Demodex Red Mite Mange in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs

He did not catch this. Demodex mites live on almost every normal dog. The question is why his immune system stopped keeping them in order.

Demodex is the mite that causes what people still call red mange, and it is the most misunderstood skin condition in the breed. It is not a hygiene failure, it is not something he picked up at the park or the groomer, and it is not contagious to your other dog the way sarcoptic mange is. The mites arrive in the first days of life from the dam while the puppies nurse, and after that they simply live in the hair follicles, in small numbers, causing nothing, on nearly every dog there is.

Disease happens when the immune system stops policing them and the numbers climb. That is why the useful question is never where the mites came from, but what has changed in the dog. In a puppy with one or two bald patches the answer is usually an immune system that is still assembling itself, and a good share of those settle as he matures. In a young dog losing hair over large areas, the answer is an inherited weakness, which carries a breeding implication worth taking seriously. In an adult who sailed through puppyhood and has suddenly gone widespread, the mites are rarely the whole story and something underneath needs finding.

Diagnosis is a deep skin scraping, not a guess from a photograph, and the end of treatment is decided by scrapings as well rather than by how the skin looks. The one mistake worth avoiding before you read anything else: a steroid given to a hairy, itchy dog before anybody has scraped him makes demodex worse.

Mite types Puppy demodex Adult demodex Diagnosis Topicals My rule of thumb

Dear Dr. Kraemer 🩺, I hope you’re doing well! My 4-month-old French Bulldog, Soki, has a few patches of hair loss on her back. She doesn’t seem to be itching, and our other Frenchie is just fine. I read on your website that a certain red mite 🕷️is common in bulldog puppies. What should I do? ❤️

Thanks, Lora and Soki!🐾 #French BulldogPuppy #FrenchieCare

Introduction To Skin Mites in French and English Bulldogs:

The Demodex red mite mange is a microscopic skin mite commonly found in bulldog puppies. In puppies, it often causes localized hair loss and typically resolves as they mature.

However, the adult form of this condition may indicate a genetic predisposition specific to bulldogs and is associated with underlying immune deficiencies. This form can be chronic,  present with more severe symptoms, and may be more challenging to treat effectively.

BULLDOG DEMODEX MITE TYPES:

Demodex Red Mite Mange is categorized in the literature into two types:

1. LOCALIZED DEMODICOSIS: bulldog puppy (Juvenile) Demodex mite type
2. GENERALIZED DEMODICOSIS: bulldog adult Demodex mite type

Bulldog Demodex Red Mite 5  MUST KNOW

1. Demodex skin mites can present in puppies as juveniles or as a generalized adult form.
2. Juvenile demodex is  mild, transient, and focal; the adult type is severe and chronic
3. Demodex mites are secondary to an incompetent, suppressed, or compromised immune system
4. The adult form requires longer and more aggressive treatment that includes
   • Medicated degreasing antiseptic therapeutic bully topicals
   • Addressing the underlying immune suppression
   • immune boosting therapeutics
5. Prevention includes Dr. Kraemer’s Demodex Care Bully Bundles 

Welcome to our “Prevention Over RX” Bulldog Community

From Dr. Kraemer’s exam room

A bulldog specialist, 20 years breed specific clinical experience

He did not catch it from another dog

Let me put the first thing straight, because it is the question every owner asks and the answer tends to surprise them. He did not catch this. Demodex mites live in the hair follicles of nearly every normal dog on earth, yours and mine included. They are handed over in the first days of life, from the mother to the puppies while they nurse, and from then on they are residents rather than invaders. So demodex is not a cleanliness problem, it was not picked up on an outing, and it is not going to pass to the other dog in the house in the way true mange does. What has gone wrong is not that mites turned up. It is that his immune system stopped holding their numbers down.

