Rash Around Mouth Area - Demodex Mange?

by Susie Russell
(Telluride, Colorado USA)

Rash around mouth

Our dog has a rash around her mouth. It is on the top and bottom. It has been there for about 5 days and does not seem to be getting better.

It was extremely swollen the first few days and that has gotten a little better. She plays on a ranch all day and loves to dig for mice. Not sure what she did. What can I use to help healing? Thanks

Comments for
Rash Around Mouth Area - Demodex Mange?

Click here to add your own comments

Online Response to rash around the mouth area
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hi Susie,
What a good girl to pose so nice for her picture! From her photo, it looks suspiciously like Demodectic mange. To confirm the diagnosis she needs to have a skin scraping done. The mite that causes Demodectic mange is not contagious to other dogs or to people.

The mite actually lives in normal skin, but to see it develop into a 'rash' and cause an abnormal reaction like this, indicates that the patient has a suppressed immune system. Check our page on How to treat Dog Mange, there is an excellent picture of what the mite looks like.

In many cases, demodectic mange will occur in young dogs between the ages of 6 months to 2 years. And this is commonly the time of high stress to the immune system with multiple vaccinations, being adopted into a new home, surgery for spay or neuter, new diets, etc.

Please take her to a holistic veterinarian, who can help treat the skin problem, and help to support her immune system, too. Check our page for Dog Vet Care to find a veterinarian trained in homeopathy near you. You can also check our section about a proper dog food diet to make sure she is getting the best nutrition.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the 'click here to add your own comments' link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Reply rash around mouth
by: Anonymous

Hi Carol,
I did forget to mention that she is a 6 month old puppy. We do go to a holistic vet, but it is 70 miles away so not easy to get to. For food, I make her Urban Wolf with puppy balancer formula made with ground beef or turkey or chicken and always salmon, eggs, canola oil, and once a month beef liver or kidneys mixed in so she eats extremely well. I will look into the mite remedies. Is it neccessary to see the vet for this condition?Thanks.
Susie

Online response for rash around the mouth area
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hi Susie,
Yes, I think that it would be a good idea to have my 'tentative' online diagnosis of demodex confirmed by a skin scraping. Demodex mange can actually spread all over the entire body, if not treated efficiently, and generalized demodex is not treatable. Dogs have been euthanized because their skin was so bad, and feet so painful they could not walk.

It sounds like you have her on a good diet. But she needs some immune support, and ongoing consults with a veterinarian who can examine her. You may be making a trip once a month for follow-ups for her condition, if it is Demodectic mange, to see your vet over the next 3-4 months. Hopefully, also treating with homeopathic remedies.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the 'click here to add your own comments' link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

P.S. If you've found this service or our web site helpful, please "Like" us by clicking the like button at the top of the left margin. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER: The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Related Pages:
Dog Skin Conditions,
Dog Itchy Skin,
Dog Skin Rash,
Dog Skin Allergies,
Ask a Vet Online Library - Dog Skin Rashes, Marks, Spots, Lesions & Patches (including itchy skin and mange) Section

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Ask a Vet Online via My Online Vet (SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED FOR NEW QUESTIONS)

Want to ask our veterinarians a question but haven't subscribed to My Online Vet? Click here to learn how or click here to go back to the Ask a Vet Online Library of questions.

Want monthly "News You Can Use" and important Organic Pet Digest new content updates? Click here to sign up for our FREE Dog Care Monthly newsletter.

For additional research, search for your topic...

Also see...

OPD's Site Map of Dog Care Topics

Disclaimers: The information contained in this web site is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as nor should be relied upon as medical advice. Rather, it is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a pet owner/site visitor and his/her local veterinarian(s). Before you use any of the information provided in the site, you should seek the advice of a qualified professional.

In the spirit of full disclosure, we wanted to let you know that we proudly support this website through advertising and affiliate marketing. In other words, when you click on a link that takes you outside of this website, we often earn a small commission. These small commissions allow us to keep the site up and running and to continue offering it completely free of charge to you. Rest assured that all content, recommendations and advice are created before, and are independent of, any sponsorship or affiliate relationship. Click here for more info.

Vet Care

Food & Treats

Illnesses & Remedies

Health & Wellness

Pet Friendly Travel

Grooming

Product Reviews

OPD Community