Juvenile demodicosis in dogs

Demodex mites can live in hair follicles without obvious disease, but an affected young dog may develop small bald patches, facial hair loss, redness, spots, scaling, or a rough coat. Some dogs have only a few localised areas; others develop widespread skin involvement. Bacterial infection can add odour, crusting, pustules, soreness, or itch.

A veterinarian usually confirms the cause by examining skin samples under a microscope and checking for infection or another skin disorder. Hair loss alone does not identify demodicosis, so treatment should follow an examination rather than a home diagnosis.

Follow the veterinary treatment plan exactly, including the medicine, dose, schedule, and any recheck tests. Treatment may involve a veterinary parasite medicine and care for secondary infection. A medicated wash may be recommended when appropriate; see [Medicated Shampoo Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/medicated-shampoo-therapy/) for general context, but do not substitute human shampoo or an unapproved insecticide.

Keep the dog’s skin dry when advised, prevent licking of treated areas, and wash bedding as directed. Tell the veterinarian if appetite, energy, vomiting, balance, or skin pain changes during treatment. Recovery can require continued monitoring even after the coat begins to regrow.

Arrange prompt veterinary care for rapidly spreading hair loss, painful or ulcerated skin, pus, strong odour, fever, marked lethargy, poor appetite, or swollen feet. A dog that is weak, collapsing, having repeated vomiting, or showing breathing difficulty needs emergency care. Young dogs with widespread disease may need assessment for an underlying health problem.

Ask whether the disease is localised or widespread, how infection was checked, which treatment is being used, what side effects to watch for, when skin samples will be repeated, and whether other pets or household cleaning need special measures.