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Treatment

When a dog displays cheyletiellosis, all animals in the household must be treated, as the mite can live for up to ten days away from a host. It is also important to thoroughly clean bedding, kennels, and rugs, so that the mite does not re-infect your dog, or infect other pets. Pets must then be bathed six to eight times a week to remove skin scales. In addition to insecticide and lime-sulfur rinses, your veterinarian may also prescribe oral medications. If the dog has a long coat, it must be clipped to a short length.

Living and Management

If you have been in contact with an infected animal, or your pet is infested with the Cheyletiella mite, you may develop a reaction, such as itching, small red bumps, or minor lesions, but the condition will clear on its own through the normal course of bathing yourself. It is best if you disinfecting your dog and its living environment, as well as disinfect and/or discard its combs, brushes, and other grooming equipment.

If the treatment regimen does not work, your veterinarian will look for other causes for the symptoms. Re-infestation may come from another carrier or from the presence of an unidentified source for the mites, such as untreated bedding.