How To Treat Mange In Dogs

Mange, also known as canine scabies, is a skin condition caused by mites that are naturally and harmlessly living on your dog's skin. These mites live on every healthy dog's skin and hair follicles. Sometimes, however, the population explodes because of certain events going on with your dog's health, and he is unable to keep the mite population under control. This may be due to an under-developed or suppressed immune system and, for this reason, it's not uncommon for dog mange to occur in younger dogs and puppies. The over-population of mites burrows into the dog's skin and causes irritation and severe itchiness, crustiness and scabbing. If you’re wondering how to get rid of mange in dogs, it is only by getting the mite population back under control with the help of medication prescribed by a veterinarian and the application of Banixx.

Mange treatment for dogs requires a dual approach. You need...

1.  An anti-parasitic medication (obtained from your vet) to kill the mites that cause the mange.
2.  Banixx Pet Care to treat the open sores and rashes caused by your dog's endless scratching because of these pesky, itchy mites.

Banixx is a soothing, gentle first aid solution for a quick and painless recovery of these rashes/sores and infections. Mites are easily diagnosed by a quick trip to your veterinarian and the treatment is relatively straightforward and painless. Generally, results will be seen in a matter of weeks or less. (Note: Banixx alone will not solve the mange problem because it is not an anti-parasitic). Moreover, Banixx used in conjunction with the medication prescribed by your veterinarian will make this a trouble-free, easy experience. There is no conflict between the prescribed medication (that will cure mange) and the topical use of Banixx.  Add to this that your pup will experience no angst because Banixx has no clinical odor, nor any burn/sting. Sometimes, however, seasonal allergies may cause your dog to lose areas of hair.  This can be mistaken for mange, but your veterinarian will diagnose this in short order.

A dog’s symptoms will depend on the type of mange: there are two main types.

* Demodectic mange (not contagious)

* Sarcoptic (highly contagious).

Demodectic mange is by far the most common, as all canines raised normally by their mothers have the mites, transferred from mom to pup via cuddling in the early days of life. Pups generally do not exhibit symptoms of this and outgrow any infection with no outward visible signs as their immune system develops.

Demodectic mange, also known as red mange, typically causes no symptoms and dogs live in harmony with the mites. If a dog has an inadequate immune system, however, the mites can start causing symptoms such as hair loss, bald spots, scabbing and many times a terrible smell — often on large areas of the body. It can also lead to ear infections. Your dog will let you know how uncomfortable he feels by scratching and itching constantly; the inflamed skin and secondary skin infections can also lead to open sores and rashes. There are three main types of Demodectic mange:

• Localizedmange cases, where these mites multiply rapidly, out of control, in confined areas. This infection results in isolated scaly bald patches usually on the dog’s face creating a polka-dot appearance.  Approximately 90% of these cases resolve with no treatment of any kind.
• Generalized demodecticmange, affecting larger areas of skin or a dog’s entire body. This type of mange can cause sores, rashes and infections on your dog due to frenzied, endless scratching.  It's an itchy condition for your dog and often smelly (due to the infection). Consultation with your veterinarian is recommended.
• Demodectic pododermatitis mange, one of the most resistant forms of demodectic mange. This type is confined to the foot and accompanied by bacterial infections. Deep veterinary biopsies are often required to locate these mites and make a proper diagnosis.

Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious and caused by the Sarcoptes scabie mite. It presents similar symptoms, including hair loss, reddened skin and intense itchiness that can lead to open body sores and scabs, which get infected. Especially popular with these mites are areas with little hair, including the armpits, ears, belly or groin, which can allow them to be undetected for some time. Often contracted from other canines, this type of mange spreads rapidly to pets and humans. That’s why, if left untreated, it can spread to the dog’s entire body. Other signs that your dog might have canine mange are fever, loss of appetite and general lethargy.

If your dog shows signs of mange, take it to a veterinarian who understands how to get rid of mange on a puppy. This professional can perform a physical exam, analyze skin scrapings, and confirm by microscopic examination whether or not mange mites are present.  It takes more than just the presence of mites to diagnose mange, however, since demodectic mites can be found on all healthy dogs. It's the skin lesions and infection, together with the mites, that confirm the diagnosis. The vet will then prescribe the appropriate anti-parasitic medication.

