Mary Allen
Bald spots in the fur are just one symptom that indicates mange in dogs. It is a skin disease that not only disfigures dogs but also causes them great suffering. Learn more about the symptoms of the disease and how to treat it here.
Various parasites can be responsible for mange in dogs. These are often so-called grave mites or scabies mites called Sarcoptes scabiei var. Thousands of these microscopic mites crawl on and under the animal’s skin and can make life difficult not only for dogs but also for cats.
Canis is a subspecies of mite that primarily affects dogs. Occasionally she also nests with cats and foxes. While the male mites remain on the skin’s surface, the female arachnids dig tunnels into the skin’s surface and lay their eggs there.
Caution: Many types of mange are highly contagious. The painful disease can be transmitted not only to animals but also to humans. That’s why you should avoid conspicuous four-legged friends.
Recognize Mange in Dogs: Symptoms & Course
The mites work their way through the skin layers and secrete a secretion that causes the dog to scratch. Mange in dogs can manifest itself through the following symptoms:
- hair loss
- scaling
- red spots on the skin – first on the head, especially often behind the ear
- severe itching that causes a strong urge to scratch
- weight loss
- depressions
Violent scratching often causes further inflammation of the skin.
Treatment of Mange in Dogs
As soon as your four-legged friend shows symptoms of mange, it is essential to see the vet. All the more so since mange is also highly contagious for humans. The veterinarian uses a microscopic examination to determine the exact type of infestation. Based on this, he prescribes a suitable mite remedy against mange in dogs. In addition, there is often already a bacterial infection of the skin, which makes treatment with an antibiotic necessary.
Your dog will have to endure the special shampoo treatment for several weeks – daily for the first week, then every four to five days. This is the only way to effectively combat the mites and the larvae and nymphs hatching from the eggs. In addition, the doctor usually prescribes a remedy that relieves the itching.
Home Remedies for Mange in Dogs
In addition, some home remedies are known to help against mange. However, you should exercise caution here. Be sure to discuss with your vet beforehand whether methods like these make sense:
- Washing the fur with heavily diluted apple cider vinegar
- Treatment of inflamed areas with aloe vera
- Rubbing with coconut oil, it is said to attack the pests’ armor
In this painful time, you must isolate your four-legged friend so that the pathogens do not spread to other animals or yourself. It’s difficult, but that’s the only way you can finally get rid of the mites. If possible, only touch your dog with gloves. Another important part of the treatment is hygiene: wash all the textiles your dog has come into contact with, especially his blanket.