Late summer and autumn time conjure up visions of gathering crops and blackberry picking, but it is also the time when the troublesome harvest mites can cause major irritation for our cats and dogs!
The adult mite lives in plants and other vegetation, but the larvae (Trombicula autumnalis) are at the stage in their life cycle where they require a warm blooded host to feed from, and this could be your pet!
Harvest mites are the colour of Autumn leaves, bright orange/red and are common in woodland and grassy areas . They are very tiny and only just visible to the naked eye. The mites go for areas where the hair and skin are thin. Their small hook fangs pierce the skin injecting a fluid that liquefies cells to enable easy feeding. The larvae will continue feeding for two or three days, increasing in size and causing a considerable amount of itching and discomfort. As your pet scratches and rubs to ease the irritation, skin can become raw and sore, and crusty spots may develop.
During this season regularly check in between toes, feet, legs, armpits, genitals, tummy, and around your pets head, including their ears. If you see your pet excessively scratching and nibbling or notice clusters of tiny orange/red flecks on the skin, please call us for further advice.
