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Demodex in Dogs
Written By Darlene Stott
Published: 03/28/2017Updated: 11/04/2021
What is Demodex?
Generally, once your dog has had an infestation of demodex and the mites have been completely eliminated, they do not become re-infested with the mites. This is because your dog’s immune system is now able to recognize and eliminate any new demodex mites. Some dogs that have a weak immune system will not be able to eliminate the mites without medical intervention.
Demodex, also known as demodectic mange, in dogs is a mite infestation on your dog’s skin. The mites are tiny, eight legged, cigar shaped, and feed in the hair follicles and oil glands of the skin. Most cases of demodex are self-limiting, meaning your dog is able to stop the growth and reproduction of the demodex mites and will also repair the damage that was done by the mites.
Symptoms of Demodex in Dogs
When Demodex first appears, it may just look like a small spot of hair loss, possibly from rubbing the area. However, if you notice any crusting on the skin or the hair loss spreads contact your veterinarian for an appointment. Symptoms of Demodex to look for include:
- Hair loss in patches
- Rubbing their face or head
- Redness or inflammation of the skin
- Excessive oil on the skin
- Crusting on the skin
- Paws that are swelling
Types
Demodex has three distinct varieties.
Localized
This type of demodex will affect only a few parts of the body, usually the face. It will appear as just a small lesion around the face and is commonly seen in puppies. Most cases of localized demodex will resolve without any treatments as the puppies immune systems mature.
Generalized
This type of demodex will affect larger areas of skin or possibly the entire body. Generalized demodex will many times cause secondary bacterial infections. These bacterial infections will cause intense itching and a foul odor. It can be very difficult to fully eliminate all the mites.
Demodectic Pododermatitis
This type of demodex is located on the feet only. It causes secondary bacterial infections that are located between the pads and the toes. This type is the most difficult to fully cure.
Causes of Demodex in Dogs
Demodex is caused by the Demodex canis, which is a parasite or mite that lives in the hair follicles of dogs. All dogs have these mites living on their skin but will not have a reaction to these mites unless their immune system is deficient.
Demodex is most common in puppies and dogs that have immature immune systems. The mites will multiply uncontrollably when your dog’s immune system is immature or weak and unable to properly dispose of the excessive mites. Most adult dogs will be able to fight off the excessive mites without needing medical intervention. Older dogs may also show symptoms of demodex as their immune systems begin to decline and with age.
Diagnosis of Demodex in Dogs
Your veterinarian will begin by taking a complete medical history on your dog. They will also ask you about any changes in diet or environment. Then, your veterinarian will complete a full physical examination on your dog, paying close attention to any bald spots or noticeable lesions.
Your veterinarian will do a complete blood count and will also do a skin scraping of an affected area. The skin scraping will be placed under a microscope and your veterinarian will look for mites. Demodex canis mites are fairly easy to spot under the microscope.
If your dog is a mature dog, your veterinarian may also search for the reason the Demodex canis mites were able to multiply uncontrollably. There is usually an underlying cause that is suppressing the immune system and sometimes it is extremely difficult to find what that cause is.
Treatment of Demodex in Dogs
Once your veterinarian has diagnosed demodex they will begin treatments to get rid of the overgrowth of mites. Anti-mite creams can be used as well as anti-inflammatory creams and corticosteroid creams. Your veterinarian may also recommend using benzoyl peroxide on larger areas. Your veterinarian will probably trim the hair around the affected areas. This will allow the prescribed creams to work more effectively on the affected areas.
Some cases of demodex may require the use of anti-parasitic medications. Your veterinarian will prescribe the medications they feel will work best on your dog. Antibiotics may also be used in cases where bacterial infections from the demodex have occurred.
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Recovery of Demodex in Dogs
Most cases of demodex are treatable. Dogs that are suffering from a weak or suppressed immune system will be much more susceptible to other diseases and conditions as well as relapses of demodex. Dogs that have immature immune systems, such as puppies, will generally recover from demodex and will not have a relapse.
Speak with your veterinarian regarding your dog’s prognosis. Dogs that have weak or suppressed immune systems should not be used for breeding. Puppies who have developed a case of demodex can still be bred when they are older as long as the demodex does not recur.