NOTE: If your dog is diagnosed with demodectic mange, you do NOT need to isolate him/her; he or she is not contagious. The reason that she has contracted mange is because her immune system is weak and has been over-run by the mites.  It's also a compelling reason not to breed the dog, as her immune system is faulty, and it should not be passed on.

If your dog is diagnosed with sarcoptic mange, which can be tricky to catch, since the mites don't always show up in skin scrapings, you’ll need to isolate, clean/replace all bedding, disinfect the collar/grooming items, sanitize your home thoroughly and get any other pets tested. Typically, you won’t know this is the case until allergy medications don't do the job and/or your vet prescribes medicine for sarcoptic mange to see if it works.

Knowing how to get rid of scabies on dogs is one thing, but how do you keep it from starting in the first place? Unfortunately, there are no known ways to prevent mange from occurring or recurring. But there are a few things that you can do proactively.

The most common cause of the mange on your dog is his exposure to another infected animal.  Dogs are often thought of as family members, but to fit in our busy schedules, we often rely on outside services to meet their needs.  Doggie day cares and spas, dog parks, dog pet “resorts,” dog walkers, dog sitters, groomers, and mega pet stores are just a few examples of where dogs may be exposed to mange mites. If your dog is prone to mange or has issues with her immune system, do what you can to limit these types of interactions. 

• Keep your dog on a regular, healthy, feeding schedule, with lots of water and exercise to boost a healthy and strong immune system.
• Give your dog regular baths, carefully examining his skin for any signs of irritations, redness, rashes, or sores. And don’t forget his collar and bedding.  A good hygiene regimen goes a long way in combating a whole “host” of problems with your pets.
• If your dog has been diagnosed with sarcoptic mange, you’ll need to thoroughly clean or replace his bedding and collar and treat all animals in contact.
• If you suspect a neighbor’s dog may be infected, keep your pets away to keep the disease at bay.
• Bring your dog to the vet periodically as recommended for re-check skin scrapes to ensure the mites have been eradicated. Buy Banixx or buy online.

Learn how Banixx also helps dogs with hotspots.

The two most common forms of mange are Demodectic mange and Sarcoptic mange.

Demodectic mange

All dogs raised normally by their mothers possess Demodectic mange mites, which are transferred from mother to pup via cuddling during the first few days of life. Most dogs live in harmony with their mites, never suffering any consequences. Demodectic mange (also called "red mange") is by far the most common type of mange seen by veterinarians.  There are 3 types:

--- Localized cases occur when these mites multiply rapidly, out of control, in confined areas. This infection results in isolated scaly bald patches usually on the dog’s face creating a polka-dot appearance.  Approximately 90% of these cases resolve with no treatment of any kind.

--- Generalized demodectic mange, in contrast, affects larger areas of skin or a dog’s entire body. This type of mange can result in sores, rashes and infections on your dog due to your dog’s frenzied, endless scratching.  It's a very itchy condition for your dog and often smelly (due to the infection).  Consultation with your Veterinarian is recommended.

---  Demodectic pododermatitis mange, one of the most resistant forms of demodectic mange, is confined to the foot and accompanied by bacterial infections. Deep veterinary biopsies are often required to locate these mites and make a proper diagnosis. Buy Banixx or buy online.

Sarcoptic mange

Sarcoptic Mange is highly contagious and often contracted from other dogs.  Caused by the Sarcoptes scabie mite, these mites are more difficult to diagnose and treat.  It can spread to other pets and humans too, so it's a good idea to treat all of your pets if your Vet suspects this variety.  These mites prefer areas with little hair such as armpits, ears, belly or groin, so they may go undetected for a longer period of time.  Left untreated, they can easily affect your dog's entire body and your dog may end up scratching so much that it causes sores and open wounds.  These open sores and self-inflicted wounds, in turn, become infected.  It's bad news!  Diagnosis is made via skin scrapings but these mites are often difficult to find so a more common treatment is the regular mange treatment.