Animal Mites: What to do?

Mites are an issue that a pet owner may encounter from time to time so its imperative that some insight is placed upon this issue. Mites are tiny parasitic arachnids that live on the skin, hair, feathers, or scales of an animal. They can cause itchy irritated spots and prolonged exposure could cause certain upper respiratory disorders along with many other problems. Mites either eat skin cells or suck lymph fluid from an animals body. There are many options to rid the animals of these pesky parasites depending on the type of animal and how long the animal has had them. Its no walk in the park either way but with a little dedication they can be brought to bay.

Scabies Mite. Photo courtesy of

Itching in a Miniature Pig | Avian and Exotic Animal Care, Raleigh, NC. (n.d.). Retrieved December 27, 2011, from http://avianandexotic.com/archives/861

 Once it has been established that the animal has mites if there is any other animals around, the infected animal must be isolated from the rest of the animals because mites will spread like wildfire. Don’t allow any other animals around the infected animal. It is much more difficult to get rid of a mite infestation in two or more animals. Once the infestation gets out of control it is a lot harder to control. There are several sprays that can be bought at pet shops that work decent. I have personally used sprays on parrots that have had mites and a few reptiles with mites. If the sprays are used properly, most of the time they will yield positive results. Another option for snake owners is to place the snake in a container with water for 24 hours. Make sure the snakes head isn't completely submerged but allow its entire body to be under water and place a lid on the container with holes for breathing. This will drown the mites.

One thing to keep in mind when dealing with a mite infestation is that all pet litter and the entire cage should be cleaned thoroughly with a solution of one cup bleach per one gallon of water. This dilute solution is sufficient enough to kill the mites but also won't be strong enough to harm the animal. This will eliminate any mites that may exist in the bedding. It is a good idea to sanitize the cages and bedding as soon as the mites are found. Any material that is to be reused and small enough to fit in something that has the solution should be placed in the solution for at least 48 hours.  The mites will keep coming back until everything has been sanitized.

Reptile Mite. Photo courtesy of

Recognize & Treatment of snake mites. (n.d.).Stöckl - Die Nr.1 Boa constrictor  Seite im Internet. Retrieved December 27, 2011, from http://www.boa-constrictors.com/en/Interesting_facts_about_Boa_constrictor/Boa_constrictor_Care/mites/Recognize_Treatment_snake_mites

 It is difficult to detect mites in animals because they are so small. There are several indicators of mites. Reptiles that have mites are easier to examine than birds or mammals. In most cases mites can be seen with a magnifying glass and looking over the reptiles body. If careful attention is payed to the reptile a magnifying glass may not be needed. In birds, one more serious sign that a mite infestation may be present is plucking. Other ways of determining if a parrot has mites is by looking at the base and the tip of its feathers. Looking carefully at the feathers clusters of mites may be visible. A Mammal infestation can prove to be harder to determine. Some signs to look for is lethargy, drinking an unusual amount of water, bold spots, and an overall sickly appearance. One way to visibly see if mites are on an animal is by taking a white piece of paper and gently brush the animals hair with a fine toothed comb. Once the animal is completely brushed examine the paper for mites.

If the infestation is extreme and/or it can't be determined that mites are the cause then seeking a veterinarian immediately is essential to the animals well being. Mites are a common problem that shouldn't be taken lightly. With a little information, they can be eliminated, greatly increasing an animals quality of life. It isn't bad for an animal to have mites but it is horrible if they keep mites. It is our job as caretakers of our beloved pets to ensure that they live happy, healthy, long lives.

A type of Mange. Photo courtesy of

The Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Sarcoptic Mange in Dogs. (n.d.). Retrieved December 27, 2011, from http://www.dogsobediencetraining.com/the-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment-and-prevention-of-sarcoptic-mange-in-dogs/

Thanks for reading!

James

Read more...

A Worldly View on Pets

Paulie at 7 months of age.

Many times most of us don’t think about the reactions to our beloved furry, scaly, or feathered companions throughout various parts of the world. While many would readily accept our companions without hesitation others may be somewhat reserved.Throughout many countries all over the world there are vary different views on owning pets. While every individual has their own perspective on animals as pets there are social norms for each country. These norms define the ideals of people who live there and how they view pets in their society. What might seem inhumane and upsetting to one, may be every day regular life for another. This isn’t to say that commonalities don’t exist. It does how infer that when going to another place far from home, these views should be taken into consideration.

Europe’s views on pets are similar to those in the United States. Pets are revered as members of the family. Some pets like dogs and cats are kept for the purposes of work. Dogs can be used for protection or some breeds are herders. Herders are dogs that push animals like cattle or sheep in a desired direction for farmers. Cats are utilized for their supreme ability to catch rodents. Birds like parrots are kept as pets in both the United States and Europe. Although the similarities exist between the US and Europe, reptiles like snakes ands and lizards aren’t kept as pets in Europe as often as they are in the US. More people in Europe keep Hamsters and gerbils as pets more so than reptiles.

Throughout Africa, most people don’t keep pets. The animals that are found throughout the homes serve a purpose. The cattle are raised for their beef and the horses are used for transport. It is likely that the choice of pet would be a dog or cat because cats rid the area of rodents and dogs offer protection. While the pet trade places high demand on animals native to Africa, few of these are actually kept by locales. Pets are more of a source of income than a companion per say.
Many Muslims view dogs as unclean. Right after a dog is touched a ritual hand washing is followed. While dogs are seen as dirty, Muslims respect all animals and it is frowned upon to hurt them in any way. Cats are looked at as wonderful companions. Muhammad kept a cat named Muezza, that he’d not disturb if it was sleeping on his cloak.

In India many people keep pets. Cows are considered sacred and highly respected. Many animals serve a purpose in India as well. Snake charming is a profession found in many areas of India because of tourism. It is a trade that is passed down from generation to generation. Types of pets found in India are dogs, monkey’s, birds and reptiles.

The most popular pets in China are dogs. While some Chinese eat dog meat, they are increasing in popularity as pets. Some Chinese see cats as good luck. Cats have been kept as pets in China for a long time. They were used to capture mice. Birds are often taken for walks in the cage by older Chinese. The older folks will carry the caged bird to a park and carry out daily exercises with the bird in the cage hanging in a tree nearby. Another common pet in Chinese culture fish. It is believed that fish bring “plenty”. The sound of the word fish is similar to the sound of the Chinese word for “plenty”. Having a fish as a pet is a wish to have plenty or a sufficient amount.

 While many cultures have similar views on pets, there are differences. Those differences should be respected. Looking at the world from a culturally considerate perspective will help harmonize the world instead of divide it. If your traveling this is one issue that may be taken into account. We can't expect others to share the same views as us. We all come from many different cultures and backgrounds. The cultures and backgrounds help define who we are. Mutual respect and an open mind is essential to obtaining a better grasp of the world in which we all live.

Read more...