Demodectic mange in dogs, also known as demodicosis, is a skin condition that causes hair loss and inflammation. It is caused by a tiny mite called the Demodex mite which burrows deep into your dog’s skin. There are two types of this disease: localized and generalized demodicosis. In localized demodicosis, the mites live only in the hair follicles of the skin, especially around the face and feet, whereas in generalized cases, they live all over the body. In this article, we will be going over some of the symptoms and treatments for demodectic mange in dogs so you can better understand what you are dealing with if your dog has been diagnosed or suspects they have it.

What is demodectic mange and what causes it?
Demodex spp. mites are parasites within the hair follicles and sebaceous glands of dogs. Demodicosis results when the mites proliferate excessively. Demodectic mange is a skin disease caused by the Demodex mite, Demodex canis. This tiny mite lives in the hair follicles of all dogs and rarely causes any problems. However, when something – such as stress, illness, or old age – weakens your dog’s immune system, the mites can multiply out of control and cause demodectic mange. Puppies are also most commonly affected while their immune system matures.

What is the life cycle of the demodex mite?
The life cycle of the demodex mite consists of four stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. The female mite lays eggs in hair follicles, from which larvae hatch and migrate to the surface of the skin. Larvae then develop into nymphs before maturing into adults. It is important to note that these mites are not contagious to other animals or humans.
The female mite is capable of laying approximately 20-24 eggs, which then mature over a period of 18-24 days, completing the cycle from egg to adult within the hair follicle.
Puppies usually get these mites from their mothers through close contact because these mites are actually a normal part of a dog's skin habitat, especially in small numbers. So, it's completely natural for your dog to have a few of these mites, and in most cases, they don't cause any issues.
What are the symptoms of demodectic mange and how does it affect dogs?
Most dogs with demodectic mange are not itchy which is a stark comparison to other types of mange, such as sarcoptic mange.
The most common symptom of demodectic mange in dogs is alopecia (hair loss) which can be patchy or all-over. Localized demodectic mange will start in discrete areas around the face and feet. If it progresses throughout the body, it is called generalized demodectic mange. An affected dog with demodex may also have skin crusting, redness, and irritation.
A hallmark sign of demodectic mange in dogs is patchy hair loss (alopecia) around the face and feet.
How is demodectic in dogs diagnosed?
Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam on your pet and recommend diagnostic testing to confirm the diagnosis. These tests may include:
Skin scrapings - This test involves taking a small sample of skin cells from the affected area and examining it under a microscope for Demodex mites. In most dogs, this test can be performed without sedation or anesthesia.
Hair plucks - The hair plucking technique is useful for sampling areas of the skin that are difficult to scrape, such as the face and paws. It is also best for dogs that do not tolerate the skin-scraping procedure.
Skin biopsy - This test involves taking a small sample of skin from the affected area and examining it under a microscope. This test would require heavy sedation and/or anesthesia to perform.
If your dog has been diagnosed with generalized demodectic mange and they are greater than 1 year of age, it should be evaluated for possible immunosuppression. Any condition or disease that suppresses the immune system can allow for demodicosis to occur. Possible conditions include diabetes, Cushing's disease, and certain medications that can suppress the immune system.
Is Demodectic mange contagious to other dogs or people?
There's no way to contract demodicosis as it is not contagious to other animals or people. The only way a dog can get it is through its mother during the first few days of life, and since this mite lives on virtually all dogs (and humans!), there isn't any danger to other dogs of being exposed by an infected animal so long as the dog has a healthy immune system.
What is the treatment for demodectic mange in dogs?
Treatment of demodectic mange can be a long, frustrating process for both pets and owners. However, there are many different treatments available to help improve your dog’s skin condition.
As the demodex mites live within the skin, the most effective way of treating demodectic mange is by using oral medication. Concurrent use of medicated shampoos that contain benzoyl peroxide can be beneficial and improve success.
Miticide treatments for demodex mites:
Off-label treatments - These are commonly used flea and tick medications prescribed by veterinarians (Bravecto™, Credelio™, Simparica™, etc.) that will treat demodectic mange in dogs but there is no official indication for their specific use for the Demodex mite. Although off-label, studies have shown great efficacy and safety when using these medications for demodectic mange in dogs.
Ivermectin – This is an oral medication that can be used to treat cases of demodectic mange in dogs. It may take several weeks or months before you see improvement in your dog’s skin condition when using this treatment alone. Due to the potential side effects of ivermectin, other therapies are often used first. Ivermectin should not be used in Collie-type breeds due to potential toxicity.
Amitraz (Mitaban®) dip – This prescription topical treatment for demodectic mange in dogs is used in conjunction with other treatments each week until there are two consecutive negative skin scrapings. Due to side effects for both the dog and people, Mitaban is no longer used or recommended.
How can demodex be prevented?
The easiest way to prevent demodex from becoming an issue in your dog is to use a monthly flea and tick preventative from your veterinarian. These prescription products have unadvertised, off-label use for demodex skin mites in dogs.
That being said, not all flea and tick products are effective against mites, so it's important to choose one that is. Your veterinarian can recommend products that have been shown to work against the mites that cause demodectic mange.
What is the prognosis?
The prognosis for Localized demodicosis is good as it is often self-limiting.
However, when it comes to generalized demodicosis, the likelihood of a cure depends on effectively managing and resolving underlying medical conditions as well as discontinuing concurrent immunosuppressive medications (e.g. prednisone, cyclosporine).
For those patients who require immunosuppressants or have chronic health issues, maintenance therapy may be an option.
What is the difference between sarcoptic mange and demodectic mange in dogs?
Sarcoptic mange, or scabies, is caused by a mite different from demodectic mange (Sarcoptes scabiei). Sarcoptic mange makes the dog incredibly itchy and is highly contagious to other animals and people while demodectic mange is not. Treatment for sarcoptic mange generally involves the use of oral and/or topical medications.
Signs of demodectic mange in dogs may be similar to sarcoptic mange, but the two types of mites are different and require different treatment plans. Dogs with demodicosis usually present with symmetrical lesions on the face, around the eyes, ears, or feet; Sarcoptic mange is usually more prominent around the ears and elbows.
FAQs
How long does it take for demodectic mange to resolve?
It will take anywhere from three to six weeks for demodectic mange to resolve with the appropriate therapy.
What is the best demodectic mange shampoo?
It's important to choose one with benzoyl peroxide as this has been shown to improve success rates in some cases, as it provides a 'follicular flushing' effect.
Are environmental control measures necessary to get rid of Demodex mites?
Since demodicosis is not contagious, there is no risk to other dogs or people if the dog has a healthy immune system. Initial treatment for puppies should be with medication such as appropriate miticides. No environmental control measures need to be implemented.
Demodicosis, more commonly known as demodectic mange, is a skin disease caused by the Demodex mite. This mite can be found on virtually all dogs and is considered part of their normal skin flora. While there are effective treatment options available, it can often be a long and frustrating process for both pets and owners. The most effective way of treating demodicosis is through oral medication, though concurrent use of medicated shampoos can also be beneficial. Off-label treatments using flea and tick medications may also be prescribed by veterinarians with great efficacy and safety.