Can my dog get Demodectic Mange?
You probably won’t like this answer, but yes, your dog could fall prey to the nasty parasites behind Demodectic mange. Demodicosis is far more common than other types of canine mange and it effects all dogs.
However, some dogs are particularly susceptible. The majority of the dogs that develop Demodectic mange are younger animals with immature immune systems. (It affects juveniles often enough to have earned the nickname puppy mange.) Rescued dogs and dogs with current or previous health problems are also more prone because their immune health has usually taken a beating, And then there’s the issue of breed.
Learn About Immune System Repair
Some breeds have a higher risk of developing Demodex
Certain dog breeds are predisposed to developing demodicosis. When an animal is specifically bred for certain characteristics, there’s always going to be a trade-off. Just the same as it is with genetically modified foods; some qualities weaken in order to make others stronger. Many breed lines have sacrificed immune strength during generations of intense genetic fiddling. The end result is that many of today’s purebreds as well as mixed breed dogs from those bloodlines have inherently weaker immune systems from birth.
The more susceptible are Afghan Hound, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Collie, Chihuahua, Dalmatian, Doberman Pinscher, English Bulldog, German Shepherd Dog, Great Dane, Old English Sheepdog, Pug and Shar-Pei.
The MDR1 Gene
Many herding breed dogs such as Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Old English Sheepdogs have a genetic predisposition to adverse drug reactions involving over a dozen different drugs. These drug sensitivities result from a mutation in the multi-drug resistance gene (MDR1 gene).
The most serious adverse drug reactions involve several antiparasitic agents (ivermectin, milbemycin, moxidectin, doramectin and related drugs) that are the fallback solution used by most traditional vets. Other troublesome drugs known to cause reactions include the antidiarrheal agent loperamide (Imodium), and several anticancer drugs (vincristine, doxorubicin, others).
Dogs with MDR1 mutation can suffer serious and sometimes fatal reactions to traditional miticidal and antiparasitic treatment. For any breed known to carry the MDR1 gene, your vet should test for it before beginning treatment with drugs and chemicals.
Or better yet, avoid toxic substances, pesticides and harsh drugs altogether! Instead, try a natural holistic approach to restore your dog’s health.
Harness The Power of Nature
Mite Avenge 6-Pack, plus options for recommended treatment items.
Includes 3 immune boosting products selected for Digestive Support and Overall Immune Support.
16 oz - Cleans and flushes hair follicles plus controls demodex, sarcoptic, and cheyletiella mites. Also important for use before Mite Avenge® drench, and other topical mange treatments.
Signs of Demodex Mites
Most cases of demodectic mange usually are localized, which means that the patchy hair loss (alopecia) appears only in several limited or confined areas on the dog’s body. Sometimes, the disorder becomes multifocal, meaning that there are defined areas of patchy hair loss that show up on many different areas of the dog’s body. When demodectic mange becomes generalized, it is a much more serious medical condition.
Owners of dogs with demodectic mange may notice one or more of the following signs of this condition:
- Patchy hair loss anywhere on the body, but most commonly localized areas are the head, face (lips, muzzle, around the eyes), neck, front legs and/or shoulders.
- Generalized patches of hair loss in patches that coalesce or merge to form large areas of sores and draining tracts all over the dog’s body.
- Scabbing, scaling, inflammation and crusting of the skin in one or many places
- Skin infection (redness, rawness, presence of pus)
- Plugged hair follicles
- Itchiness (this can very widely; usually more common with generalized demodicosis than with the localized form)
- Scratching at affected areas
- Skin redness