For those of you who are unfamiliar with demodex I am adding this to my website so there is a better understanding of just what demodex is.  It is also called Red Mange but I would rather not refer to it as that since most people tend to freak when hearing the word Mange.

Demodex is very, very common in boxers.  More so in Pitt Bulls and Dobermans.  Most buyers are not aware of this so I am here to open the door to a better understanding of it.  I will try and explain it as best I can.  Please remember this is my opinion and demodex is somewhat of a mystery as to how some pups get it and others do not.  I have been in contact with a couple of breeders lately and they have either purchased pups that have the demodex mite or have had call backs on pups with demodex even though their bitches never showed signs of demodex. It seems to be turning up in high numbers right now so this is why I want to make everyone aware of it.   Most vets will tell you that breeding a female with demodex is not acceptable.  Some breeders will watch the level of the demodex and if it's not a huge outbreak and clears up on it's own (without any kind of treatment), they will continue to breed their bitch.  A bitch may have 6 litters in her lifetime and never throw a pup with demodex until her 6th litter.  I have come to the conclusion that the only way to cure demodex would be to eliminate the boxer breed altogether or all other breeds that are susceptible to it.  I think you all know, this is not going to happen!!!!!  So.....if the boxer breed is the breed for you, then please be prepared to possibly deal with this issue.

All dogs have the demodex mites and pups will acquire the mites from their mother after birth.  It is believed that if a pup has a weak/low immune system (When this happens in puppies, I  believe we are dealing with a low immune system verses a weak immune system and that is when the demodex mite attacks. Just as when a human immune system is low and contracts the common cold or flu) the mites attack the pups skin follicles and causes hair loss. Demodex in puppies will normally break out around 5-6 months old and as late as 10 months old.  

What to look for?   If your pup has a visible spot  of hair loss, on the back, face, under neck (usually turns red if under the neck) or legs, you should then bring your pup into your veterinarian and have a skin scraping done.  This will tell you if you need to treat your dog. The sooner you treat with Mitaban, Ivomectin and anti bacterial shampoo, the less hair loss the pup will have. I've been told that using just Ivomectin orally for 90 days is very effective.

What causes this?    It's believed to be STRESS......Good stress/bad stress.  It is not life threatening and once treated it will normally never reappear. It is not contagious and other pets in the home cannot get it.  Even though humans do have mites, this can rarely be transmitted to humans.

Please click on the link below to find out more about demodex.