How to Kill Fungus Mange
Several types of dermatitis, including mange and ringworm, are caused by different pathogens and can be controlled by similar methods. Dogs, cats, humans, and any warm-blooded animals can get mange. Mange is caused by microscopic mites which burrow into hair follicles, causing infection and hair loss. Ringworm is caused by fungi which attack the skin, causing similar symptoms. Many kinds of dermatitis result in sore, itchy, red skin with hair loss. For many pets, a generalized treatment that will get rid of several pathogens at once is the first line of defense. More than one organism may be causing the problem. Medical evaluation is necessary to accurately identify the problem.
Things You'll Need
- Veterinarian's assessment
- Medicated shampoo and/or dip
- Hot water
- Steam cleaner
- Miticide
- Diatomaceous earth
- Quality pet food and vitamins
Instructions
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Get Rid of Mange
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1
Visit your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis. A skin scraping examination may or may not show the exact cause, but it can help your vet decide which treatment to use first. Generalized mange is where the animal has five or more large patches of affected skin. Local mange usually occurs in young pets and is in small patches that resemble ringworm. Local mange can often be treated topically.
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2
Apply a medicated shampoo followed by a medicated dip. Shampoo at home, leaving it on your pet for at least 10 minutes. You can trim away remaining hair before treating your pet so the shampoo can more easily reach the skin.
Other medications are mixed in water and used as a dip. Sometimes a medicated shampoo is used first to cleanse the area and open pores, making the dip more effectual.
Medicated treatments may need to be repeated for two weeks or more to completely kill the pathogens and prevent recurrence.
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3
Wash everything your pet comes in contact with in hot water. Use a steam cleaner to clean furniture and carpeting.
Prevent Recurrence
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4
Use a miticide in your pet's living area. A convenient spray, Benzarid, will cover large areas to help prevent a recurrence.
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5
Dust diatomaceous earth lightly on your pet and around its living area. This will kill mites, fleas, and other insects and larvae.
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6
Maintain your pet's general health and support its healthy immune system. Feed your pet a proper diet, and supplement it with vitamins if necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
Cats, dogs, and other animals may require different treatments. If you are treating a number of different pets, be sure to use the correct medication as recommended by your veterinarian.
