I wonder if anyone can help me firstly with a cure and secondly with some preventative measures. My three year old Staffie cross has very itchy back paws, she is constantly licking and chewing them, and they are going quite red, she
seems to have this same problem annually at this time of year.
Last year she chewed them so much they were bleeding, and although the problem cleared up as quickly as it started we don't know if it was something that we did (we tried various creams and sprays) or if it would have gone anyway.
She hasn't been walked anywhere out of the ordinary, we haven't used any different treatments in the garden and we haven't changed her diet.
We thought possibly it could be some sort of allergy to grass seeds, but it is only her hind paws that are affected.
Any advice short or long term would be greatly appreciated.
Emma Jannotti, by email
From what you describe, it sounds as though your dog may have been bitten by harvest mite larvae. Their main period of activity runs from late July through to early October, and they are particularly fond of dogs! The larvae can be recognized as clusters of small red-orange coloured “dust” attached to hairs on the body.
ReplyDeleteThe larvae will inject and suck for two to three days at the same site until it is full and has increased in size three to four times before dropping off the host, leaving a red swelling on the skin that can itch severely.The itching will usually develop within 3 to 6 hours of exposure, but can continue for several weeks afterwards. This can lead to rubbing, biting and scratching, and can lead to scurf and hair loss in a few cases. If the skin is damaged due to scratching, these areas can also become infected with bacteria.
Prevention/Avoidance
Harvest mite larvae are only active during the day. If you can exercise your pet early in the morning before they become too active, this can help reduce the risk of infestation. If possible, avoiding long grasses and vegetation can also help, and keep moving – the worst infestations will occur when sitting down or laying down in a sunny spot in the middle of the day!
Treatment
There is no licensed treatment for harvest mites available in the UK. However, some particular flea treatments available from your vet may be effective but this should always be carried out under direction of your vet. If left untreated, the larvae will feed for a few days then drop off.
Relieving the itch!
If your pet has been unlucky enough to come into contact with harvest mite larvae, and is now itching and scratching, Yumega Plus can help to relieve the itch.
The combination of omega 3 EPA from fresh salmon oil and omega 6 GLA help to calm the skin, relieving itching and scratching, whilst the omega 6 Linoleic Acid helps to support the skin’s natural moisture barrier, supporting the skin’s health. The addition of natural Vitamin E supports the skin’s defences.
If you'd like more information on harvest mites, there is an article on our website:
http://www.lintbells.com/page/Harvest-Mites-in-Dogs-and-Cats
This is really a variant on the theme of itchy skin. At the moment it is seasonal but in time is likely to become more persistent unless you find a solution. You say you haven't changed her diet but I think it is time you did. I have had good results using a holistic/hypoallergenic food- ours are brown rice or maize based with low protein and fat levels. You shouldn't try this on your own; we have a team of nutritionists to advise. In addition, it is very useful to have her anal glands emptied, even if they are not giving any trouble. This helps to remove toxins which affect her immune system.
ReplyDeleteYou could also feed her on a home-made diet of brown rice, meat and vegatables but that is more variable and harder to supervise.
John Burns BVMS MRCVS
Burns Pet Nutrition
Could it possibly be harvest mites? A friend's dog gets this problem every year and it's only the paws that are affected for some reason. She uses Frontline - the spray, just on the paws.
ReplyDeleteIf it's not something that simple then if she were mine I would seek a referral to a holistic vet.