My dog's demodectic mange keeps returning. How can I help her?

Question

I just asked a question about my pet Willow and I wanted to say thank you to Dr. Linda G for explaining my pup's demodectic mange in a way I can understand. That being said, is demodex curable? How long do I have to wait to spay? Why does the mange come and go frequently? I thought mange, even if untreated, would pass. (not that we'd do that). I just don't seem to understand how to help. We've tried treating it with antibiotics already. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 3 months old | 50 lbs

Lotus Altholtz · Accepted Answer

Clinical symptoms of demodex can be resolved, however this type of mange is treated with antibiotics as it is a parasite and not a bacteria. Most dogs do have a small # of this type of mite living in their hair follicles but do not have the hair loss, itchiness and scaly skin typical of pets showing clinical symptoms because they have healthy, mature immune systems. Usually dogs that have recurring symptoms of mange have immune systems that are compromised for a variety of reasons (a young or old age, concurrent illness are some possible reasons). One easy way to prevent clinical symptoms from returning is to keep Willow on a monthly oral flea/tick preventive such as prescription NexGard (given once a month year round), Bravecto (given every 12 weeks) or Simparica (given once a month year round) that is also recommended by veterinary dermatology specialists because they are very effective in treating mange. Oral NexGard, Simparica or Bravecto year round is much easier than the older traditional treatment which often involved daily dosing of oral ivermectin in cherry syrup for 45 days. After dosing with one of these products, use of an anti-itch shampoo twice weekly such as Douxo Calm Dog and Cat Shampoo (available on Chewy.com) with phytosphingosine to help restore the skin barrier is very helpful to improve comfort/reduce itch. Having a full physical exam and screening bloodwork to rule out concomitant medical issues that could be compromising Willow’s immune system is recommmended as well. Good luck!

My dog's demodectic mange keeps returning. How can I help her?

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