Demodex/Food Switch

[SorcasMa]

We just came from the vets and my baby has Demodex. Right now it is just two spots, so the vet just wanted to do a topical treatment cream. He Bsaid that it could be that it was because his immune system was compromised a couple of weeks after we brought him home (he got very sick and we almost lost him, but no one still knows what it was).

I was thinking that it was food allergies, and that was why he kept itching. I had tried to switch him before he was sick to Blue, but then that was when he got so sick, so we stopped that food. I was thinking to switch him now to Canadae or Timberwolf, and it might also help the Demodex.

Any suggestions on food? I am going to try to boost his immune system with supplements also. I did find a holistic remedy for Demodex that is supposed to kill off all the mites in the body. If anyone has used this, please let me know if it worked.

 

[GoCougs]

A compromised immune system is most certainly the cause of demodex. All dogs have the demodex mites. They are a resident parasite and live on every dog every day of their life. The immune system is typically strong enough to fight off any damage that they can do. It's when the immune system is weakened is when they do the most damage.

So you are on the right track. Improving the health of your pup is first key to curing it. Keeping it healthy is the key to preventing any re-occurance. All these include nutrition, which is the single most important element of good health.

 

[Walkssoftly]

Demodex Info!

Hi Melissa.... I went through h*ll with my little TaTanka... he had Demodex, and I just KNEW that's what it was.. only had a couple small spots too...but vet insisted it wasn't demodex... (after 4 scrapings!) Well.. it spread to GENERALIZED demodex.. which sucks... So I dove for BW for help.. Here is a link to my post for help.. There was much information given.. and I was so greatful for everyone's input... Maybe if you go to this post: http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=108999 and read.. you will find much info. Including pictures I posted to show what TaTanka was suffering.. Also many BW members helped with links..
Most of all?? I was told that boosting his immune system was the most important thing... At the time I was just getting a little white female boxer pup (Sequoia) and the breeders fed raw... So many here in BW told me RAW was a huge boost to the immune system.. well... when I heard that generalized demodex can be life threatening.. I DOVE for the raw diet! And let me tell you, I SWEAR that this is what brought TaTanka through this! I quit the Ivomec that was given to me for TaTanka, and just went with Raw chicken, chicken backs + necks (which I still pound the bone down.. I'm just a wee bit of a worry wart.. better safe than sorry for me) I also gave him Vitamin C... 3 capsules of Fish Oil a day... and one cap of Vit. E.
TaTanka looks great now! He really has come along way.. So check out that post.. there must be 5 pages on info. from members...
Course *blush* Many of the replies were mine! LOL! Coz I had questions like mad.. I was determined to make him OK! And I seriously believe the raw diet did it...
Best of Luck to you and your baby...

Karen~Walkssoftly~
Momma of two white terrors....
Sequoia 4mo's female
TaTanka 7mo's male

 

[Net45582]

Canidae and Timberwolf are excellent kibble choices. Solid Gold is a good one too. RAW/Barf diet is another choice if you are up for it. I would choose one good diet and stick with it though since each change will further stress your pups systems. Stress plays a huge role in demodex recovery too.

 

[SorcasMa]

Thanks

Thanks for your help. I am still back and forth over the Timberwolf and Candidae. Unfortunately, I am not choosing raw at this time. I actually have gone raw myself, and do not want to deal with the raw meat. I might change to this at a later time, or if the new food doesn't work. I keep comparing the two and am at odds over which would be better for him. I guess I'll just pick on and try it and pray he will do good on it. I have been leaning toward the Candidae, but I'll let ya'll know how it goes.

I did find some holistic immune system support and a remedy that is supposed to kill off all the Demodex in the body, so I am also considering getting these along with the change in his diet.