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How to get rid of bird mites in my home and treat my dog's sore paws?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed | 17 years and 3 months old | 15 lbs

Hi, we resently found out that our house is full of bird mites. They bite all of us. How do I get rid of these in my home and on the dog and I. Are bird mites in the tick family? I have to do this myself cause I have no way to pay exterminators. Also my dog is old and always seems to get some form of mites. How can I cure her sore paws that have ulcer like sores between her toes and swollen paws from the mites. She has always had trouble with ear mites. I to be able to treat the house and. Us.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Jessica Desrosiers

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on August 15th, 2019

The good thing is bird mites don't usually feed off people, but they can still bite and cause irritation. Bird mites usually are a result of wild birds living nearby, so clearing out any brush, nests in your house or under eaves, etc can help to resolve the numbers in your home. Thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting everything also can reduce the population.

Bird mites do not usually cause sores, but if they are causing itching and Sassy is chewing on herself to the point of wounding, it is best to have her examined by your vet. They can make sure the sores haven't become infected and that there isn't another parasite that is potentially causing the problem. Most regular flea and tick medications will also protect against biting lice and other similar parasites as well.

If you can't afford care, this site can help give you some ideas to make it affordable so Sassy can get the help she needs: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/having-trouble-affording-veterinary-care
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