Dogs that have been attacked by demodectic mites will show extreme hair loss and weakened immune systems. This is because the mites burrow three to five layers deep into the dog’s skin and attack the hair follicles. These microscopic pests usually appear on all puppies, but mostly attack puppies from six weeks to just over a year.
These bloodsuckers have eight legs and appear in pores. This causes a localized infection at first. If not treated right away, it spreads and is very difficult to treat then. It can take months of expensive vet visits and medical treatments to get rid of them once they spread.
A characteristic symptom of demodectic mange is described as a wet dog odor. Vets can usually tell if a dog has demodex, but they will perform a skin scraping to be sure. There may or may not be severe itching associated with this infestation, but demodex often causes acute secondary bacterial infections. These come both from the infected pores and from the fact that the dog scratches so intensely and mistreats its skin.
Demodex-causing mites do not bite and exist in the dog’s blood, nor do they consume blood. They reside in the pores of the skin and hair follicles. Their nourishment comes from the oil from the skin and hair found there.
These moths look quite similar to the Narcotic Moth Eater. While notoedres cati is the main culprit for mange in cats, it can also infect dogs. However, it will not complete a full life cycle in humans. It will only cause itching and a rash. This is also known as “facial mange” because it starts at the top of the ears and travels down the face and body. If your cat is very itchy and has hair loss on her head and neck, you may want to get her checked for neoteric mange.
The female moths burrow into the skin, laying eggs as they go. Once she lays the eggs, she dies. The eggs hatch into larvae in three to five days. These become nymphs and then adults. This entire life cycle lasts two to three weeks.
Resume
Knowing more about the mites that cause demodectic mange in your pets can help you spot the symptoms quickly and get help much faster.
