Demodex Canis: A Simple Guide to Mites on Dogs

What is Demodex Canis?

Demodex canis is a type of mite that lives in the hair follicles and skin of dogs. These tiny parasites are common and usually don’t cause health problems. However, if a dog’s immune system weakens, the mites can multiply and lead to a skin issue called demodectic mange.

How do Dogs Get Demodex?

Most puppies acquire the mites of Demodex from their mothers when they are suckled. These organisms are not alien to the dog’s body, and infection due to these mites is rare. The problem only manifests itself when the overwhelming stress is too high on the animal or when an illness has presented itself or some other factors are involved.

Types of Demodectic Mange

There are three main types of demodectic mange. Have a look at the below.

1. Localized Mange

• Symptoms: Irritative bald patches commonly found on the face, ears, or legs.
  Prognosis: Not requiring any medications; Usually resolves on its own without treatment.

2. Generalized Mange

• Symptoms: May affect a larger region associated with erythema, sores, and swelling.
• Prognosis: For patients below the age of 18 months, the recovery rate is high. Older dogs carry more risks due to one or several complications.

3. Pododemodecosis (Foot Mange)

• Symptoms: Affects the feet, potentially leading to secondary bacterial infections.
• Prognosis: Treatment can be difficult due to persistent infections and irritation.

Symptoms of Demodex in Dogs

Signs of a Demodex infestation may include. Have a look.

• Hair loss
• Red, irritated skin
• Scaling or crusting of the skin
• Secondary bacterial infections (in severe cases)

Interestingly, Demodex mites generally do not cause itching; any discomfort is usually due to secondary infections.

How is Demodex Diagnosed?

Vets diagnose demodectic mange by taking a deep skin scraping and examining it under a microscope. Finding a high number of mites or larvae confirms the diagnosis. A single mite is common and doesn’t always indicate a problem, so ongoing observation is important.

Management of Demodex Mange

Management is dictated by the type of mange. Have a look at the below.

• Localized Mange: Usually doesn’t require treatment unless it progresses. Long follow-up is still advised.
• Generalized and Foot Mange: Isoxazolines are the current preferred treatment. Older treatments like Amitraz dips are rarely used today. Treatment can be more complicated for older dogs with other health issues.

Can Humans Get Demodex from Dogs?

Well, there is no possible way that humans can get Demodex mites from dogs. Each one of these species has a different kind of Demodex mites that are not harmful to humans and can stay dormant in the skin without creating issues.

Preventive Measures for Demodex in Dogs

Although you cannot emphasize enough about the prevention of this because most dogs usually have these mites, you can help promote a healthy immune system using these practices:

• Visiting the veterinarian consistently
• Balanced diet
• Training and introducing people in order to decrease stress levels
• Good hygiene and grooming

Conclusion

It is a natural phenomenon for Demodex mites to reside on the skin of most dogs. However, there are certain circumstances when the presence of these mites becomes a problem. In case your dog has noticeable patches of alopecia or suspect skin damage, immediately visit a vet to rule out any possible ailments. If this is done during the early stages when the infection is still under control, the improvement and recovery rate of your canine friend would be quite fast.