Prevent Your Dog From Getting Mange
Mange is a skin disease caused by several species of small mites, common external parasites, found in dogs. Some scabies mites are normal skin residents, while others are not. All mites can cause canine skin infections, ranging from mild to severe, if they proliferate.
Next, we’ll tell you what mange in dogs is and how you can prevent it.
What causes mange in dogs?
Sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabei) is caused by microscopic-sized, oval-shaped, light-colored mites.
Females, which have mites (Demodex kennels), transmit them to their offspring through caresses during the first days of life.
There are three types of mange that affect dogs. Localized cases that occur when these mites proliferate in one or two small areas, this translates into isolated scaly patches. They can usually be seen on the face and have a rounded appearance.
Another way in which scabies manifests itself is called localized demodicosis. It is considered a common disease in puppies and approximately 90% of cases are resolved without any type of treatment.
On the other hand, the generalized type affects larger areas of the skin and even the entire body of a dog. The secondary bacterial infections make this a disease of the skin that itches a lot and even gets to be smelly.
The disease may also be a sign that the immune system is compromised, that there is an inherited, endocrine, or other underlying health problem. Treatment depends on the age at which the animal develops the disease.
One of the most resistant forms of demodectic pododermatitis, it is limited to the skin and is usually accompanied by bacterial infections. To locate these mites and make a proper diagnosis, detailed biopsies must be performed.
general symptoms
The disease causes hair loss, baldness, scabs and ulcers. Secondary bacterial infections can make scabies a very uncomfortable disease.
The sarcoptic type tends to cause intense itching. The dog may be restless and scratching frantically, symptoms that usually appear a week after exposure. It can also cause hair loss, reddened skin, body aches and scabs.
The most commonly affected areas are the ears, elbows, face and legs. Scabies quickly spreads all over the body.
When it is transmitted to humans, this disease causes red papules (prickly heat) similar to mosquito bites.
What should I do if my dog has this disease?
Take your dog to a veterinarian. The specialist will perform a physical examination, analysis of skin samples and confirm, or not, the presence of mites through a microscope.
Puppies and dogs less than 18 months old are especially prone to developing localized mange, which often disappears on its own.
Generalized scabies, which is the most serious, can be hereditary in some animals. Breeds like the English Shepherd and Peis shar, in old age, are also more prone to this type of disease, which usually affects their feet.
Depending on the type of mange and the breed of your dog, the medication may be administered orally or applied topically, by injection or through medicated baths with a special shampoo.
The first step in treatment is to isolate your dog to prevent the disease from spreading to other animals and humans.
Your veterinarian may prescribe antiparasitic medications, medications to relieve itchiness, inflammation and secondary skin infections. Results usually appear after a month of treatment.
Younger dogs generally recover completely, but adults require long-term treatment to control the disease.
If your dog has been diagnosed with sarcoptic mange, you will need to thoroughly clean or replace your bedding and also treat any animals your dog has come into contact with.
If you suspect a neighbor’s dog may be infected, keep your pets away.
Take your dog to the vet periodically to make sure the mites have been permanently eradicated.
