What should I do if my dog has Demodex?

This is usually available as a ‘spot-on’, tablet or shampoo. Antibiotics aren’t always needed but may be necessary if your dog has also developed a skin infection. If your dog’s skin is itchy or very greasy, your vet may advise a soothing and de-greasing shampoo. If your dog has demodex make sure you follow all treatment instructions from your vet.

Why do Demodex mites cause hair loss in dogs?

If a dog becomes immunosuppressed (loses the ability to fight off infections and parasites) demodex mites are able to breed and invade the skin. This is most likely to happen to dogs less than a year old and dogs with other illnesses. Demodex mites live in and around hair roots so when mite numbers increase they often cause hair loss (alopecia).

Is there a cure for demodectic mange in dogs?

Community Q&A. Aludex is a treatment designed to kill demodex mites, and demodectic mange is relatively unusual in adult dogs. Your vet may need to investigate to see if the dog has an underlying health problem that is suppressing the immune system and allowing the demodex mites to breed in her skin.

How can I get rid of Demodex mites on my face?

Cleansing your face with a mild, non-soap cleanser twice a day is a good way to keep the mites off your face and minimize oil production, cutting off a mites food supply. It is recommended that you stay away from oil-based cleansers and consider using a cleanser with tea tree oil.

Where does Demodex come from in a dog?

Demodex in the dog is a common infestation of the dog’s skin with tiny, cigar-shaped, eight-legged mites. Also referred to as demodectic mange, the mites reside and feed in the hair follicle and oil glands of the skin.

How does a dog get rid of Demodex mites?

Once eliminated, most dogs do not acquire another infestation; the dog’s immune defenses are primed to eliminate any new demodex mites. However, there are certain dogs that, because of genetic programming, do not produce the specific immune factors that will target the mites for destruction.

Is it safe to neuter a dog with demodectic mange?

There is absolutely no benefit to NOT spaying or neutering a dog undergoing treatment. On the other hand, reproductive hormones in female dogs in heat (estrus) or in pregnant dogs can cause worsening of the mites or make it more difficult to control them.

How often should I Dip my Dog For demodectic mange?

Since most dogs develop tolerance to the dip as they are repeated, your dog is less likely to have side effects with each subsequent treatment. After receiving two to three dipping treatments at seven-day intervals, skin scrapings should be repeated and examined for the presence of live mites or mite eggs.