About Mites

What are Mites?

Sarcoptix mites, or itch mites, are a genus of mites with several special that affect pets. Different species of sarcoptic mites are better adapted for different hosts. Species of itch mites are know to infest dogs. This mite can be found in all parts of the world.

How do mites spread?

Sarcoptix mites, or itch mites, will only spread from dog to dog; however, mites can travel fairly easily, making them highly contagious. Dogs can also catch sarcoptic scabiei, a specias of sarcoptic mite, from wild coyotes or foxes.

Dangers of Mites on Your Dog

Sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious skin disease found in dogs, caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. These mites will burrow through the skin causing intense itching and irritation. The scratching that results from mange is what causes the majority of the animal's hair to fall out. The presence of the eggs produces a massive allergic response that, in turn, produces more itching.

Sarcoptic mites cause mange resulting in:

Severe pruritus
Hyperkeratosis
Alopecia

Effitix Treats Mites

Control mites with monthly Effitix

The active ingredient, Fipronil is a well-known insecticide and effective against mites. Following application of Effitix to the skin, fipronil dissolves in the skin’s oily sebaceous layer and spreads across the skin surface. Fipronil is concentrated in the sebaceous gland, the epithelial layers surrounding the hairs, and the exposed part of the hair shaft after treatment, where mites may be present.

The active ingredient permethrin is a fast-acting adulticide and repellant of mites. Effitix has rapid knockdown and repellency. This rapid killing in addition to prevention of attachment can be important to reduce your dog’s chances of mange and related skin problems from mange. After application of Effitix, the pyrethroids bind tightly to the hair shaft when they reach the hair follicle and persist there, thus blocking mites. The compound exerts a toxic effect on the nerves of the parasite, acting as a noxious stimulus.