Mite Demodex In Dogs

The demodex mite resides in a dog in a form known as demodex canis.

Mite demodex in dogs.

In a healthy animal the mites are few in number and do not cause skin problems. Mange demodicosis is an inflammatory disease in dogs caused by the demodex mite. It usually is seen in small quantities on the skin of most of the dogs. Demodex in the dog is a common infestation of the dog s skin with tiny cigar shaped eight legged mites.

Demodex is caused by the demodex canis which is a parasite or mite that lives in the hair follicles of dogs. Also referred to as demodectic mange the mites reside and feed in the hair follicle and oil glands of the skin. The severity of symptoms depends upon the type of mite inhabiting the dog. When the number of mites inhabiting the hair follicles and skin of a dog rapidly increase it can lead to skin lesions skin infections and hair loss alopecia.

All dogs have these mites living on their skin but will not have a reaction to these mites unless their immune system is deficient. In some cases the mites are able to proliferate excessively leading to a condition called demodecosis or mange. Demodectic mange sometimes just called demodex or red mange is the most common form of mange in dogs. Demodex mites are microscopic normal inhabitants of dog skin.

Demodex is most common in puppies and dogs that have immature immune systems. Under the microscope this mite is shaped like a cigar with eight legs.