Few things bother pets more than feeling the need to relentlessly itch, scratch, lick, or bite at their skin. If your pet is itchy, they could have a medical issue, or it could be parasites. Mites, fleas, ticks, and other tiny pests can burrow into your pet’s skin or latch on unnoticed, leading to irritation and even the spread of serious diseases. Advanced Veterinary Care treats parasite-related skin problems in cats and dogs.

Mites and Pets

Mites are microscopic parasites that can cause intense itching and hair loss. These parasites can cause a host of issues, including:

• Sarcoptic mange (scabies): Extremely itchy and contagious to both animals and humans. It causes red, crusty patches on the skin.
• Demodectic mange: Linked to an overgrowth of normally harmless mites living in the skin. It often shows up as patchy hair loss and irritation, particularly in young or immunocompromised pets.

Because mites like ear mites are typically too small to see with the naked eye, diagnosis requires a veterinary evaluation under the microscope.

Ticks, Fleas, and Skin Parasites

Ticks are larger parasites. In addition to causing redness, swelling, and discomfort at the bite site, ticks can transmit serious illnesses such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis. Even one tick can pose a health risk, and because they often hide in thick fur or dark areas like ears and armpits, they’re easy to miss.
Pets can also fall victim to other parasites like:

• Fleas: Known for flea allergy dermatitis, a single flea bite can trigger intense itching in sensitive pets.
• Lice: Less common but still possible, lice cause irritation and hair loss, especially in neglected or outdoor pets.

How Are Pet Skin Parasites Diagnosed?

During your visit, a veterinarian will check the skin, ears, and coat for visible signs of parasites and irritation. In some cases, they’ll recommend diagnostic tests such as skin scrapings to look for mites under a microscope, blood tests to detect tick-borne diseases, or flea combing to confirm the presence of fleas. They may also perform cytology to rule out secondary bacterial or yeast infections. By combining a thorough physical exam with the right diagnostic tools, a veterinary team can pinpoint whether parasites are to blame and create a targeted plan for treatment.

What Are the Treatments for Mites, Fleas, and Other Parasites?

Parasite treatment should begin right away to provide relief. Mites may be managed with medicated dips or topical solutions designed to eliminate the infestation, while ticks require safe removal followed by preventive care to protect against future bites. Flea infestations are often treated with prescription preventatives that quickly eliminate adult fleas and disrupt their life cycle. 

Because itching and scratching often lead to skin infections, your vet may prescribe medications to reduce inflammation and fight off bacteria or yeast. In addition, feel free to ask during your pet’s visit about how to address the home environment, such as washing bedding or vacuuming carpets, to make sure parasites don’t return. Parasite treatment should always be twofold: stop the immediate discomfort and prevent future infestations.

Protect Your Pet from Fleas, Mites, and Parasites in Greenwood Village, CO

Skin parasites may be small, but the impact they have on your pet’s comfort and health is anything but. From mites that burrow into the skin to ticks that spread disease, these pests demand veterinary attention and consistent prevention. Advanced Veterinary Care diagnoses and treats pets with parasites in Greenwood Village and from neighboring areas like Denver and Centennial. If you are concerned that your pet may have parasites, contact us for an appointment.