Dog nasal mites (Pneumonyssoides caninum) are tiny parasites that live inside the nasal passages and sinuses, causing chronic sneezing, nosebleeds, and reverse sneezing. They are highly treatable with antiparasitic drugs once diagnosed. Any dog can be affected, but large breeds with longer nasal passages may be more commonly diagnosed.
Last reviewed: June 2026
What Are Dog Nasal Mites?
Pneumonyssoides caninum — the canine nasal mite — is a pale, 1–1.5 mm parasite that colonizes the nasal passages, sinuses, and sometimes the nasopharynx of dogs. First described in Norway and Scandinavia, nasal mites are now documented worldwide, including across North America, though they remain underdiagnosed because most clinicians do not test for them routinely.
Dogs acquire nasal mites through direct nose-to-nose contact with infected dogs, or possibly through shared bedding and environments. The mite's life cycle is completed entirely within the nasal passages; eggs, larvae, nymphs, and adults have all been found on nasal lavage. Clinical signs range from mild intermittent sneezing to severe nosebleeds and head-shaking depending on mite burden.
Signs of Nasal Mites in Dogs
- Reverse sneezing — sudden, dramatic honking episodes (the mites irritate the nasopharynx)
- Chronic sneezing — especially violent sneezing that produces discharge
- Unilateral or bilateral nasal discharge — clear to mucopurulent
- Nosebleed (epistaxis) — from physical irritation of the nasal mucosa
- Head-shaking or pawing at the nose
- Noisy breathing or snoring at rest
- Reduced exercise tolerance if sinuses are congested
Approximately 55–75% of dogs with confirmed nasal mite infestations in European studies reported chronic nasal discharge as the primary presenting complaint. A dog that has been treated for chronic sinusitis or rhinitis without improvement should be tested for nasal mites.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is challenging because mites are not visible externally and are missed on standard nasal swabs. The most reliable methods are:
- Rhinoscopy — direct visualization of the nasal passages; mites appear as white, moving specks on the nasal mucosa. This is the gold standard.
- Nasal lavage — flushing the nasal cavity under anesthesia and examining the flush fluid microscopically
- Therapeutic trial — some vets treat empirically with milbemycin oxime or ivermectin and diagnose by response
Chest radiographs may be needed to rule out fungal rhinitis (Aspergillus, Cryptococcus) or nasal tumors, which can present similarly.
Treatment
Nasal mites respond well to antiparasitic treatment. As described in Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, common protocols include:
- Milbemycin oxime — an oral macrocyclic lactone approved for other indications but used off-label for nasal mites; two doses 3 weeks apart is a common protocol
- Ivermectin — injectable or oral; highly effective but contraindicated in MDR1-mutation breeds (Collies, Australian Shepherds, Shelties, etc.)
- Selamectin — topical spot-on; requires multiple monthly applications
- Moxidectin — another macrocyclic lactone option
All dogs in the household should be treated simultaneously to prevent re-infection. Most dogs show significant improvement within 1–2 weeks of the first dose. Pain management per AAHA guidelines is rarely needed for uncomplicated nasal mite infestations unless secondary rhinitis has caused significant mucosal damage (AAHA Pain Management Guidelines, 2022).
When to See a Vet
Call your vet today if:
- Your dog has had unexplained reverse sneezing, nosebleeds, or nasal discharge for more than 2 weeks
- Your dog's chronic sneezing is not improving despite prior rhinitis treatment
- You see your dog pawing repeatedly at its nose or shaking its head
Go to the ER immediately if:
- Your dog has a sudden, profuse nosebleed that does not stop within 10 minutes
- Your dog is struggling to breathe through its nose and appears in distress
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do dogs get nasal mites? Primarily through nose-to-nose contact with infected dogs — at dog parks, groomers, boarding facilities, or in multi-dog households. Shared bedding or bowls may also play a role, though direct contact is the primary transmission route. Nasal mites cannot infect humans or cats.
How much does nasal mite treatment cost for dogs? A rhinoscopy or nasal lavage under anesthesia typically costs $400–900. Antiparasitic treatment (milbemycin oxime or ivermectin) is inexpensive — usually $20–60 per dog for a full course. Total cost from diagnosis to treatment is typically $450–1,000. If secondary bacterial rhinosinusitis has developed, antibiotics add $30–80 more.
Can nasal mites cause permanent damage? In most dogs, nasal mites cause reversible inflammation. Prolonged heavy infestations can cause chronic mucosal changes, scarring of nasal turbinates, or secondary bacterial sinusitis that requires additional treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent these complications.
Will my other dogs get nasal mites? Yes — nasal mites spread easily between dogs in the same household. Treat all dogs simultaneously, even those that appear symptom-free, to eliminate the parasite from your environment.
Are nasal mites the same as ear mites? No. Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) live in the ear canal and cause head-shaking, dark ear debris, and itching around the ears. Nasal mites live in the nasal passages and cause sneezing and nasal discharge. They are different parasites requiring similar antiparasitic drug classes but different treatment protocols.
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