🐶 Vet Guide 2025: Demodectic Mange in Dogs – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options 🧬

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Demodectic mange—also known as demodicosis or “red mange”—is a common parasitic skin condition in dogs caused by microscopic mites of the Demodex genus. These mites normally live in harmony with your dog, but when immune balance is disrupted, they can proliferate and cause serious skin issues. In this comprehensive 2025 vet guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know: from causes and symptoms to treatment strategies and prognosis. 🩺🐾

🔬 The Culprit: Demodex Mites

Three main species affect dogs:

• Demodex canis – the most common
• Demodex cornei
• Demodex injai

These mites are passed from mother to pup within days of birth. Most dogs coexist with their mites peacefully. But if your dog’s immune system becomes compromised—due to stress, illness, or genetic predisposition—mites can multiply and lead to skin disease. 🧫

🤝 Is It Contagious?

Demodectic mange is not considered contagious under normal circumstances. Here’s what we know:

• 👶 Pups acquire mites from their mothers, usually during the first week of life
• 🐕 Healthy adult dogs rarely catch mites from each other
• 🧬 There may be exceptions under high mite loads or immune dysfunction

Importantly, Demodex mites cannot be transmitted to humans or cats. 🛡️

📊 Forms of Demodicosis

1️⃣ Localized Demodicosis

This mild form usually affects puppies and appears as isolated patches of hair loss, typically on the face, legs, or paws. Key facts: 👶

• 🟢 No more than 4 spots total
• 📍 Does not span more than 2 body regions
• 🩺 Usually resolves on its own—no treatment needed

Recommended management includes isoxazoline flea preventives (like Simparica®, Nexgard®, or Bravecto®), or topical antibacterial gels if needed. About 90% of cases resolve spontaneously. 🚫💊

⚠️ Puppies with family history of mange have a higher risk of progression and may need monitoring.

🐾 Breeding Considerations

If the condition resolves without treatment, the pup may still be considered for breeding. But if it generalizes, sterilization is advised to prevent passing on susceptibility. 🧬

2️⃣ Generalized Demodicosis

This form is more severe and involves multiple large patches or full-body lesions. 🩸 Secondary infections often cause itchiness, odor, and inflammation. In advanced cases, the dog may appear bald and scabby. 🔍

🧒 Juvenile Onset

Common in dogs under 18 months. Roughly 30–50% of young dogs may recover without treatment, but medications usually speed up healing and reduce risk of complications.

🧓 Adult Onset

Rare, and typically linked to an underlying health issue such as cancer, endocrine disease, or immune suppression. Dogs presenting with adult-onset demodicosis require a thorough diagnostic workup. 🧪

3️⃣ Demodectic Pododermatitis

This is demodicosis that only affects the paws. It’s hard to treat and often requires biopsy for diagnosis. 📉

• 🐾 Deep skin infections are common
• 🧬 Breeds like Shar-Peis and Old English Sheepdogs are more prone

This form is often the most stubborn, but modern treatments offer renewed hope. ⏳

💊 Treatment Options

The introduction of isoxazoline flea and tick products revolutionized treatment for demodicosis:

✅ Isoxazoline Medications (Preferred):

• Simparica® (sarolaner)
• Bravecto® (fluralaner)
• Nexgard® (afoxalaner)
• Credelio® (lotilaner)

These are given every 2–4 weeks and often result in full resolution. 🐕

📌 Alternatives for Non-responders:

• 🧪 High-dose ivermectin (NOT safe for herding breeds)
• 💧 Daily milbemycin (Interceptor®)
• 🧴 Topical moxidectin (Advantage Multi®)
• 🧼 Amitraz dips (labor-intensive and less used today)

🚫 Important Warning:

Do NOT use Apoquel® (oclacitinib) for itching in demodicosis. It suppresses immunity and may worsen or reactivate the disease. ❌

🔄 Relapse & Monitoring

Relapse can happen if treatment stops too early. Demodex mites are hard to completely eradicate, so treatment should continue:

• 📆 Until multiple negative skin scrapings
• 🔁 With monitoring every 2–4 weeks
• 📉 Even after visible improvement

Most relapses occur within 6–12 months of initial resolution. 🕐

🔬 Prognosis

The younger the dog, the better the outcome:

• 🐶 Puppies: Full recovery is likely
• 🧓 Adults: Often manageable, but may require lifelong treatment

Regular monitoring and proper treatment can lead to excellent outcomes. But early diagnosis is key. 🧠

📲 Ask A Vet: Fast Help for Skin Issues

Worried your dog may have demodectic mange? Unsure which treatment is best? Visit AskAVet.com to chat with licensed vets 24/7. 🩺

Download the Ask A Vet App to:

• 📸 Share photos of skin lesions
• 📅 Track treatment and scrape results
• 💬 Get support from experts in skin care and parasitology

Better care begins with better information. 🐶📱

📝 Final Thoughts

Demodectic mange may sound scary, but modern veterinary medicine offers safe, effective options. With early detection, a dedicated treatment plan, and support from your vet—or the team at Ask A Vet—most dogs make a full recovery. 🐾

Skip the motor oil, follow the science, and give your dog the healthy, itch-free life they deserve. 🐕🧴