In a Bulldog puppy with one or two bald patches, classically on the forehead or around the eyes, that failure is usually local and temporary. The immune system is still being built, a small area loses the argument, and a good share of these resolve as he matures without anything dramatic. Your veterinarian will still want to scrape it and confirm what it is, because a bald patch on a puppy has more than one possible cause and treating the wrong one wastes time. But at that stage the conversation is often closer to watching carefully than to heavy treatment.

Generalized demodex in a young dog is a different matter, and this is the paragraph I would want a breeder to read twice. When a puppy’s mites get away from him over large areas of the body rather than in a patch or two, the problem underneath is an inherited weakness in the particular part of the immune system that is supposed to keep them in check. It is treatable and most of these dogs do well. But the susceptibility is heritable, which is why the long standing recommendation is that a dog who has had juvenile generalized demodicosis is not bred from, and that the pairing which produced him is not repeated. That is not a judgment on the dog or on his life ahead. It is about not sending the same problem forward into another litter. It is also worth knowing that what makes these dogs look and smell as bad as they do is usually not the mites themselves but the bacterial infection that moves in behind them, which is why the treatment is frequently two things at once.

Adult onset generalized demodex is the one that makes me stop and look elsewhere, and I want to say this carefully. In a dog who got through puppyhood without trouble and then develops widespread demodex as an adult, the mites are usually a consequence rather than the cause. Something has reduced his ability to keep them in check and that something needs finding. It may be hormonal, it may be a medication he is already on, and in an older dog there are other possibilities your veterinarian will want to exclude. So if your adult Bulldog has been diagnosed with generalized demodex and nobody has yet raised the question of looking for a reason behind it, that is a fair and sensible thing to bring up at the next visit.

Now the practical warning, which has spared a lot of dogs a lot of misery. If a dog is itchy and losing hair and somebody reaches for a steroid before anyone has scraped the skin, demodex gets worse, sometimes markedly. A steroid suppresses precisely the immune response that was keeping the mites in order. This is the most common route I have seen from a manageable case to a serious one, and it is the whole reason the scraping belongs before the treatment rather than after the first thing that failed to work.

Two last points. You finish this on scrapings, not on appearance. Skin that looks entirely healed can still be carrying mites down in the follicles, and stopping at that moment is exactly how cases relapse, so expect your veterinarian to want negative scrapings on more than one occasion before calling it finished. And the feet are the hard part in this breed. Demodex between a Bulldog’s toes is awkward to sample, slow to clear, and tangled up with the interdigital trouble the breed has anyway, so if the feet are involved, plan on the longer version of this and do not read slow progress down there as treatment failure.

Dr. Roy Kraemer, DVM

What Causes Bulldog Puppy Juvenile Demodex Mite?

The “localized”  red mite form, also known as

• “puppy demodicosis”
• “juvenile demodicosis,”
• “red manage puppy mites”

-Bulldog puppies get Demodex mites from their mother through close contact, particularly during nursing. Their mom, Demodex, is a normal part of the skin’s microflora. In some cases, due to the puppy’s underdeveloped, incompetent immune system, the mites can multiply excessively, leading to the skin condition.

Bulldog Juvenile Demodex is usully self-limited and of short duration.

What are The Symptoms of Demodex in Bulldog Puppies?

The most common skin presentation of a bulldog puppy with localized demodicosis is single or multiple non-itchy patches of hair loss.

• Focal or Multifocal patchy hair loss
• Flaky

How To Prevent and Treat Bulldog Puppy Demodex Mange Mite?

Bulldog-localized juvenile Demodex can often be prevented by boosting the immune system and avoiding stress and illness.

Treatment rarely requires prescription medication, the condition usually resolves as the puppy matures, and with the help of:

• quality diet
• calm stress-free environment
• bully therapeutics

BULLDOG DEMODEX MITE THERAPEUTICS:

Skin & Immune Boosting Bully Supplements:

• Bully Immune Support
• Bully Multivitamin
• Bully Fish Oil EFA
• Bully StressLess Chews
• Bully Skin & Coat DermaCare

Therapeutic Skin Topicals:

• Bully Oatmeal Aloe Shampoo
• Bully Aloe Oatmeal Cream Rinse Conditioner

There are a few flea preventatives that may also help prevent bulldog Demodex

What Causes Adult Generalized Bulldog Demodex Mites?

