Imagine microscopic insects burrowing through your dog’s skin, causing relentless itching and hair loss—sounds like a horror movie, right? But mange in dogs is just that, and it’s not the end of the world. Your vet can help you treat mange in your dog with a high rate of success.
Let’s explore the two types of mange in dogs and how to recognize symptoms so you can seek vet help right away, if needed!
How Did My Dog Get Mange?
Mange is caused by tiny, microscopic mites that invade your dog’s skin, leading to itching, hair loss, and general discomfort. Two primary types of mange affect dogs: sarcoptic and demodectic. Sarcoptic mites travel from dog to dog, while demodectic mites naturally live on your dog’s skin.
Sarcoptic Mange: The Contagious Culprit
Sarcoptic mange, also known as canine scabies, is the most common type. This condition is highly contagious and spreads easily through direct contact with an infected dog or by sharing bedding and grooming tools. Even wildlife (like foxes, coyotes, and wolves) can sometimes be a source of these pesky mites.
Symptoms of Sarcoptic Mange
If your dog has sarcoptic mange, the first thing you might notice is intense itching. This can lead to excessive scratching, resulting in open sores and hair loss. In the beginning, areas like the insides of the ears, armpits, and belly may show signs of infestation. Symptoms may include:
- Redness and inflammation of the skin.
- Small bumps or blisters.
- Scabs forming due to constant scratching.
- Worsening redness and inflammation from excessive scratching.
- Potential secondary infections due to open sores.
Diagnosing Sarcoptic Mange
Diagnosing sarcoptic mange can be tricky. While a vet may look for mites in a skin scraping, they can be difficult to find. An effective skin scraping requires shaving the skin with a scalpel blade until it bleeds. This can be uncomfortable for your dog, especially if the skin is already irritated. Even if the skin scraping is negative, your vet may diagnose mange based on your dog’s symptoms.
Treatment for Sarcoptic Mange
The good news is that sarcoptic mange is relatively easy to treat. Your vet may prescribe medication, including topical treatments and oral medications. It’s important to follow the treatment plan fully to ensure your dog recovers completely. If you have other dogs, they may also need treatment to prevent spreading the mites and you’ll likely have to clean your home thoroughly.
Demodectic Mange: A Different Story
Unlike sarcoptic mange, demodectic mange is less common and not contagious. This type typically occurs when the immune system is compromised. Most dogs carry demodex mites in small numbers on their skin without any issues. However, if a dog’s immunity is weakened, these mites can multiply and lead to skin problems. Demodectic mange affects puppies and senior dogs most often.
Symptoms of Demodectic Mange
If your dog has demodectic mange, you might notice different types of skin issues depending on the severity. Localized cases frequently affect the face, while generalized cases can spread over the body. Symptoms may include:
- Scaly bald patches, especially on the face (localized cases).
- Itching across larger areas of the body (generalized cases).
- Unpleasant odor.
- Secondary skin infections.
- Inflammation and lesions, particularly affecting the paws (demodectic pododermatitis).
Diagnosing and Treating Demodectic Mange
Diagnosis for demodectic mange usually involves a skin scrape and examination by your vet. Treatment may include medications, topical creams, and medicated baths, depending on the severity of the condition. Keeping your dog healthy and stress-free is essential for preventing outbreaks. Your vet may prescribe an immune supplement as a strong immune system can help keep the mites in check. Treatment for demodectic mange may span several months.
Is Mange Contagious to Humans and Other Animals?
Yes, mange can be contagious, but the specifics vary between the two types. Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious and can spread from infected dogs to other dogs through direct contact or shared items like bedding and grooming tools. Humans can also contract sarcoptic mange. However, the mites cannot complete their life cycle on humans, so infections tend to be temporary and cause irritation rather than full infestations.
On the other hand, demodectic mange is not contagious. It occurs when demodex mites, which naturally live on dogs’ skin, multiply due to a weakened immune system. These mites are typically passed from mother to puppies and do not pose a risk to humans or other animals.
To protect your dog and others, it’s important to seek veterinary care promptly if you suspect mange.
Preventing Mange in the Future
Taking a few preventive measures can help reduce the chances of your dog getting mange in the future:
- Regular vet check-ups to catch early signs of mange or underlying immune issues.
- Keep your dog’s bedding, grooming tools, and living areas clean.
- Avoid contact with stray animals or wildlife, especially if they appear sick.
- Ensure a healthy diet and proper care to support your dog’s immune system.
- Monitor your dog’s skin and coat for any changes, like itching or hair loss, and consult your vet if you notice anything unusual.
Fix the Itch: Preventing and Treating Mange in Dogs
Finding out your dog has mange can feel overwhelming, but with timely action and proper veterinary care, most dogs make a full recovery. Addressing mange quickly will help your dog return to their happy, itch-free self in no time.
If you notice signs of mange, contact your veterinarian for expert guidance. Prompt treatment is crucial to keeping your furry friend healthy and comfortable!