Rabbit Mite, otherwise known as walking dandruff, and more technically as Cheyletiella often affects dogs. It is basically a skin parasite which can survive undetected for several months as it causes very few symptoms.

The only noticeable clue may be dandruff and a dull lustre to the dogs coat. many dogs with thick coats may show hardly any signs at all, however, it can affect humans with a rash on the arms and trunk after handling their dog.

The infection does not live long on humans, but the dog is a carrier, and each time contact with the dog is made, symptoms will be repeated.

It is called moving or walking dandruff because if brushings from the coat are observed closely, it can be seen to be moving. Unlike the flea, which lives a significant proportion of its lie off the dog, in theory the Cheyletiella mite does not live off its chosen host and the infection requires close contact between animals.

Apart from dogs, the mites use rabbits and cats as preferred hosts and given that most dogs do not have close contact either either, it is highly likely infections are picked up when dogs investigate areas where these animals have been laying.

On occasions, the mites can reach signifcant numbers, and profuse dandruff is a common symptom with irritation and persistent scratching. This often leads to excessive licking and so called hot spots or sore areas in the coat. Fortunately the mites are quite sensitive to many of the common flea treatments and infections can be cleared up quickly.

In some groups of dogs re infection is common and regular treatment is often needed to keep dogs, and the owners, free of symptoms.

A variety of antiparasitic preparations can be used to treat Cheyletiella mites usually involving Selenium sulphide based shampoos applied weekly for up to five weeks. Please note Ivermectin should NOT BE USED ON Beagles, Collies, Shelties or Collie-crosses as clinical signs of toxicity have been reported, which include death.