In contrast to the puppy-localized bulldog demodicosis, the bulldog red mite “generalized”  form, also known as bulldog “adult demodicosis,” is usually the result of an underlying immune-compromised disease.

These bulldogs are typically immunosuppressed due to an underlying medical condition or immune suppressant drugs such as:

• Hormonal Disease
  • Cushing Syndrome
  • Hypothyroid
• Chronic Illness
• Chronic Stress
• Malnourishment
• Steroid RX: Steroids like pred are often used to manage allergies or inflammatory conditions
• Chemotherapy: treating cancer patients and autoimmune diseases

What are The Symptoms of Demodex in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs?

In contrast to the mild transitory no-itchy puppy demodicosis, the clinical presentation of adult generalized bulldog demodicosis is often severe, itchy, diffuse, and long-lasting, with a secondary bacterial and yeast infection.

• Diffuse hair loss (baldness, alopecia)
• Discoloration, Redness
• Crusty, Flaky
• Smelly (odor) & Greasy
• Itchy
• Infected

How To Prevent and Treat Bulldog and French Bulldog Demodex Mange?

In contrast to the puppy-localized form, the adult-generalized form of bulldog demodicosis often requires more intensive treatment. Along with bully therapeutic supplements and medicated topicals, prescription medications are typically necessary to effectively manage the condition and address any underlying immune-compromising issues.

Prescription Medication

1. Antibiotics: a course of antimicrobials might be required to treat secondary skin infections.
2. Antifungal: to help treat secondary yeast infection
3. Nonsteroidal Itch Control (antihistamine)
4. Treating the underlying medical condition
5. Ivermectin: An estimated duration of a 3-month daily dose of oral Ivermectin to help eliminate the red Demodex mites.
6. Flea Preventives like Bravecto, may help treat bulldog demodex mite infection
7. Deworming: to help treat the chronic parasitic problem

DEMODEX MITE TOPICAL THERAPEUTICS:

Bully topical therapeutics are a must-do requirement

• Yeasty Bully Antiseptic Medicated Shampoo
• Yeasty Bully Antiseptic Medicated Waterless Gel
• Yeasty Bully Antiseptic Spray
• ItchLess Spray
• Hypoallergenic Cream Rinse Conditioner

🐾 An honest word about products

The mites are a prescription job. This is about the immune side of it.

I want to be careful on this page, because the logic of everything above could be bent into selling you something it should not. Clearing demodex is a prescription matter. The modern parasite medications work very well indeed, the choice is your veterinarian’s, and nothing on our shelves is a substitute for them. Where there is a bacterial infection on top, which in the generalized cases there usually is, that is a prescription too.

Where a supplement has a reasonable place is the broader ground this page has been standing on throughout: general immune and skin health in a breed that has a hard time with both. This range may help on that wider front over a good few weeks, alongside whatever has been prescribed rather than in place of it. If the day to day misery is the skin itself, the ItchLess topicals are complements to prescribed treatment and the treatment decision stays with your veterinarian. And if your dog is an adult who has only just been diagnosed, please put the search for an underlying cause ahead of any supplement, including ours.

See the immune support range

To be clear: supplements or topicals are not substitutes for prescribed treatment. If your dog is unwell, is being treated for a condition, or is already on medication, review any supplement or topical with your veterinarian so it fits the plan you are already following. This page is educational and is not a diagnosis or a treatment plan for your own dog.

