My Dog Has Mange: What Should I Do?

Just like any dog lovers out there, I try my best to give my dog the best possible care he needs. So when I found out that my dog was itching uncontrollably for days, whimpering and crying, and biting in to his skin, I immediately realized what was happening to my dog. I found out that my dog had mange, and that he needed to be treated immediately.

What is Mange?

Mange is a skin disease caused by parasites that may cause severe itching to your dog. Mange has three forms known as sarcoptic, demodectic, and notoedric. Sarcoptic mange ( sarcoptes scabei ) also known as scabies, may lead to intense itching and skin lesions to animals that is caused by tiny mites. Demodectic (demodex canis) however, is the uncommon form of mange. The demodex mite can cause your dog to have dermatitis, hair loss, and secondary skin infections that can lead to skin lesions. Notoedric (notoedrescati) is a contagious disease. The mite responsible for this is similar to those of a sarcoptic mange.

What are the Symptoms of Mange?

Mange is common among puppies and dogs that are less than 18 months. The symptoms can depend on the type of mange that is present on your dog. These symptoms can either be hair loss, severe itching, frantic scratching, body sores and scabs, bald spots and reddened skin. These symptoms may be visible on the face, legs, elbows and your dog's ears, and it can immediately spread on your dog's body.

Is there any Treatment?

Mange can be cured. I immediately gave our dog treatment for his disease. But if your dog is still a puppy, from ages 18 months and under, it is more advisable to have your puppy injected with the medication (skin treatments are toxic for dogs, especially when it's used frequently) so he won't have to lick it off of his body. After that, you need to go to your vet every week to have him checked to see if there was any progress or improvement with the health of your dog.

You can also prevent mange from spreading to other pets and even humans by isolating your dog while he gets his treatment and medication. You need to regularly replace his bedding and clean his collar so the mange won't breed or stay on his collar and bed.

But as always, prevention is always better than cure. So it's always better to have a regular check up with your veterinarian to ensure your dog's health. And always provide the proper nutrition you dog needs as the healthier a dog is, the less likely he is to be affected by any illness or disease.

Christina Graham has been a veterinarian surgery tech and/or dog groomer for over 15 years. And in those years has gained an invaluable knowledge regarding a dogs health and nutrition. That's why she created DogVitaminFacts.com to dispel any false myths and offer an honest helpful insight into the importance of good nutrition and a quality dog vitamin supplement for your dog. Go to DogVitaminFacts.com to learn even more.