How to Treat Dog Mange

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…

Still not sure what type of mange your dog has or if they even have it?  Just want to make sure you're doing the right thing?  Submit a picture to our veterinarians through our My Online Vet service and they'll let you know right away. Here's a dog mange question (and picture posted) from another visitor... Losing hair on top of head Rash around mouth area

Cheyletiella Mange

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. 

What are the symptoms of Cheyletiella mange?

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 such as Earthbath All Natural Shampoo should 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. 

http://www.organic-pet-digest.com/extremely-bad-skin-problems.html

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Demodectic Mange

Without 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:

1. First, if your dog is of good overall health, try fasting them for five to seven days, following an appropriate fasting routine.

2. After the fast, try a natural diet to help rid the dog’s body of any extra buildup of toxins. 

3. Try supplementing their diet with the herbal Skin & Coat Tonic from Native Remedies.  
   
   It contains several herbs that have been proven to improve the health of the skin and coat, along with other positive effects such as boosting the immune system, liver, kidney and thyroid functioning:

• Horsetail - known for its high silica content, which is the main component in all connective body tissues.  Positively effects all body tissue along with urinary tract health.
• Dandelion - benefits the liver and digestive system and helps to maintain normal blood pressure.
• Spirulina - contains protein, vitamins and carotenoids and supports energy, the immune system and liver functioning.
• Fucus vesiculosis - concentrated source of minerals, and aids in the production of thyroid hormones which helps to maintain healthy metabolism in all body cells.  One of its major effects is to improve overall skin and coat health.
• Kalium sulphate - a salt that is essential for distributing life giving oxygen throughout the body and keeping cell membranes in peak health.

4. Try adding a supplement that includes Vitamins E, C and other immune-strengthening supplements to your dog’s diet.  Only Natural Pet's Immune Strengthener is a good choice with well-rounded ingredients.

5. Try rubbing lemon juice on the affected area(s) every day.

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Sarcoptic Mange

Ever 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!”

And where do you think she acquired those little friends?  You guessed it...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, ticks 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.

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