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Demodex mites in dogs: symptoms and treatment of demodicosis

Demodex-Milben beim Hund

An infestation with Demodex mites can cause very unpleasant symptoms in dogs. It should, therefore, not be ignored and treated promptly.


In the following article, you will learn how demodicosis caused by Demodex mites occurs in dogs, what symptoms are present and what treatment options are available.

What are Demodex mites?

There are different types of Demodex mites. The species that mainly occurs in dogs is called Demodex canis. Demodex mites are also called hair follicle mites because they live in the hair follicles and the sebaceous glands. There they feed on tissue fluid, dead skin cells and sebum.


The tiny parasites are just 250 to 300 micrometres in size. They can be detected in small numbers in almost every dog. Usually, however, Demodex mites do not cause any symptoms, so they often go unnoticed for life.


However, for various reasons, the hair follicle mites may multiply vigorously. If this is the case, affected dogs suffer from so-called canine demodicosis.

Causes of demodicosis in dogs

If there is an excessive proliferation of Demodex mites in dogs and they fall ill with demodicosis, this is usually due to a weak immune system in the four-legged friend.


Accordingly, young animals and older dogs or dogs weakened due to previous illnesses are particularly affected by demodicosis. In young dogs, the weakening of the immune system may also be partly related to a genetic defect.

Symptoms of demodicosis in dogs

There are two different forms of demodicosis. In dogs with mild, localised demodicosis, the symptoms are limited to individual areas of the skin, whereas in animals with severe, generalised demodicosis, the skin complaints can spread over large areas of the entire body.

If a dog has demodicosis, this can manifest itself in particular with the following symptoms:

  • Hair loss
  • Skin flakes
  • Pustules
  • Papules
  • Skin redness

As soon as demodicosis becomes noticeable through corresponding symptoms, affected dogs also experience severe itching. Of course, the frequent scratching that accompanies this inevitably makes the skin changes even worse.


Without treatment, severe demodicosis in dogs can also cause fever and exhaustion as it progresses.

Diagnosis of demodicosis in dogs

If you observe hair loss and other possible symptoms of demodicosis caused by Demodex mites in your dog, you should consult a veterinarian.


The veterinarian can examine your four-legged friend and, with the help of a skin capsule, a pulled-out hair tuft or a skin biopsy, check whether you are correct in your assumption and your dog is indeed infested with Demodex mites, or perhaps another cause is responsible for the symptoms.

Treatment of demodicosis in dogs

The exact treatment of demodicosis in your dog depends on the severity and form of the skin disease. The localised form is much easier to treat than the generalised form. The latter sometimes requires treatment over several months.


Localised demodicosis in dogs does not always need to be treated, as in many cases, it will resolve on its own. However, treatment can sometimes be helpful to prevent further skin disease spread.


Dogs with generalised demodicosis must be treated. Antiparasitic shampoos and solutions can be used for this purpose. Furthermore, corresponding preparations are also available in spot-ons and chewable tablets.


Generalised demodicosis usually needs to be treated for several months. In addition, it is essential to counteract any bacterial skin infections that may be present. For this purpose, for example, a suitable antibacterial dog shampoo or, in severe cases, antibiotics can be used.

Bellfor Pyo-Health Shampoo for Dogs with Bacterial Skin Infections

If your dog with demodicosis suffers from bacterial skin inflammation, we recommend Pyo-Health dog shampoo by Bellfor. The skin-friendly and easy-to-use shampoo without artificial fragrances contains three percent chlorhexidine and is ideal for the therapy-assisting care of dogs with demodicosis.


Get to know Bellfor Pyo-Health in the shop.

Is demodicosis in dogs curable?

Localised demodicosis is usually very easy to treat if it does not disappear on its own. However, if the dog's paws are affected, the necessary treatment may be more extensive.


Generalised demodicosis can usually also be treated well. However, in rare cases, Demodex mites may still be detected in supposedly cured dogs, and symptoms may reappear as soon as treatment is stopped. If this is the case, permanent therapy may be required.

Are dogs with demodicosis contagious?

Unlike infestations with other mites, dogs with demodicosis are not contagious. Therefore, you do not have to fear transmission of the Demodex mites to other pets or yourself.

Bellfor expert tip for strong defences

The immune system plays a crucial role in the likelihood of Demodex mites causing demodicosis in your dog. For this reason, you must support your four-legged friend's defences in the best possible way.


To this end, always ensure that existing illnesses in your dog are treated promptly, avoid excessive stress in your dog’s everyday life and make sure that the dog food you buy is of good quality.


Hund mit Hundeshampoo

If necessary, it can also be helpful to support your dog's immune system with a suitable food supplement such as Bellfor Immune. Bellfor Immune contains carefully selected ingredients that provide your four-legged friend with numerous nutrients that are important for the body's defences.


Get to know Bellfor Immune in the shop.

Demodex mites and demodicosis in dogs - our conclusion

As you can see, Demodex mites in dogs are not a cause for concern at first. After all, there is a high probability that the parasites could also be detected in any healthy four-legged friend.


Demodex mites, also known as hair follicle mites, only become a problem when they can multiply excessively due to weakened defences, causing your dog to therefore fall ill with demodicosis. In this case, prompt treatment measures are essential to get the symptoms under control as well as is possible.


Regardless of this, you should support your dog's immune system in general as much as possible to reduce the risk of demodicosis. In addition to avoiding unnecessary stress, a species-appropriate diet with high-quality dog food and suitable food supplements, such as Bellfor Immune, will help you do this.


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