Train the Dog Blog

Mange is a broad term used to describe skin diseases caused by mites. This parasite in dogs can be caused by mites that burrow into the skin, or embed themselves in hair follicles, depending on the type of mite the dog is infested with. Both types will cause hair loss and intense itching. The dog will scratch endlessly and bite at the itchy areas. This can cause problems like infections if the skin is broken as a result.

The canine scabies mite is one common mite that can cause mange. It is also known as sarcoptes scabiei canis, or scabies. These mites live under the skin and can be passed to other pets and people. It can affect all dogs, but is more likely in animals that are not well cared for.

The demodex mite is normally found on the skin, and does not usually cause problems. These mites will cause problems if the dog has a sensitivity to them, or id their immune system cannot control their numbers. When this happens, they can get out of control and become overpopulated.

Mites can be difficult to diagnose. There should be a microscopic examination of the skin done to attempt diagnosis. This may not always show the presence of mites. Another way to check is to check the Pedal Pinna reflex of the dog. This is achieved by scratching the ears, and if the dog makes a scratching motion with the back leg, it may indicate the presence of mange.

A dog that has a suspected case of mange should be separated from other pets and people as soon as possible. Bedding and any places the dog frequents should be washed or treated with a spray to ensure there is no cross contamination or reinfestation.

Several treatments are available for ridding your dog of the mites. Oral medication is effective, but is dangerous or lethal for some breeds and should be used with caution. Rinses and skin drops can also be used effectively. Ensure treatment is seen through to the end to stop the life cycle of the mites.

Any medical issues with your dog should always be brought to the attention of a veterinarian. Prescription treatments to remove mites are the most effective way of ridding your dog of these pests, and are only available with a prescription. Home remedies can be dangerous, and often have little or no effect.

There are several different types of parasites than can cause the misery of mange in your pets. It is important to treat the animal with mange cream or mange spray in order to provide relief from itching.

A variety of parasitic mite is usually responsible for mange seen on dogs. There are three major types of this mange though one is rarer and self limiting. The other types are considered more serious and require intervention in most cases to bring under control. One of the problems with these tiny parasites is they re difficult to identify unless a microscope of magnifying device is used making it hard for the owner to spot them.

A common type of mite infestation is caused by the Demodex mite and known as Demodetctic. Mites are often seen in a dormant condition on puppies, but the numbers are small. Occasionally there may be an overgrowth of the mite population and symptoms can appear. The reasons for this overgrowth are unknown. The puppies who display these mites are usually young, from three to twelve months of old. One of the first symptoms is a thinning of hair around the eyes and muzzle. In some cases the mites can resolve on their own as the autoimmune system regains control and in other cases they can cause infections and wider spread hair loss and itching.

A large reddish colored mite is responsible for the variety of mite infestation called Cheyletiella mange. The most obvious symptom of this less common might infestation is the appearance of dandruff along the head, back and ruff of the dog. This might often clears up without treatment and is normally considered self limiting.

The most well known variety is infestation is the Sarcoptic variety or scabies. This is caused by a very tiny mite which may be hard to detect even using skin scrapings and a microscope. Dogs bite at themselves in an attempt to remove the eggs the female mite has laid just under the skin. The resulting condition is disfiguring, uncomfortable and difficult to diagnose because dogs bite so deeply they remove large patches of hair and skin and the typical red bite marks might also be hidden by the constant scratching.

This mite infestation is contagious to human beings as well. A dog might give the mites to the children who in turn may pass it to playmates. In dogs the diagnosis may be based on observation because the mights are not easily found even with multiple samples of skin. There can be typical tiny bite marks near a site but normally the scratching will remove these signs.

There are also skin problems which may seem to be mite infestations but are completely unrelated. Some dogs may have dermatitis as a reaction to fleas, bacterial infections and autoimmune diseases might seem to be mites but in fact are caused by other issues. Whenever mange is suspected, it is always best to rely on the diagnosis and treatment provided by a veterinarian rather than home diagnosis.

There are multiple means available to treat this parasitic condition. Sulfurated lime has a very strong and objectionable odor but a rinse twice or three times a week can help bring the parasite under control and eventually eliminate it. Other approaches may utilize drugs such as Selamectin or Ivermectin instead of a rinse or in addition to a topical treatment.

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