Might anyone have experience in treating Demodex naturally? I'm guessing it's localized (sister's dog) as it is only in one tiny spot on the pups back. Vet has been having her bring the pup in every 2 (I think)weeks for dipping which I fear may be worse for the pup in the long run. I've pulled a few things off the internet for her, several sites recommended to 'wait' and see if the pup's system will fight it off w/ time...which doesn't sound bad to me. Her vet on the other hand is one that gives every shot known to mankind and I'm sure will never offer her any type of 'alternative treatment'. Any suggestions (other than switching vets <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> ...still working on that one)??

Cindy Easton did a natural remedy for a pup with demodex. Worked like a charm. Dips are very harmful and I would not use them. Cindy do you still have that remedy?

I don't agree with the treatment most vets use for demodex. The immune system is already supressed and then they want to put dip on the dog that makes the dog sleepy, and you need to wear gloves to apply it. Duh!!!

The very first thing I would do is put the dog on a raw GRAIN-FREE diet. My friend Roni (who is also on this board) has a young female with demodex, she has switched to a raw diet and it is clearing. No med, no dip......but should you need a treatment of some type try this website. http://www.purelypets.com Click on the Wellness center link and there is a good article about demodex.

I had a pup about 7 years ago with demodex and I used Dr. Pitcairn's treatment from the book Natural Health for Dogs and Cats. Since that time I have changed my thoughts on grain for dogs so I don't know if I would try that again but anything is better than the treatment that most allopathic vets will prescribe.

Good luck. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Thanks Cindy. Unforunately my sister is not quite ready to take the plunge into feeding all raw but I have suggested that she add vegetables atleast into the pup's diet.
I read on the internet last night that it is possible to still feed kibble and treat mange naturally as long as you feed a very high quality kibble. I know she is feeding Nutro Lamb and Rice for Puppies right now but I know she would switch to another brand if need be even if it's more costly (LOL, it still would be cheaper than a visit to her vet!).

Hello,

My female Malinois 4 month puppy has Demodex visible on her chest and down left front leg. The vet has prescribed Ectodex applications. We started last week. Advised from the start to use commercial Puppy Food, I now feel I should be giving her a natural diet as clearly the pet food seems suspect.
Any advice about treating the Demodex?? I've noted the lemon and vinegar applications.
Any recipes for home cooking with limited freeze space?? I used to give my other dogs cooked ground meat, bones, carrots, rice and any left-overs. The breeder advised me against 'home-cooking' as this would make the dog 'greedy'.
Also, should I inform the breeder about the Demodex as it is said to come from the mother??

Sorry about so many questions.
Berenice

PS : Lastly - about spaying.... If we decide to do it, before or after first heat??? Also, she is a fabulous dog, training nicely, I'd hate the neutering to mess her up.

An 8 week old Besenja mix pup that I pulled out of the local county death pound had a severe case of Demodex mange. The pup was too young for dips and I used "Revolution" in an attempt to solve the problem. That seemed to work for a while with monthly application. However; the mange mites once again resurface and "took over" when the pup was six months old, the "Revolution" was no longer effective; so we went thru the every two week dips for six visits in addition to putting a "Prevtic" collar on the dog and treated the dog with Keflex for the secondary skin infection.

It is my understanding that the Demodex Mange Mite Parasite lives within the hair folical as opposed to the Sarcoptic Mange Mite Parasite which lives upon the skin. It is also my understanding that all living beings have the Demodex Mite but that stress will trigger the outbreak. So..how does diet coralate with treatment? How would diet "kill off" the mange mite?

I understand that the mange parasite acts like yeast infections. We all have them, but they only surface when the system is weak??????
Berenice

I don't have any experience with mange (thank goodness), but I'd like to address Berenice's question about spaying.

Berenice, unless you plan to show your dog in conformation or you think she is worthy of being bred (and that is a whole other discussion), spay your dog BEFORE her first heat cycle. Doing this will help to greatly minimize her risk of ovarian cancer and will provide MANY other health benefits.

Neutering will not affect her trainability except that she will need several days to recover from the surgery and she should not do anything strenuous until the stitches come out. If anything, the spay will help her be less distracted and less moody which is only to your benefit and will HELP her training. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Hope this helps you!
Kali <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

On the spaying issue...I agree it is best to do that...with this one thought.
Don't spay while you have an active case of demodex going on. Since these mites flare up during times of stress the last thing you want to do is put the stress of surgery on top of that. Wait until the dog has been clear and symptom free for at least 4-6 weeks. Hair should be grown back and healthy looking.
As for "getting it from the Mother"...as someone else pointed out it is something that ALL dogs have...if we skin scrape ourselves enough you will find them on us. The only thing you need to consider is the overall immune system of the pup. Where I work we advise clients to do a titre of vaccine protection against Distemper and Parvo just to be on the safe side. I know that opinions vary here on the idea of vaccines but at least test to be sure they are protected. It can then be your decision as to whether you re-vaccinate or not. My advise would be to and then recheck the titres again to be sure they took.
Hope that helps...and I didn't want to get another debate started on the pros and cons of vaccines!! :-D Just a little info.