What Causes Demodectic Mange?
Demodectic mange, sometimes just called “demodex,” is the most common form of mange in dogs. It is caused by the demodectic mange mite, a parasite which lives in the hair follicles of affected dogs. Under the microscope, this mite appears shaped like an alligator with eight (8) legs. All dogs (and many humans) have a few of these mites on their skin. As long as the body’s immune system is functioning, these mites cause no harm. Demodectic mange most often occurs when a dog has an immature immune system, allowing the mites to grow rapidly. Therefore, this disease occurs primarily in dogs less than 12-18 months of age. In most cases, as a dog matures, the immune system also matures. Adult dogs which have the disease usually have defective immune systems. Does this mean that demodectic mange is not contagious? Yes. Since the mite is found on virtually all dogs, exposure of a normal dog to one with demodectic mange is not contagious. Why doesn’t the immune system mature correctly in some d
