Jeff P
09-07-2008, 08:26 AM
Signs of Dog Mange
"Signs of Dog Mange include red hairless areas and constant itching by your dog. Since diagnosis is difficult begin treatment to see if there is any response to treatment. Prescription and over the counter approaches are effective. "
Signs of Dog Mange refers to microscopic bugs in the mite family that burrow under your dogs skin. The mites are too small to be seen by a naked eye and is often referred to as having a mangy dog. There are two types of canine mange called Demodectoc Mange and Sarcoptic Mange and Sarcoptic mange (also called scabies).
Canine Mange in mature dogs should be kept under control by a strong immune system. Dogs that get mange tend to either are young, so their immune system isn’t fully developed or are older and have a weakened immune system due to some other cause. Look for other factors that may be the cause such as cortisnone injections (steroids), diabetes, cushings disease or hypothyroidism.
Symptoms Mange Dogs
The symtoms mange dogs are usually:
- Small red hairless area
- Hairless area with pimples, thick skin and puss
- Scaling around the eyes, mouth and front legs
- Itching since the motion of the mite in and on the skin is extremely itchy. (intense scratching or itching is a characteristic of scabies – also knows as sarcoptic mange)
Diagnosis of Signs of Dog Mange
Your veterinarian will scrape your dog’s skin and analyze the sample under a microscope for mites. The diagnosis for demodectic mange and sarcoptic mange is based on the type of mite that is found. Cigar shaped mites are demodectic and round mites are sarcoptic.
Since diagnosis are only accurate 50% of the time (mites may have been removed by your dogs constant scratching leaving only itchy toxins behind), most owners will treat for mange and see if there is a reduction in symptoms.
Treatment for the Signs of Dog Mange
Different treatments are used depending on the type of mange your dog has and the age of the dog.
For younger dogs the mange should heal itself in 6 to 8 weeks. Cases of several months are not unusual.
Canine Mange DipYou Veterinarian will often prescribe Paramite dip (an organophosphate), Mitaban dip (Amitraz) not available over the counter. Mitaban can be particularly toxic to animals. The disease typically resolves within one month to six months of application of treatments.
You may also use Dermisil for Pet Mange . This is a way to treat the mange outbreak without prescription. It mixes with your dog's normal shampoo making for easier application.
When using a dip such as Paramite or Mitaban wear gloves and only use in a place with good ventilation. Sponge on the dip for 10 minutes, allowing your dog’s feet to soak in the rinse. Let the dip dry on the dog. Repeat the process every 2 weeks (read the directions on the dip carefully). Keep your dog from getting wet between treatments.
Treatments should continue for 3 months. There are side effects (most often seen in puppies) such as tiredness, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and an odd walk or gait.
Antihistamine for Itching – Itching can be helped with antihistamines such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) with dosage based on your dog’s weight (1 to 3 milligrams per pound).
If you have more than one pet or dog, you should treat all animals in the house. Dog products usually cannot be used on cats so check all labels before using. Also, mites can jump to humans so wash after handling.
DO NOT use motor oil for Canine Mange. The oil can be toxic if licked by your pet. DO NOT use corticosteroids Also corticosteroids (cortisone) may control the itch, but actually lowers immunity to mites, allowing them to multiply faster. .
"Signs of Dog Mange include red hairless areas and constant itching by your dog. Since diagnosis is difficult begin treatment to see if there is any response to treatment. Prescription and over the counter approaches are effective. "
Signs of Dog Mange refers to microscopic bugs in the mite family that burrow under your dogs skin. The mites are too small to be seen by a naked eye and is often referred to as having a mangy dog. There are two types of canine mange called Demodectoc Mange and Sarcoptic Mange and Sarcoptic mange (also called scabies).
Canine Mange in mature dogs should be kept under control by a strong immune system. Dogs that get mange tend to either are young, so their immune system isn’t fully developed or are older and have a weakened immune system due to some other cause. Look for other factors that may be the cause such as cortisnone injections (steroids), diabetes, cushings disease or hypothyroidism.
Symptoms Mange Dogs
The symtoms mange dogs are usually:
- Small red hairless area
- Hairless area with pimples, thick skin and puss
- Scaling around the eyes, mouth and front legs
- Itching since the motion of the mite in and on the skin is extremely itchy. (intense scratching or itching is a characteristic of scabies – also knows as sarcoptic mange)
Diagnosis of Signs of Dog Mange
Your veterinarian will scrape your dog’s skin and analyze the sample under a microscope for mites. The diagnosis for demodectic mange and sarcoptic mange is based on the type of mite that is found. Cigar shaped mites are demodectic and round mites are sarcoptic.
Since diagnosis are only accurate 50% of the time (mites may have been removed by your dogs constant scratching leaving only itchy toxins behind), most owners will treat for mange and see if there is a reduction in symptoms.
Treatment for the Signs of Dog Mange
Different treatments are used depending on the type of mange your dog has and the age of the dog.
For younger dogs the mange should heal itself in 6 to 8 weeks. Cases of several months are not unusual.
Canine Mange DipYou Veterinarian will often prescribe Paramite dip (an organophosphate), Mitaban dip (Amitraz) not available over the counter. Mitaban can be particularly toxic to animals. The disease typically resolves within one month to six months of application of treatments.
You may also use Dermisil for Pet Mange . This is a way to treat the mange outbreak without prescription. It mixes with your dog's normal shampoo making for easier application.
When using a dip such as Paramite or Mitaban wear gloves and only use in a place with good ventilation. Sponge on the dip for 10 minutes, allowing your dog’s feet to soak in the rinse. Let the dip dry on the dog. Repeat the process every 2 weeks (read the directions on the dip carefully). Keep your dog from getting wet between treatments.
Treatments should continue for 3 months. There are side effects (most often seen in puppies) such as tiredness, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and an odd walk or gait.
Antihistamine for Itching – Itching can be helped with antihistamines such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) with dosage based on your dog’s weight (1 to 3 milligrams per pound).
If you have more than one pet or dog, you should treat all animals in the house. Dog products usually cannot be used on cats so check all labels before using. Also, mites can jump to humans so wash after handling.
DO NOT use motor oil for Canine Mange. The oil can be toxic if licked by your pet. DO NOT use corticosteroids Also corticosteroids (cortisone) may control the itch, but actually lowers immunity to mites, allowing them to multiply faster. .