DEMODEX MITE THERAPEUTICS SUPPLEMENTS:

The bully therapeutics will help

• boost the suppressed, compromised immune system
  • Bully Immune Support
  • Bully Multivitamin Formula
• Reduce stress and anxiety
  • Bully StressLess Chews
  • Bully HEMP Relax & Calm
• Balance and repair the skin barrier and microbiome
  • Bully Skin & Coat DermaCare
  • Bully Probiotic EZ
• Reduce inflammation
  • Bully Fish Oil EFA
• Reduce Itching
  • Bully ItchLess Chew

 A daily oral immunomodulator supplement to help boost the immune system can reduce both bulldog juvenile and adult Demodex 

Demodex Mite Mange in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs DIAGNOSIS

Demodicosis is diagnosed through a combination of clinical presentation and positive microscopic findings.

The diagnostic test is straightforward and cost-effective, involving a skin scrape of the suspected affected area. Since the mite lives deep within the hair follicle, the scrape needs to be deep enough to draw a drop of blood. The collected sample is then placed in a drop of oil and examined under a microscope.

The distinctive cigar-shaped mite can usually be seen even under a low-power lens, confirming the diagnosis.

CAN DEMDEX MITE BE CONFUSED WITH OTHER BULLDOG SKIN DISEASES?

Because Demodex symptoms can easily mimic other bulldog skin diseases, especially in the adult form, it is crucial to have a definitive diagnosis through a positive skin scrape. Other conditions to consider and rule out include:

• allergies
• sarcoptic mange
• yeast and bacteria dermatitis

Demodex Mange in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs PUPPY versa ADULT FORM

Below is a summary that will help guide you with your diagnosis and the follow-up prevention and treatment:

1. BULLDOG DEMODEX MITE DISTRIBUTION:

• Puppy Bulldog Demodex: localized, focal
• Adult Bulldog Demodex: diffuse, generalized

2. DEMODEX SKIN MITE INFECTION DURATION:

• Puppy Bulldog Demodex: short-lasting (weeks, months, until maturity)
• Adult Bulldog Demodex: long-lasting (months, years)

3. DEMODEX MANGE MITE INFECTION CAUSE:

• Puppy Bulldog Demodex: immune incompetent (immature immune system)
• Adult Bulldog Demodex: immune suppressed (a compromised immune system often due to an underlying disease or immune suppressant rx).

4. DEMODEX MITE INFECTION INTENSITY:

• Puppy Bulldog Demodex: mild, non-itchy, no infection
• Adult Bulldog Demodex: severe infectious dermatitis, itchy (often present with secondary bacteria and yeast infections).

5. DEMODEX SKIN MITE INFECTION DIAGNOSIS:

• Puppy Bulldog Demodex: skin scrape
• Adult Bulldog Demodex:
  • Skin Scrape
  • Blood work 
  • Imaging (sometimes, to help figure out the underlying disease).

6. BULLDOG DEMODEX MITE INFECTION THERAPY:

• Puppy Bulldog Demodex: mostly non-rx bully therapeutic topical & supplements
• Adult Bulldog Demodex:
  • bully therapeutic topical & supplements
  • prescription medication

7. BULLDOG DEMODEX MITE INFECTION PROGNOSIS:

• Puppy Bulldog Demodex: very good
• Adult Bulldog Demodex: depends on the underlying medical condition

Dr. Kraemer’s Bulldog Demodex RULE OF THUMB:

In my 30 years of practice, I’ve encountered only a handful of generalized adult demodicosis cases in non-bulldog breeds. However, I diagnose and treat countless pupps and adult forms of Demodex mites in bulldogs and French Bulldogs.

While some are stressed, abused, or malnourished rescue bulldogs, a significant number are well-cared-for, privately owned ones. The prevalence of Demodex in these breeds highlights the importance of vigilant care and timely intervention.

 I believe that there is a genetic predisposition of bulldogs to contract these mites.

Demodex in Bulldogs and French bulldogs TIPS & WARNINGS: 

Below are a few selective demodex tips & warnings courtesy of Dr. Kraemer

#1. DEMODEX NON-CONTAGIOUS TIP:

The bulldog Demodex canis red mites are not considered to be contagious to your other pets, kids, and other family members.

