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How to Treat Dog MangeLet’s thank our lucky stars that experts have figured out how to treat dog mange and all of its associated symptoms.To most dog owners, the mere mention of the word “mange” is enough to send them into a panic attack.  It is an unfortunate and physically
destructive disease that can take over your dog if it goes
untreated. Did you know that all three forms of mange are caused by microscopic mites? These tiny little mites can do an enormous amount of damage if allowed to take over the body of your dog. Now, in order to prevent your dog from looking like the sad, scrawny and patchy dog living in the alley behind the grocery store, read on to find out how to treat dog mange. Check out this symptom chart to figure out which type of dog mange you may have on your hands and click on the link to jump to that section…
This type of mange is the least serious and has the mildest effects on your dog. Cheyletiella Mange is also known as “walking dandruff”. It mainly affects puppies and is caused by a large red mite that can be seen under an magnifying glass (unlike some other mites, at least you can identify this bad bug!) Walking dandruff is
short-lived and the mite dies very soon after being removed from the
host’s body. This type of mange can cause mild itching and a dusting of dandruff around the head, neck and back. This mite is a very talented jumper! Watch out, though this mange is relatively harmless, it is highly contagious. How to Treat Dog Mange – Cheyletiella Mange This type of mange is short-lived. It will usually run its course and and die. Bathing your dog with a
mild, organic shampoo might help. You can also search your
dog for these red mites and remove them in the bath just like you would
with a case
of fleas. Demodectic MangeWithout knowing it, Demodectic
mange is probably what you had in mind when you began researching how to treat dog mange as it is by far the most common form. It is caused by a minuscule mite, demodexcanis, that can’t even be seen with a magnifying glass…yeah, I know what your thinking…can’t be seen? So how can I protect my dog from it? This particular mite is actually present in the pores of all puppies, ages 3-12 months as well as some adult dogs. Would you believe me if I told you that these tiny mites can also be found on peoples’ faces? It’s true - they are commonly found around the eyebrows and noses of humans! But, for now, let’s focus on the dogs these mites affect. It is currently not known why these mites affect a small percentage of the dogs they inhabit. For one reason or another, on certain dogs the mites produce a substance that lowers the immune system and, in turn, allows the mites to multiply. What are the symptoms associated with Demodectic mange? For
most dogs suffering from an infestation of demodex mites, the symptoms
include thinning of the hair around the eyes, mouth and front of the
legs. This hair thinning can evolve into patches approximately one inch in diameter. These symptoms can last up to three months and then clear up on their own…if you’re lucky! In some cases the mites can form something called “generalized mange” which is far more serious. If you notice that your dog’s skin patches have become sore, crusted and oozing, it may be generalized mange, seek advice from a veterinarian as soon as possible. Are certain dogs more susceptible than others? Can problems be prevented? There is research that found some lines of purebred dogs to carry a lower resistance to the Demodectic mites, and that serious stress can cause an infestation in those dogs. Otherwise, it’s all about the immune system. If your dog is in poor health, they will be much more susceptible to Demodectic mite (and other mite) problems. Mange, along with many other common dog diseases, preys on unhealthy dogs. The rest of this site is full of advice and recommendations to keep you on the healthy path. If you haven’t already, check out Health & Wellness and Food & Diet topics. How to Treat Dog Mange - Demodectic Mange Opinions
vary on the subject of how to treat dog mange of this type, so it is
best to consult a holistic
veterinarian who will provide you with both
conventional and alternative options. If you would like to try a holistic and natural treatment first, here are a few recommendations:
(back to top of How to Treat Dog Mange) Sarcoptic MangeEver heard of scabies? The first time I heard
the word scabies was when my roommate in college had an itch that she
just couldn’t scratch out! Well...it turned out to be
scabies, and I was quite shocked and disgusted, thinking to myself, “I
thought she bathed!” It turned out that she acquired those little friends from her family pet who was suffering from Sarcoptic Mange. This type of mange is caused be a microscopic mite. The female mite is the culprit, causing the intense itching as she burrows into the skin to lay her eggs. It only takes three weeks for the life cycle to come full circle and then it all starts over again…unless you stop them! What are the Symptoms of Sarcoptic Mange? If your dog has contracted Sarcoptic mange, you will observe symptoms similar to that of a flea infestation or severe skin rash or disease. You will notice your dog
digging and biting at itself in a ferocious manner. This will
in turn irritate the skin and cause oozing sores, which can then cause
a secondary infection. Common signs of Sarcoptic mange are crusty ear tips, intense itching and loss of hair - mainly on the ears, elbows, legs and face. This is in the early stages of infection and if the mites are left alone to do serious damage, they will indeed take over the entire body. Since I discussed the mites’ ability to transfer to humans, it is important that I tell you the symptoms for humans are much less severe. If you contract scabies from your dog, they will burrow under the skin causing bothersome itching, but they will not be able to continue the life cycle on human skin. (Now wipe the sweat off your forehead and read on) If your dog is suffering with any of these symptoms, get them into the vet for an accurate diagnosis. How to Treat Dog Mange – Sarcoptic Mange Since the symptoms of
Sarcoptic mange mirror many of the symptoms of fleas, tics and other
skin diseases, it is hard accurately diagnose your dog at home. It will benefit your dog and the rest of your family if your make an appointment with your veterinarian right away. Hopefully, they will be able to spot the bite marks left over from the microscopic mites and then move forward with treatment. Frequent medicated baths may help to soothe your dog’s sore skin, along with the application of lemon juice the specific affected areas. (back to top of How to Treat Dog Mange) Also see Dog Skin Conditions and Disorders Back to Illnesses & Remedies from How to Treat Dog Mange How to Treat Dog Mange References; Image sources for dogs with mange: Demodectic, Sarcoptic 1& 2 |
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