Dust mites are microscopic bugs that every home hosts. They eat skin and dander that come off humans and pets. They especially love to hang out in bedding and sleeping areas and carpeting and are more plentiful in high humidity homes.
Dust mites are only a bad thing for dogs to be around if the dog is allergic to them. In that case, being exposed to dust mites can cause atopic dermatitis, which is itchy skin. Dogs may scratch incessantly, lose hair, and develop secondary skin infections.
House dust mites cause atopy that's consistent all year round because the dog is exposed to mites all year.
A veterinarian can diagnose house dust mite allergy by ruling out other causes of allergies, such as food allergy, by doing a food trial. Allergy testing may isolate dust mite allergy.
Here are some ways to decrease dust mites in your home:
Additionally, follow your veterinarian's recommendations for treating your dog and decreasing itchiness and secondary skin infections.
Learn more about atopy here: "Atopy: Inhalant Allergies in Dogs."
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