Article: Dog's Contagious `Galloping Dandruff' Is a Mite Itchy

Q. My dog, a 4-year-old beagle, had dandruff and scratched a lot. I thought the dandruff was from scratching, but my veterinarian said the scratching was caused by a mite called cheyletiella. Can you tell me something about this bug?

A. Cheyletiella, sometimes called galloping dandruff, is a mite that lives on dogs, cats and sometimes humans. Humans are usually only at risk if they sleep with their infected pet. The mites are highly contagious. The bug looks like dandruff, but when examined under a microscope, it resembles a microscopic monster. Most insecticides that are safe on dogs and cats can be used in treatment and are quite effective.

Q. My pet dog, a miniature poodle, was 12 years ...

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