Skin mites

 Symptoms and treatments for mange   

Mange is a skin disease caused by parasitic mites that is occasionally infective to humans. When mange on dogs is found it is also often referred to as canine scabies or sarcoptic mange (sarcoptes scabiei) and its symptoms are severe itching, hair loss and the formation of scabs and lesions.

Mange is transferred from host to host very easily. For instance, all dogs raised by their mothers possess demodectic mange mite (demodex canis) which are transmitted from mother to puppy during the first few days of life. Most of these dogs and puppies live harmoniously with these mites all their lives never suffering any consequences, but some do not and these are the ones that develop one of the types of mange.

The treatment of mange depends on the type of mange your dog has developed and its breed. Treatments may include oral treatment, topical treatment, injections, shampoos or dips. Your dog may also be prescribed an anti-parasitic treatment such as a cream to ease the itching, inflammation and any secondary skin infections your dog may have developed. Medications and managing physiological stress are essential when treating mange and some dogs may require more than one type of treatment.

Results are usually seen within a month of starting any treatment. It should be noted here that many skin treatments can be toxic to your dog and should not be repeated too frequently. Always chat with your vet before starting any treatment on your own and always follow the instructions given with any treatments prescribed.