My Dog Got Mites and Almost Died From Complications. Here’s What Saved Him.
Key takeaways:
Angela Haupt’s vet first thought her dog’s excessive scratching was because of environmental allergies.
After many follow-up appointments, it turned out her dog had mites, which gave him sarcoptic mange (scabies) with itchy, open sores.
Treatment involved a combination of medicated baths, topical treatments, and oral medications.
In October 2022, my standard poodle, Story, started scratching himself and chewing his paws excessively. He was 2 years old at the time, and at first, I dismissed it as normal dog behavior.
But he started itching so badly that he would shake the bed overnight. He kept me up for hours as I fretted over how to help him. I didn’t realize it at the time, but it was the start of a 6-month journey that would nearly kill my beloved pet.
Spoiler alert: It wasn’t allergies
After Story started scratching that fall, I took him to the vet. He was diagnosed with environmental allergies, and the vet prescribed the steroid prednisone to help treat his inflammation.
His symptoms hadn’t improved a week later, so we took him back to the vet. This time, he was prescribed Apoquel, a tablet that helps dogs stop itching. Once again, no luck.
The vet next suggested Cytopoint, an injection much like a human allergy shot. He started getting a shot once every 4 to 6 weeks, but his itching barely improved. He was doing so badly that I took him to the vet once or twice a week, but the doctors were stumped. They usually prescribed another round of steroids or suggested Benadryl.
The vet also recommended I start Story on an elimination diet of only prescription food to rule out the possibility of food allergies. I did, but once again, it didn’t make a difference.
This back-and-forth went on for months, and I grew increasingly frustrated with the lack of improvement.
Raw paws and still no answers
In April 2023, Story’s scratching became incredibly severe. All of a sudden, he started ripping his skin open.
Large portions of his legs and chest were completely bloody and bare, and no longer covered by his white curls. I routinely found large piles of white fur lying where he had been. He tried to scratch open his eyes, and I worried he would go blind. He also chewed his paws so much that they were flaming red.
He had to wear a large T-shirt at all times to help protect his body — and make sure the blood didn’t ooze all over the house. He also wore a giant cone around his neck, which he hated. But it helped minimize his chewing and scratching.
At the same time, Story became lethargic. He’d been a wild, energetic dog, but he began spending the entire day curled up in a tiny ball on the couch. He shook constantly, as though he was freezing. We later learned he had a high fever.
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I felt like I didn’t recognize my dog anymore. He was usually so full of life, but he had become limp and sedated.
Story’s vet said he needed to see a veterinarian who specialized in dermatology. His allergies had become too severe for them to handle. I called every pet allergist within driving distance. But the few specialists in my area were all booked.
I accepted the first available appointment, which was in December — 8 months later — and then emailed the office pleading for more timely help. I told my family I was certain he would die before then.
I was completely consumed by his failing health, and spent all my time calling different vet’s offices and researching solutions. I felt helpless and terrified.
The real culprit? Tiny, microscopic parasites
Meanwhile, Story’s groomer recommended a trusted vet who could offer a second opinion, and they got us in immediately. As soon as the new vet laid eyes on Story, she was positive that he was suffering from a parasitic skin infection.
She suspected he had fox mites — which he could have picked up from the cornfield behind our house in Pennsylvania, where he often played. The mites had burrowed just beneath the surface of his skin and were too small to see with the human eye. The vet prescribed a few medications: Nexgard, a monthly treatment for mites, and fluconazole, which treats fungal and yeast infections.
What should I do if I think my dog has ear mites? Your vet can diagnose and treat mites, since you can’t detect them with the naked eye.
Why is my dog so itchy? Allergies, parasites, and skin infections are common reasons that dogs scratch themselves.
Can I use GoodRx for pet medications? Yes, here’s how to save with GoodRx for pets.
Before we left, the new vet called the pet dermatologist we were scheduled to see in December. She left a message asking them to get Story in as soon as possible. The next day, they called and said they had a cancellation 2 days later, and that we could have the appointment. I jumped with joy.
Finally, a treatment plan that worked
On April 28, 2023, Story had a 3-hour appointment with a fantastic vet who specialized in dermatology. He knew Story likely had mites, so he wore protective gear that covered his entire body, as well as gloves and a face mask.
After a thorough exam, he confirmed that Story was infested with mites. They had caused sarcoptic mange — also known as scabies — which led to his severe itching and hair loss. Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious to other dogs and humans.
The vet said that when Story first began itching back in October, he likely had just a few mites. As he got more and more, the itching exploded until he couldn't take it anymore. That explained his frightening illness in April.
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The vet sent us home with lots of instructions. For example, we needed to bathe Story every few days with KetoChlor medicated shampoo. It’s an antiseptic shampoo that helps dogs with skin conditions. We also had to spray him with a lime sulfur dip once a week, which turned him bright yellow and made him smell like rotten eggs. But it helped kill the mites, the vet assured us.
Within days, Story started to itch less often, and his wounds began to heal. He even started to play with his toys again. I was so relieved to have my happy boy back.
Today, Story continues to take Nexgard once a month, which is sufficient protection against mites. He’s no longer allowed in the cornfields where he was exposed to the parasites.
He’s been extremely healthy ever since his scare — back to being my carefree pup. I’ll never forget what we went through, though. It taught me to always advocate for my dog’s health and seek out second (and third) opinions when things don't seem right. Above all else, it taught me to never take a day with my dog for granted ever again.
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