How to prevent demodex mites in new puppies from a pregnant dog?

Pregnancy can affect the normal immunity levels and also the natural balance of the skin and demodex mange can be more common during pregnancy and nursing. I would recommend assessment by a dermatologist in order to investigate if this is present and to advise on the most appropriate management options both the relieve her discomfort and reduce the risk of the pups being severely affected at a young age. There are many medications which can be used with appropriate caution in pregnant and nursing mothers although many others must be avoided

Especially since Roxy is nursing puppies, I would not advise giving her any medication without having her examined by the vet first. It is important to know for sure what you are dealng with to avoid giving the wrong thing. Though it may look like mites, it could be another skin condition, or even something internal that is showing up in the skin patches.

The only way to definitively diagnose mange (Demodex) is by skin scrapings which should be repeated every 2-3 weeks during treatment until 2 negative skin scrapings are found. Make sure that the flea and tick medication prescribed will also treat mites (milbemycin or moxidectin) and keep in mind that the dosage frequency is different for mite treatment than it is for flea preventative. Treatment needs to continue for 1-2 months after there is a negative skin scraping. Steroids are usually contraindicated in treatment of Demodex. Demodex mites are not contagious to other animals so your other dogs may not be affected.

The veterinarian that diagnosed Maditau's mange via skin scrape should be able to advise you about treatment. The medications used to treat mange vary based upon the type of mites seen - Demodex or Sarcoptes.

This is a difficult to answer question. So we have a mother with mange, and this means the puppies will likely be infected with mange also. Therefore the risk of the puppies dying or getting severely ill from mange vs adverse events from medication is higher, and therefore I would treat the mother;s mange. You will however have to find out what kind of mange mites are present. Your vet should be able to tell you after an exam and then should prescribe a medication for mother and possibly puppies. There are several medications that will kill mites such as avermectins, (Revolution spot on, ivermectin or doramectin injections, Bravecto, Nexgard, etc.) Please take Diamond and her puppies to your vet for an exam and prescription.

If it is a local demodex and resolves fully, you can likely still breed her. However, if she does not respond well to treatment or continues to have it as an adult I would not breed her. I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Congratulations on adopting a new dog. Is the mange currently being treated with an oral product such as Nexgard, Bravecto, Simparica or Credelio? Demodex mites are found on virtually all dogs, but it does take a suppressed immune system for them to overpopulate and cause an infection. If the mange is already being treated and your own dog is otherwise healthy, the risk *should* be fairly low. If you have any further questions or concerns I would recommend reaching to your regular veterinarian on how to proceed. Good luck!