Demodex mites are a specialized group of parasitic mites that live in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands of various mammals. The Demodex canis is a normal inhabitant of the skin of most dogs and the researches have led to the hypothesis that generalized demodicosis results from hereditary immunologic defects that allows mites to proliferate.
In addition to the adult forms, fusiform eggs, six-legged larvae, and eight-legged nymphs are visible in skin scrapings.