I beleive my dog has chigger bites, How can I ...

Danna — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:49:30 GMT

I beleive my dog has chigger bites, How can I sooth his itching?

RE: I beleive my dog has chigger bites, How can I ...

Caxie — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:43:28 GMT

One commonly known remedy for chigger bites is to apply nail polish to reduce itchiness. This does not kill the chigger or treat the bite in any way. It simply seals the area off from the air, which keeps the sore from itching so badly. If you want to apply something to relieve itching, it's much better to use a salve or cream that contains antihistamines (Caladryl or hydrocortisone salves are the most common). Like nail polish, these treatments will seal the bite from the surrounding air, but they will also help to prevent infection. If the welts continue to irritate your dog for more than a couple of weeks, they might be infected and you should take him to see the vet.

RE: I beleive my dog has chigger bites, How can I ...

neesee — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 04:15:08 GMT

Hi. Caxie is wrong. The chigger 'bites' are not really bites. Chiggers actually lay eggs under the skin. (prepare yourself for the rest of this) The itching is from the larvae wiggling and growing and munching on the tissue around them. The chiggers get in through the pores that hair follicles grow out from. When you find a chigger 'bite' (it will be a red little bump with a tiny opening like a black dot on top) put a dot of clear nailpolish on it. The chigger larvae cannot get out of the pore that is sealed off and they suffocate. Sorry to be so graphic.

RE: I beleive my dog has chigger bites, How can I ...

Cheryl — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:18:40 GMT

I have found the best thing for chigger bites is an antihistime. My vet has often told me to give my dogs antihistimes for different kinds of itching or allergy problems. I use baby benedryl. Be sure to check with your vet on the dosage.