A demodex infestation can be expensive to treat. To avoid high vet care expenses, secure pet health insurance today. The sooner you insure your pet, the more protection you’ll have from unexpected vet costs.
Demodex Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Dutch Shepherd
Dutch
3.5 months
0 found this helpful
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Hair Loss
Is Demodex transferable to humans? If one puppy has it will it transfer to the old dog in the house? What is the best way to clean/wash beds and bedding the puppy was sleeping on?
Oct. 18, 2017
0 Recommendations
Is Demodex transferable to humans? Short answer no, long answer yes but it isn’t generally a problem. Demodex is a parasite which is actually found on the skin of the vast majority of dogs and puppies usually get the parasite from their mother whilst nursing; what causes flare ups of Demodex is usually an underdeveloped immune system of a puppy or the immunosuppressed immune system of an older dog. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Oct. 18, 2017
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Schnoodle
Sirius
11 Months
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Hair Loss
Itching
Scratching And Chewing Paws And Legs
My dog is 11 months old, he was diagnosed with demodex. Considering one of the causes of the overgrowth mites is immunosuppression, should I be worried about him having an underlying cause for the appearance of demodex or should I just attribute it to his young age?
Aug. 30, 2017
0 Recommendations
An underdeveloped immune system is usually a common cause of Demodex overgrowth in puppies, but at eleven months of age we would expect that Sirius’ immune system would be strong enough to keep Demodex at bay. Immunosuppression may be caused by other infections, stress or other problems; there are various treatments for Demodex which may be tried including spot-on treatments, dips and shampoos. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 30, 2017
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American Staffordshire Terrier
Luna
5 Years
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Skin Lesion
Hair Loss
My 5-year-old Am Staff Terrier developed a small bump on her head around which the hair seems shorter or lighter in color. She doesn't appear to have physical symptoms but it seems to have developed quickly and the abnormal surrounding area seems to be growing. She has been treated for several months by her vet for soft stools with occasionally bloody mucus. She's been in the pool a lot the past few days--chlorinated.
Aug. 30, 2017
0 Recommendations
There are a few causes for the problem you are describing including chemical irritation, trauma, fungal infection among other causes; try to bathe the area regularly (twice per day) with chlorhexidine or similar product, if you see that it doesn’t improve you should visit your Veterinarian to take a look and possibly take a skin scraping to help with the diagnosis. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 30, 2017
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Unknown
Nali
6 Years
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Hair Loss
Itching And Licking
Crusty Scaly Raised "Scabs (Skin Flakes Are White
Sore To Touch
My dog has constantly been chew on her back end. She has managed to get all the hair off of her tail. And above the tail. And down her legs. I'm not really sure if this is the same thing as demodex.
Aug. 30, 2017
0 Recommendations
Many times demodex is non-pruritic, the symptoms you are describing may be attributable to anal gland disorders, other parasites (mites etc…) among others. A skin scraping by your Veterinarian and a general examination would be best to confirm and treat the cause. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 30, 2017
My turning 2 months old puppy has a dermodex on her eyes and nose part :( and it causes her lost hair :( the vet gave her a shots and her medication is also a shot I forgot the name. Is it okay if I give her an ointment? Or just trust the shot med? I’m so worried :(
Jan. 29, 2018
Anne G.
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Boxer
Penny
15 Months
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Itching, Hair Loss In Patches, Swollen Paws
Ear Lesions Due To Head Shaking
My 15 month old Boxer has been struggling with Demdex and on antibiotics since 4 months. There's no improvement. In fact the hair loss and itching is on the rise. Is it curable without antibiotics? And will some medication to improve her immunity help?
Aug. 30, 2017
1 Recommendations
Demodex infections in puppies are usually not treated as they normally overcome the parasite with time, in chronic cases it is best to treat both possible secondary infection from scratching and to treat the demodex directly; there are a few different approaches to the treatment of demodex which are outlined on the document below which should be discussed with your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVMwww.ivis.org/proceedings/navc/2005/SAE/114.pdf?LA=1
Aug. 30, 2017
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