What is demodex and how do you treat it?

Demodex are small mites that reside within the hair follicles. They are part of the dog’s natural skin flora and do not cause problems unless the dog’s immune system is not working properly. A weak immune system allows the mites to reproduce to abnormal proportions. Cushings disease and certain cancers can result in an overgrowth of demodex. 

A demodex infection (demodicosis) results in the loss of fur. Bald spots appear. These can become secondarily infected by bacteria and can then become itchy.

Juvenile dogs can also get demodicosis despite being healthy. They become infected while suckling their mum. However, demodex do not spread between adult dogs. 

Skin scrapings need to be performed in order to diagnose demodicosis. The samples are analysed under the microscope by the veterinarian. If an underlying disease is suspected further testing is performed. 

Treatment depends on what type of demodecosis you are dealing with but includes a parasiticide that kills demodex. Any secondary bacterial infections will also need to be treated with antibacterial shampoos and potentially antibiotics. If there is an underlying disease present it will need to be addressed as well. Revisits with skin scrapings will be required after treatment has finished in order to ensure the infection has been eliminated.