Has anyone ever had an issue with chicks (from a reputable hatchery) having mites that spread to dog

[nono]

I'm not sure if this has actually happened...but within the past week, 2 of my dogs suddenly have ear issues. Neither of these dogs has ever had them before. I had assumed the the first dog affected was suffering from a simple yeast infection in his ear...until this evening, as I watched the second dog shaking his head as well. Due to the weirdness of having them both showing symtoms, I suddenly wondered if the chicks could be the culperts, and I have something more going on with the dogs than just yeast...possibly ear mites (?) (obviously I'm just speculating at this time.) There are 9 chicks, within a brooder set up in my dining room (a large dog crate bedded with pine shavings.) The chicks all appear happy and healthy...no itching or bald spots etc. They range in age 3 weeks to 4 weeks old. The dogs do walk by the brooder on occasion, but haven't had much interaction with the chicks other than a mild sniff here and there. I could be totally off base...but figured I'd ask to see if this was a possiblity that I never prepared for?

 

[sourland]

Ear mites in dogs and chicken mites are two separate species of pests and are species specific in their host choice. Your dogs may very well have ear mites or more likely a yeast infection or food allergy, but did not get the condition from your chicks.

 

[nono]

Sourland, thank you for your knowledge. I should have researched it further last night when the thought crossed my mind...but instead I went to the boards thinking I had been remiss in realizing there was a possibility of cross contamination of this type of parasite. Something else must be going on that I'm overlooking. Both dogs are older adults and have never had issues with their ears before...and for both to come up with the same symtoms in the same week is very strange.

Again, my gratitude.

 

[sourland]

Have you switched dog food lately? Many ear conditions in dogs are associated with food allergies.

 

[nono]

No, same dog food for the past 2 years. I only feed grain free in order to try to stay away from food based allergies (corn etc.) That's why it has thrown me a bit. I have to actually switch brands because I feed Taste of the Wild which is now involved in the Diamond Foods recall. The recall is for possible Salmonella contamination...hell, I should google side effects for that.