Mange is an inflammatory skin disease caused by various types of tiny mites. Although some of these mites exist on your dog’s skin without causing symptoms, they all produce irritation, balding, and other signs of infections when they multiply. One easy way to prevent some types of mange is to keep your dog on heartworm prevention all year-round, as these medications often protect against mange causing mites.
Sarcoptic mange is the biggest threat to companion dogs. These parasites are transferred easily between dogs and can cause localized or generalized infections. Localized infections result when the mites proliferate in a small area on your dog’s skin and cause itching and isolated bald patches. Secondary infections that develop on your dog’s damaged skin may lead to odor, intense itching, and other problems. Generalized infections are most common in dogs with an endocrine disorder, compromised immune system, or other health conditions, but they can affect healthy dogs of all ages.
Recognizing Mange in Dogs:
Early recognition and prompt treatment are important to prevent potentially serious secondary infections from developing. Unfortunately, the symptoms of mange vary depending on many factors, including the type of mite present, the severity of the infection, the individual dog, and the presence of other health conditions. Most cases of mites cause local or generalized hair loss, bald spots, sores, and scabbing.
When secondary infections occur, symptoms such as itching, odor, and discharge may develop. Some dogs may scratch frantically, leading to restlessness, bleeding, and open sores. Symptoms are often most severe on the face, ears, and legs, although some cases involve the entire head and body.
Treating Mange and Mites:
Once your veterinarian examines your dog and confirms the presence of mange mites, he or she will prescribe one or more medications to kill the offending mites and to treat any existing secondary infections. Depending on the breed of your dog and the type of mange present, medication may be administered orally, topically, or via shampoo, dip, or injection. Medications are also available to soothe the inflammation and itching associated with mange infections.
It is essential to isolate dogs with sarcoptic mange from other pets and humans to prevent transmitting the infection to others. It may take a month or longer before you observe an improvement in symptoms, and your dog may require long-term treatment to keep the mites under control. Medication is discontinued only after your dog’s skin scrapings are negative for at least one month.
Replace your dog’s bedding and collar, and treat all other animals your dog is exposed to regularly to prevent reinfection. Additionally, speak with your veterinarian about a recheck schedule to scrape for mites periodically in the future. Regular veterinary care guarantees any problems are diagnosed and treated early to prevent complications and ensures your dog’s continued health and happiness.
There are a very limited number of treatments for mange in dogs that will actually work, but what is not well known is that preventive measures can go a long way in preventing this condition from ever attacking your dog.
There are several natural ways of preventing any of the various mites from attacking especially the most common mite infestation which results in demodicosis for one simple reason; your dog’s immune is weak.
There have been several studies that have shown that this form of infestation actually represents what is considered to be a diverse grouping of disorders that actually target weakened immune systems, but there are supplements that can easily prevent this.
These supplements include the mineral zinc fatty acids, as well as vitamins A and E. Zinc in dogs is considered to be a co-factor of their immune system as it not only helps their enzyme system, it also helps to stabilize their cells as well as protects their immune system.
Vitamin A assists your dog to modulate their immune response as well as helping to suppress their gland secretion. However there is one other very important function it preforms; it helps to control the effect of keratinization.
Keratin’s are the main components of your dog’s skin structure but it must be at full strength to fight off mites.
Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant and when these are combined on a daily basis into your dog’s diet from a powdered multivitamin along with fatty acids, they may never have to worry about mange in any form.