into the nasal cavity, look for mites, and at the same time assess the mucous membrane and look for foreign bodies or changes. Read more about Endoscopy in dogs and cats.
Nasal irrigation is usually performed under general anesthesia with a secured airway, so that fluid does not enter the airways. The lavage fluid is then examined under a microscope.
If symptoms persist, further investigation may be necessary, depending on what is suspected. Imaging and nasal mucosal samples are used especially when there is reason to look for causes other than mites.
Nasal mites can be difficult to detect even if your dog has them, so a negative result does not rule them out.
How are nasal mites in dogs treated?
Treatment consists of an antiparasitic medication prescribed by the veterinarian. The treatment usually needs to be repeated after a certain interval, depending on the medication.
Because nasal mites can be difficult to detect, your veterinarian may recommend treatment based on strong clinical suspicion. At the same time, it is important to consider other causes of the symptoms, especially if the dog is not improving as expected.
If your dog does not improve after treatment, you should contact us again. There is usually something else going on.
Do other dogs in the home need to be treated?
If you have several dogs that live close together, you should inform your veterinarian. Since nasal mites are contagious between dogs, simultaneous treatment of contact dogs may be appropriate.
This is different from routinely treating dogs without suspicion. Unnecessary use of antiparasitic drugs should be limited.
Can nasal mites infect humans or other animals?
Pneumonyssoides caninum is in practice considered a dog parasite and is not known as a zoonosis. You can interact with your dog as usual.
When should a dog be examined by a veterinarian?
Contact us when your dog sneezes or has a runny nose over time, rubs its snout a lot, or when you notice that its sense of smell seems to be impaired.
Get in touch quickly in case of nosebleeds that recur or come from only one nostril, in case of heavy bleeding, or if the dog has difficulty breathing. Read more about emergency care at A-Vet.
