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For Dogs with Allergies to House Dust Mites
If your dog has allergies (itching, chewing, and scratching) they may be allergic to house dust mites. 70% of dogs with inhalant allergies (atopic dermatitis) have a reaction to house dust mites. House dust mites are microscopic creatures that eat things that our bodies leave behind in the environment: hair, scales, oils, and crusts. These creatures cause no harm…unless you are allergic to them. Now there is a treatment for dogs (and also people) with house dust mites that requires no medication for your pet. It is a system designed to rid the environment of house dust mites and the proteins they leave behind.
My dog is itchy, how do I know it’s due to house dust mites?
The only way to know for sure is to perform an allergy test. Here at our hospital we run an allergy test on the blood, looking for certain specific antibodies to the things that dogs in our area are frequently allergic. Dermatologists perform a test where they inject small amounts of antigens (proteins they could be allergic to) into their skin. Either test can detect house dust mite allergies.
How do I know house dust mites are a problem in my house?
House dust mites live in areas where you and your pets live. Common areas include your bed, the sofa, or dog beds. They can live clear down into the cushions, mattress pad and even the mattress. There is a test that you can run at home to test for the mites (Mite-T-Fast by Aveho Biosciences). It works in a similar manner to a birth control test. You wipe the test kit across the surface you suspect has the mites. You add a few drops of a buffer solution, wait a few minutes and then read the results. The test can not only tell if mites are present or not, but can tell relative numbers (a few, a lot, huge, etc.)
I vacuum often and use air filters-is this enough?
Vacuuming helps, especially if using a filtered vacuum. The American Lung Association recommends a vacuum called Lindhaus. Unfortunately, the rate of reproduction of the mites is so high, they can reproduce faster than you can vacuum. Air filters help as well. But they don’t get those high population areas. Washing in hot water will help remove those in the blankets and sheets. But to get the ones in the mattress, sofa or dog bed requires something special.
What is new is a 2-step system to rid the environment of the mites and their leftovers (feces and dead mites). To kill the mites, we recommend Dustmite and Flea Control powder by the Ecology Works. This powder can be used in steam cleaners or mixed with water to be sprayed into high mite infested areas. It doesn’t contain a poison, but rather a compound that reduces the moisture in the area, dehydrating the mites and leaving their eggs unable to hatch. To remove the proteins, we recommend the Anti-allergen spray, also by The Ecology Works. Simply spray the product over the areas and the proteins are broken up. The active ingredient is very safe. It can even be used in the wash or steam cleaners as well. Also, anti-house dust mite sheets, blankets, pillows, mattress pads, and upholstery covers are now available.
Veterinary dermatologists have been very pleased with the products-for their ease of use, safety, and effectiveness. Generally, treatment only needs to be performed every few months. Many dogs that required extensive medication no longer require any. It’s a wonderful means to try and avoid some of the expensive and unpleasant medications needed to control allergies in dogs. If your pet has house dust mite allergies (or if you have them as well-the company markets for human allergies as well) you should definitely give it a try. Your dog will thank you.
For more information on allergies, please read the accompanying information on our website.
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