So how can we tell if a client’s dog has mange?
It is easiest for the mites to burrow into skin that has sparse hair. So, as dogs check out most things with their head this makes the edges of the ears and the face prime areas for mange to begin. Elbows and tummies are also areas that become infected early. When they do, small red papules and welts in these areas are common.
The intense irritation these mites produce, cause the pet to scratch incessantly. No other chronic skin problem is as intensely itchy as sarcoptic mange. Balding, oozing raw skin are typical signs and these often causes off-white crusts to form that are very typical for sarcoptic mange.
Bacteria and yeast take advantage of this unhealthy situation and give the pet a strong, musty odour people often refer to as a ‘mousey smell’.
Depending on how bad the dog’s mange is, it’s probably best to conduct one of these dips every 7 to 10 days. This routine should be followed until all scrapings are cleared from the dog’s skin. Since the solution can have negative side effects, it must be supervised by a Veterinarian.
Many times, dogs are immune to mites, but some dogs have weakened immune systems from diseases such as cancer or heartworm. Dogs living in harsh outdoor conditions or those in direct contact with infected animals will also develop manage. Other dogs get mange because they are not taken care of properly and forced to live in dirty conditions without baths or grooming.
It is hard to fully protect your pet from developing mange, but there are steps you can take to greatly reduce the chances. One of the best ways to help prevent mange is to make sure the dog lives in a nice, clean area. Also, making sure the dog is well-groomed and bathed regularly can help prevent mange. You should begin trying to prevent mange at the youngest age possible to get the dog used to the procedures.
The anti-fungal medicines and lime-sulphur insecticide solutions have both been proven to work with some side effects. Depending on the location and severity of the mange, the Vet may prescribe oral medications as well. Regardless the treatment that is chosen, each of them is aimed at ridding the dog’s skin of the mites so the fur can re-grow and the skin can heal.
Depending on the type of mite, the parasites embed themselves in hair and skin follicles. As it invades the dog’s body, they reproduce in large amounts and attack in rather large groups. Mange is highly contagious and special care is required when dealing with it. Demodectic mange in dogs, however, are not contagious to humans or other dogs.
The veterinarian will likely prescribe oral antiparasitic medication to control the mites and eliminate the mange. Topic skin ointments or creams may also be useful to ease the skins itchiness, which can make the pet more comfortable. Some dietary changes for better nutrition can support healthy skin and lessen the effects of mange, and reducing stress in the animals environment can also help treat mange. Bathing the pet with antibacterial shampoo can help, and sulphur powder on the pets fur can also reduce the mites that cause mange.
As a pets mange treatment is ongoing, the veterinarian will want to perform skin scrapings every 1-2 weeks to check the progress of the disease. Once two successive scrapings show no further presence of mange, treatment may be discontinued, though if the infestation was severe, another week or two of medication may be a wise precaution to prevent a recurrence.
Demodectic mange, also called red mange, is generally the milder form of mange. It results from mites that are naturally on pets skin, but for different reasons the mites may multiply out of control and cause mange. Hair loss and bald spots, particularly on the face, feet and legs are characteristic of demodectic mange, along with increased itching. Very acute cases may lead to sores or a strong odor from the skin. Fortunately, demodectic mange is not considered contagious, and does not typically spread to other animals, even in more severe cases.
All pets naturally have some mites on their skin, and it isnt always clear what can cause one pet to develop mange while another has no difficulties. There are steps every pet owner can take, however, to help keep their pets skin and coat healthy and minimize the risk of mange.
Once mange is properly diagnosed, it is wise to isolate the infected animal to minimize the risk of spreading the condition to any other pets or animals, though this is not usually necessary with demodectic mange. Keep the pet away from any other pets as well, including neighbors animals or local parks where more pets may visit, and it may be necessary to treat other household pets as a precaution to ensure the disease does not spread. Cleaning all bedding and whatever comes in contact with the infected pets skin, such as a collar, grooming tools or soft toys, can also help eliminate mange.
Sarcoptic Mange Scabies in the dog. Dr. Dan explains.
If your dog is itching like crazy or you notice patches of thinning or missing fur, your pup may have mange. This irritating skin condition is caused by microscopic mites that infest the skin. But theres no need to stress: Mange in dogs is preventable and treatable.