Keys to Cheyletiella and Walking Dandruff in Dogs

Poor nutrition (especially lack of necessary Omega-3 fatty acids in the diet), inadequate grooming, prolonged time spent in an arid/indoor environment, seborrhea, demodicosis (demodex mange), pediculosis (lice), or other parasitic infections can lead to dandruff and scaly skin.

Walking dandruff, also known as cheyletiellosis, is caused by an infestation of Cheyletiella mites. In dogs, the primary species responsible is Cheyletiella yasguri.

These mites are acquired from other animals that carry them, including other dogs, cats, or rabbits. Surfaces that infected animals have been in contact with can also transmit the Cheyletiella mites.

Lastly, it should be noted that dogs with weak or compromised immune systems will be more susceptible to parasitic infestations and infections in general.

• Excessive dandruff and widespread scaling, typically on the back
• Large flakes of skin may appear to be moving when closely observed
• Mild to severe itching, though not in all cases
• Very dry skin and lackluster coat

In more severe cases:

• Patches of fur loss (alopecia)
• Open sores from scratching
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis)
• Secondary bacterial infection (pyoderma)
• Secondary fungal yeast infection (Malassezia)

It is extremely unlikely. The Cheyletiella mite infestation itself would not be considered the probable direct cause of death.

It is more likely for a fatal systemic infection (bacterial, fungal, or both) to develop because of, or in addition to, a generalized case of walking dandruff.

Consistent treatment with approved medications should eliminate the Cheyletiella mite infestation within 4 to 5 weeks. More time may be required to return the skin and coat to normal.

If present, a compounding case of pyoderma (bacterial infection) or a Malassezia yeast infection would call for a longer and more complex treatment plan to clear the infection on top of eradicating the mite population.

Systemic infection is ultimately the biggest and deadliest risk of any dermal parasitic infection.

Some can, yes - though it is considered an off-label use.

Several prescription flea and tick products contain ingredients that are effective at killing and repelling Cheyletiella mites (and also mange mites), such as:

• Selamectin
• Fluralaner (Bravecto®)
• Milbemycin oxime (Interceptor®)

Walking dandruff is contagious and zoonotic - meaning that it can be spread between dogs, other animals, and humans.

The mites can survive off-host for up to 10 days, so surfaces that an infected animal touches must be cleaned and sterilized to prevent spread.

Thankfully, in humans, the mites cannot complete their life cycle, so the infected is self-resolving. However, they can cause itchy red bumps to form for a brief period.

Itching due to walking dandruff can range from mild to severe - depending on the dog.

Though uncommon, some dogs may exhibit little itching and simply act as non-symptomatic carriers of the Cheyletiella mites.

While it is possible, it is very unlikely.

Once confirmed, it is best to eradicate the infestation before a more serious problem, such as a bacterial and/or yeast infection can occur.

We do not know if Lavengel® is effective against the mites themselves, but we do know it can be invaluable in relieving the itch and irritation caused by mite infestations, helping the damaged skin to heal, and aiding in fur regrowth.

Further, it's great as a potential spot treatment for any sores or infected wounds that have come about due to a dog's scratching.

Walking dandruff is caused by Cheyletiella mites, and mange (which comes in two forms) is caused by two different species of mites.

Mange is caused by two different species of parasitic mites, whereas yeast infections are caused by a fungus (Malassezia pachydermatitis). Yeast and mange require very different forms of treatment. You can get a lot more info on the two types of mange on our Yeast Resource Page.

Since both types of conditions - in their severe forms - can result in hair loss, severe itching, hyperpigmentation (dark coloring), and scaly skin, these two conditions are often confused. In fact, a severe mange mite infestation can lead to secondary pyoderma and yeast infections.

It should be noted that, in general, mange is rather uncommon, and occurs much less frequently than yeast dermatitis.

Walking dandruff is caused by Cheyletiella mites, and mange (which comes in two forms) is caused by two different species of mites - Demodex and Sarcoptes mites.

Demodex and Cheyletiella mites are found in the same order of classification, and they tend to live on hair follicles. Sarcoptes mites (scabies) live on and burrow into the skin. All three can bring about scaly skin, dandruff, severe itching, and hair loss - with scabies being the worst of the three.

Interestingly, Cheyletiella, Demodex mange, and Sarcoptic mange are all treated using similar methods and medications.

Yes, in a sense. Cheyletiella mites can be spread to and from humans. However, the mites cannot complete their life cycle on humans, so they will die off.

Humans may temporarily experience itchy red bumps caused by the mites that look like flea bites, but they will not experience "walking dandruff" - the excessive scaling and dandruff seen in dogs or cats.

Adult Cheyletiella mites can grow to 0.5mm in size, which is just visible to the naked eye. That said, for proper diagnosis, mites should be identified under a microscope.