Mites are microscopic parasites that could leave your dog restless, itchy and lethargic when not taken care of. They may be small but are bugging and could cause irritation to dogs. The symptoms, treatment and how demodex in dogs comes about will be discussed in this article.
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Demodex Dog Symptoms
Demodex infection localizes on the skin of dogs and usually has obvious symptoms on the face, arms, legs and belly. These symptoms and lesions may start off as little itches or papules on the face or snout and progress to other parts of the body.
Areas affected could also lose hair and become reddened due to aggressive itching. Below are some of the common symptoms of demodex infection in dogs:
- Itching
- Loss of hair
- Fatigue
- Lethargy
- Papules and pimples on skin
- Brushing against the wall
- Skin inflammation
- Loss of weight
- Restlessness
Symptoms of demodex mites infection could get worse when not discovered on time. To notice these symptoms on time, install the Petcube Camera which allows you to get video footage of moments when your dog itches or brushes itself against a wall. With this, you can report to the vet promptly and have it resolved.
How Do Dogs Get Demodex
Demodex mites are not just microscopic but are everywhere. In fact, they are considered normal skin microbes for dogs and even humans. This means they are harmless microbes that live in hair follicles and sebaceous glands. However, when these microbes increase significantly, they could lead to demodicosis.
“Demodex is fairly common in dogs. Although it can be transferred from mother to young, it can resolve on its own in young dogs”, - Reddit User
Demodex canis is the most common demodex mite in dogs and could easily be transferred from mother to young during breastfeeding or grooming. But demodicosis is not contagious but stems from an overgrowth in the population of demodex mites already existing on dogs.
Demodicosis, an infection caused by demodex mites in dogs, does not really have a known cause. Apart from poor nutrition, genetics and stress, an immune system dysfunction such as hypothyroidism has been linked to demodicosis.
“Canine demodex is not a contagious disease but has been reported in non-related housemates at the same time”, - Dr. Rudayna Ghubash
Research suggests that long-haired dogs are more predisposed to demodex mites infections compared to medium-haired and short-haired dogs. Also, dogs with poor health conditions living under poor conditions have a higher tendency of developing demodicosis.
Demodex Treatment for Dogs
Treatment of demodex mites in dogs requires a rigorous and dedicated process. The goal is to reduce and stabilize the excessive growth of demodex on the skin. To do this, the veterinarian would diagnose the exact species causing the condition using skin scrapings and other diagnostic procedures.
Usually, demodex mites are curbed with amitraz, ivermectin or doramectin. A study also suggested the use of natural remedies in order to boost the body’s immune system, which allows it to fight off the infection itself.
Both treatment and management are required when treating demodex. After treatment, the following management practices should be carried out to control demodex mites:
- Proper Hygiene: Having a healthy and hygienic dog will help reduce the recurrence of demodex.
- Balanced Diet: To help boost the immune system, the dog should be placed on a balanced diet till recovery.
- Routine Checkup: Dogs on demodex treatment should get checked routinely to monitor the progress of treatment.
- Protective Collar: Use protective collars like the Elizabethan collar to help prevent itching, especially around the neck and face.
- Clean Environment: The environment should be fumigated and cleaned to reduce the population of mites and prevent the recurrence of demodex.
In cases of generalized demodex mite infection, I have discovered more than one type of demodex mite which led to some complications. This type of demodex may require more rigorous treatment regimen options.
Pet parents who may not be ready for the financial burden that comes with generalised demodicosis could still give their dog the best treatment if they utilize the Petcube Emergency Fund. This package can help you offset up to $3000 in vet fees and would give you a 27% discount if you register now using the exclusive link.
Conclusion
Demodex mite infection is one of the most bugging conditions a dog could have. It causes restlessness and severe itching. To avoid its spread, demodex mites need to be diagnosed on time and treated. With the right medication and follow-up, dogs with demodex mites usually have a good prognosis.
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