-
Dog mange is a skin disorder in dogs that leads to severe itching and gradual hair loss. This condition is caused when hundreds of microscopic mites infest a dog's skin, leading to symptoms of chronic itching and hair loss. Dog mange is also characterized by dry crusty skin and foul odors. Dogs infected with mange often get severe sores and blisters. There are several types of dog mange, including sarcoptic mange, demodectic mange and cheyletiella mange.
In particular, demodectic mange is an unusual type of dog mange that only infects puppies. Unlike sarcoptic mange and cheyletiella mange, the demodectic variety does not seem to be contagious. Dogs infected with demodectic mange do not usually need to be isolated to stop the spread of this condition.
Dog mange can be localized or generalized. Localized dog mange only occurs on certain parts of the dog's body, usually the face, the ears and the feet. Generalized dog mange occurs all over the dog's body and is more difficult to treat. In general, dog mange is highly contagious and very painful. -
Mange can be spread through contact with other infected animals or simply by being present in an area where mites are located. Mites reproduce quickly and can live up to 22 days, resulting in rapid infestation once they come into contact with a susceptible dog. Additionally, mites can survive for extended periods of time without a host animal. Therefore, it is possible for dogs to get mange from contact with grass or other surfaces where mites are present.
The more common way mange is spread is by interaction with other infected animals. Mites will travel from one host to another, leading to infection. It is also possible for mange to spread from dogs to humans, although since mites do not reproduce as quickly on human skin, humans rarely get the severity of infections that dogs do. -
To stop the spread of dog mange, it is important to treat the affected dog and contain the infestation as quickly as possible. While dog mange can be treated in its early stages, the condition becomes very difficult to manage once it has progressed. A dog with a severe case of mange may never fully recover.
Of course, the best way to treat mange is by prevention. Dogs that are rarely bathed or are kept in poor hygiene tend to develop mange more frequently than dogs that are kept in clean environments. To prevent mange, bathe and clean your dog regularly.
Mild cases of mange may be treated by an analgesic that kills mites on contact. These medications are applied directly to the spot of infection, usually after the dog has been bathed. Lime-sulfur insecticide washes are also useful in treating mange. The infected dog is bathed in a solution of lime, sulfur, and an insecticide such as ivermectin. Lime-sulfur insecticide washes are a good remedy for treating a dog with generalized mange.
Amitraz is another type of wash used to treat dogs with generalized dog mange. Amitraz has slightly more potent side effects that lime-sulfur insecticide washes and therefore must be administered under a veterinarian's supervision.
In addition to topical treatments, a veterinarian may also prescribe oral anti-bacterial or anti-fungal medications to ward off the mite infestation internally. There are usually some minor side effects associated with this type of treatment.
