How to treat Demodex mite in dogs? - briefly
Effective management combines a veterinary‑prescribed acaricide, such as an amitraz dip or oral ivermectin/milbemycin, with regular skin cleaning and monitoring. Treatment usually continues for several weeks, with follow‑up examinations to confirm parasite elimination.
How to treat Demodex mite in dogs? - in detail
Demodex infestation in canines, commonly called demodicosis, requires accurate diagnosis and targeted therapy. Microscopic examination of skin scrapings confirms the presence of Demodex canis or Demodex injai. Classification into localized or generalized forms guides treatment intensity.
Systemic acaricidal agents represent the primary intervention for generalized disease. Recommended options include:
- Ivermectin, administered orally at 0.2–0.4 mg/kg once daily; duration extends until three consecutive negative skin scrapings, typically 8–12 weeks.
- Milbemycin oxime, given at 0.5 mg/kg orally every 30 days; effective against both adult mites and larvae.
- Selamectin, applied topically at 6 mg/kg weekly; useful for owners preferring a non‑oral route.
- Moxidectin, delivered as a spot‑on preparation at 2.5 mg/kg monthly; indicated for resistant cases.
Topical treatments supplement systemic therapy, especially for localized lesions:
- Amitraz dip, 0.025 % solution applied weekly for 4–6 weeks; monitor for sedation and hypotension.
- Lime‑sulfur dip, 2 % solution applied thrice weekly for 4 weeks; reduces secondary bacterial colonization.
- Benzoyl peroxide shampoo, 5 % concentration, used twice weekly; improves skin desquamation and reduces inflammation.
Adjunctive care addresses secondary infections and skin integrity:
- Broad‑spectrum antibiotics prescribed based on culture and sensitivity when bacterial pyoderma coexists.
- Antifungal agents added if Malassezia overgrowth is documented.
- Regular grooming with a mild, non‑irritating cleanser maintains barrier function.
Monitoring involves repeat skin scrapings every 2–4 weeks, assessment of lesion regression, and evaluation of adverse drug reactions. Dose adjustments are necessary for breeds with known sensitivity to macrocyclic lactones, such as Collies and related genotypes. In cases of treatment failure, combination therapy—systemic ivermectin with weekly amitraz dip—may be employed under veterinary supervision.
Long‑term prevention includes routine administration of monthly heartworm preventatives that contain effective acaricidal compounds, maintaining optimal nutrition, and minimizing stressors that compromise immune response.