What is Demodex Mange in Dogs?

Although demodectic mange looks horrible, it's actually not as serious a problem as other types of mange, such as sarcoptic mange. Demodectic mange is also known as red mange, and it's caused by a reaction to an infestation of the demodex canis mites. It usually happens more in puppies than adult dogs.

  1. Causes

    • Though no singular cause leads to demodectic mange, it seems to flare up most often when there stress is placed on the immune system. Since puppies are particularly susceptible to stress, usually when they are taken away from their mothers and brought into a new home, it's not unusual to see a flare-up.

    Symptoms

    • You can usually spot demodex flare-ups around the feet and the facial area. In most cases, these areas will appear very red and show hair loss. Demodectic mange can sometimes start as just a small patch of hairless skin, but if left untreated, it can move all over a dog's body, giving an unattractive appearance. Unlike sarcoptic mange, demodectic mange won't cause the infected dog to itch.

    Diagnosis

    • A veterinarian will tell the difference between demodex-caused and sarcoptic mange. The veterinarian will take a skin scraping and view it under a microscope. However, the mites that lead to this condition are found on all dogs, so their presence alone does not constitute demodectic mange. Vets usually need secondary scrapings from the infected areas.

    Treatment

    • If the mange is localized, topical medications will treat the area. However, if the mange is generalized (when it is all over the dog's body), more intensive treatment is required. The preferred treatment is using either a dip containing amitraz, or a worming medication that contains ivermectin. If the dip method is used, a veterinarian will need to perform it, since improper procedures can cause serious side effects. The vet will also prescribe a regimen of antibiotics to prevent any of the areas from developing infections. Although some dogs will actually "outgrow" the disease if left untreated, seek professional help.

    Prevention

    • Since the mites are present on all dogs, there is no effective way to prevent the disease from manifesting. However, if a dog has had generalized demodectic mange, keep the dog from breeding, since the condition does seem to run in certain bloodlines.