Mange is a skin disease caused by mites that affects many animals. In dogs it can be caused by one of three microscopic mites: that of the genus Cheyletiella, Demodex or Sarcoptes. Each of these parasites causes a different type of mange, with similar symptoms but different severity. As treatments vary according to the type and severity of the disease, it is important to take your dog to the vet if you suspect a case of mange. The doctor will perform a physical exam, take tissue samples to check for mites, prescribe medications, and administer treatments. Read on to learn more about how to cure this annoying disease.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Mange
Step 1. Take your furry friend to the vet
If you are concerned that he may be infested with mange mites, the first thing to do is take him to the vet. Treatments vary according to the different types of disease and some medications could be toxic in the event of a misdiagnosis, so you need to make sure that your doctor knows how to correctly identify your pet's problem and proceed with the right therapy.
- The way to diagnose the type of mange varies from case to case. Your vet can take a skin sample by scraping the affected area and analyzing it under a microscope for mites or eggs.
- However, when the mites have entered the dog's skin, as in the case of demodectic pododermatitis, the doctor may need to perform a deep biopsy to confirm the presence of mange.
- The doctor will also need to perform a physical examination and take into account the general health and medical history of the dog to come to an accurate diagnosis.
Step 2. Look for symptoms of demodectic mange
This is characterized by patches of thinning hair, sometimes covered with scabs, which can be located in a single area of the body or spread everywhere. This type of mange is not contagious and cannot be transmitted to humans.
- Demodectic mange, also known as "red mange", is caused by mites that are transmitted from mother to puppy during the first days of life. These mites are present in all dogs and usually cause no problems.
- Mange occurs when these parasites proliferate dramatically on the body of animals that have weak immune systems, such as puppies under 18 months of age, older dogs, and immunosuppressed dogs.
- When the mites are concentrated in only one or two isolated areas on the skin, one is dealing with one localized demodectic mange, which presents with scaly patches of alopecia, usually on the dog's face. This type of mange is more common in puppies and typically heals on its own without the need for treatment.
- When mange is present in large patches or all over the dog's body it is one generalized demodectic mange. In this case there are numerous scaly, hairless patches of skin, which can be very itchy. When the dog continues to scratch it can cause lesions susceptible to a bacterial infection and his skin can also give off an unpleasant odor. This is a mange that most often affects dogs with compromised immune systems and drug therapy is required.
- The most resistant form of demodectic mange is known as demodectic pododermatitis, which affects only the paws and is accompanied by a bacterial infection. In this case, mange is difficult to diagnose and treat.
Step 3. Recognize the symptoms of sarcoptic mange
These are similar to the symptoms of flea infestation and the affected animal tends to bite and scratch the skin excessively, resulting in thinning and loss of hair and the formation of open sores.
- Sarcoptic mange, also known as "canine scabies", is caused by microscopic mites that can be easily transmitted from host to host, including humans (on which it causes a red rash with wheals similar to those that generate mosquito bites).
- In dogs, symptoms begin about a week after exposure to the parasites. The animal may become restless and start scratching frantically, before scaly alopecia areas begin to form on the muzzle, joints, ears and paws.
- If mange is not treated promptly, it can spread throughout the body and become more resistant to treatments.
Step 4. Look for symptoms of Cheyletiella mange
This type of mange is caused by large white mites that live on the surface of the skin and is characterized by an irregular red, scaly rash and the presence of "dandruff" in the fur, especially along the neck and spine.
- This type of mange is also commonly called "walking dandruff", as the mites look like scales of dandruff, so when they move on the animal's body, they look just like "walking dandruff".
- Cheyletiella mange is highly contagious to other dogs (especially puppies) and can cause intense itching (although sometimes this symptom is totally absent). It is usually passed from puppy to puppy if there is a mite infestation in straw or bedding in pet stores or kennels.
- Cheyletiella mange can be transmitted to humans, where it presents as itchy hives on the arms, torso, and butt. However, the symptoms disappear once the puppy is treated and the mites do not survive outside the host for more than 10 days.
- Since the use of straw as a bedding substrate has become less common and flea prevention and control practices more systematic, cases of Cheyletiella mange have become less and less frequent.
Part 2 of 3: Treatments
Step 1. Quarantine the dog to avoid spreading the mites to other animals
If your dog has mange, the first thing to do is isolate him from other animals to prevent them from becoming infected too. Be sure to take him to a warm and safe place. Choose a room in the house and let the dog stay there for the duration of the therapy.
- Give him food, water, a kennel, and toys while in solitary confinement. Remember to spend time with him to play and take him for a walk, so he won't be afraid of quarantine.
- In rare cases, humans can become infected with the mites that cause dog mange. Protect yourself by wearing long-sleeved clothing when caring for the animal.
Step 2. Give him the medications and treat him as directed by your vet
Treatment depends on the type of mange that has affected your furry friend and only a licensed veterinarian is able to make a correct diagnosis and establish a therapy. In some cases, medical baths, prescription medications, or even injections may be needed. Remember to follow your doctor's instructions very carefully and contact your doctor if you have any concerns or concerns. Don't try to diagnose and treat your pet's mange on your own.
Step 3. Wash or replace the kennel and any items that have come into close contact with the dog
To prevent the mites from hiding in the pet's bed or collar, throw these items away and replace them. Change the fabrics that you put away in the kennel and wash them with very hot water, soap and bleach.
Step 4. Help your friend cope with psychological stress during treatment
A sick dog is stressed by itching, isolation, visits to the vet, medications, and all other treatments needed to resolve mange. While the animal is undergoing all of this, take steps to keep it calm and peaceful.
For example, offer him a treat after bathing him and visit him frequently while he is in the room in solitary confinement. Play with him and take him for walks as you usually would
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Relapses
Step 1. Treat all house pets that have had contact with the infected specimen
If the dog has had sarcoptic mange or Cheyletiella, then you need to treat all other dogs and pets in the family that have been in close contact with him, or he may get infected again. Talk to your vet to learn how to treat other animals and avoid recurrence.
Step 2. Keep your faithful friend away from other potentially infected specimens
If you suspect a neighboring dog or cat has mange, you should avoid letting your four-legged friend come into contact with it. Talk to the owner and let him know that you believe his pet is sick; alternatively, call an abandoned animal care association if it is a stray.
Step 3. Take your dog to the vet regularly for checkups
After the treatment, you should have the animal periodic checkups. The doctor will be able to confirm the complete disappearance of the mites. Do not try to cure a relapse on your own without consulting your vet first, as some treatments are toxic if used more than once in a short amount of time.