#2. BULLDOG DEMODICOSIS GENETICS TIP:

Demodicosis is much more common in bulldogs than in most other dog breeds. We believe that there is a genetically inherent predisposition.

#3. DEMODEX MITE LAB TEST TIP:

If your bulldog was diagnosed with general adult demodicosis, you should consider running some diagnostic screening tests to rule out an underlying immune suppressant disease like

• hypothyroidism
• hyper-adrenal disease
• chronic parasitic infestation.

#4. DEMODEX SKIN MITE AND STEROIDS TIP:

If your bulldog was diagnosed with demodicosis, the medical records should be reviewed to determine if any immune suppressant drugs, like steroids (cortisone), have been used recently.

#5. MANGE SCRAPING &  EXAM TIP:

Your bulldog puppy should have follow-up scrapings examined every few weeks to monitor the response to therapy. I typically recommend obtaining two negative scrapings, spaced a few weeks apart, before confirming that the clinical condition is fully resolved.

#6. PREVENTING DEMODEX WITH FLEA PREVENTIVE TIP

There are several flea control treatments, like Bravecto, that have shown some efficacy in managing red mites as well. Whenever I encounter cases of demodicosis, I start treatment with these flea control medications and continue their use consistently throughout the year, even after the condition has been successfully treated.

#7. TREATING DEMODEX WITH IVERMECTIN TIP:

To minimize potential adverse reactions when administering ivermectin, I always start with the lowest dosage. If your bulldog shows no adverse effects, I gradually increase the dosage every 7 days.

#8. DEMODEX ITCHING TIP:

Most bulldogs with juvenile puppy demodicosis are not itchy, at least not early on. They typically present with only focal or multifocal baldness, sometimes with additional scaling and redness.

#1. BULLDOG DEMODEX RELAPSE WARNING:

Due to the underlying disease associated with the generalized form of bulldog demodicosis, relapses after discontinuation of treatment are not uncommon. As a result, this therapy may be necessary for an extended period.

#2, DEMODEX MITE STEROIDS WARNING:

Given that demodicosis, a red mite skin disease, arises from a compromised immune system, it’s crucial to refrain from administering any immune-suppressant medications to your bulldog.

One of the most common mistakes I encounter in my practice involves bulldogs whose symptoms were mistakenly diagnosed as “allergic dermatitis” and subsequently treated with injected or prescribed steroids (cortisones) for itch control.

#3. BULLDOG DEMODICOSIS GENETICS WARNING:

If your adult female or male bulldog has been diagnosed with demodicosis (skin mites), it’s advisable to consider neutering or spaying them. This is because there may be a genetically inherited predisposition to the disease.

#4. IVERMECTIN WARNING:

The use of ivermectin is prohibited in certain breeds, such as Collies, Shelties, and Australian Shepherds, due to the high risk of life-threatening adverse effects. However, in bulldogs, adverse effects are rare and typically mild, especially when the treatment is discontinued promptly if any issues arise.

IVERMECTIN SIDE EFFECTS ON BULLDOGS

It’s important to be aware of the potential adverse effects of ivermectin. While they are uncommon, they may include symptoms such as nausea, wobbliness, stumbling, fatigue, and lethargy. In rare cases, temporary blindness can occur. Fortunately, all of these effects are reversible once ivermectin therapy is discontinued.

In my experience, I’ve never encountered any long-lasting side effects resulting from treatment with ivermectin.

#5. DEMODEX MITE TREATMENT DURATION WARNING:

For severe cases of demodicosis, like the generalized adult form, I recommend continuing treatment for at least three months. Owner compliance is crucial to prevent relapse and avoid the development of drug resistance.

#6. DEMODEX AND INFECTION WARNING:

It’s crucial to focus on eradicating the mites and addressing secondary bacterial skin infections. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that there are no underlying diseases that could impair your bulldog’s ability to respond effectively to treatment.

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