They can have demodex at any age, and usually when they are young it comes from their mother. My 10 yo. Yorkie rescue had demodex and had never been treated properly.
1. Have a full blood panel and check t-4 levels (low thyroid weakens the immune system)
2. I would advise against a dip and use oral Ivermectin treatment which may take 2-3 months to be effective. Personally, I believe dipping is dangerous to their urethra and testes.
3. Once a dog has demodex,
they can never have cortisone treatments ie prednisone will activate the mites.
4. Your pet needs to be on optimum nutrition, stay current on vaccines, and be free of
internal parasites (worms).
5. Bathing with an antibacterial shampoo is the first step in therapy. This loosens up scales, removes oily discharges, and decreases the secondary bacterial infection that is usually present.
Good luck and google demodex and read about this problem. Warmly, Deborah