Is your dog constantly scratching, licking, or biting at its skin? It could be a sign of mange, a common skin condition caused by microscopic mites that burrow into the skin, leading to irritation and discomfort. Mange often results in extreme itching, skin inflammation, and hair loss, making it a distressing issue for both dogs and their owners.
According to the International Wildlife Coalition Trust, mange spreads quickly among dogs. The illness can quickly affect other dogs, and before the dog owners realize what has happened to their pets, it has already spread throughout their bodies.
Therefore, as a dog owner, you must know about the different types of mange, symptoms, causes, how to treat, ways of diagnosis, and much more.
How Does Mange Change A Dog’s Coat?
According to the Woodgreen Organization, Mange, a skin-related disease can affect your dog’s coat in several places. Here, if you feel your dog’s coat, then you will say that it has become crusty, swollen, and red. Apart from that, you may see your dog losing their hair.
The mites make it very problematic for the dog, as that poor person will always itch. This itching allows bacteria to enter the skin, causing secondary infections. Therefore, your dog’s skin starts looking terrible.
Indeed, there are times when other skin conditions and allergies can lead you to believe that your dog has mange. However, you can always verify this with the help of a professional veterinarian, who can provide you with better guidance.
What Are The Different Types Of Mange In Dogs?
There are three different types of mange in dogs: Sarcoptic, Demodectic, and Otodectic. Let’s discuss them individually for you to understand which one is troubling your dog:
Sarcoptic Mange
According to the Blue Cross Organization, sarcoptic mange spreads the fastest of the three types. The Sarcoptes scabies mites are the main culprits behind this skin infection, which is so contagious that even humans are at risk of getting infected. As far as the symptoms are concerned, your dog will itch nonstop, and its skin will turn red. The skin will also have crusts and scabs. This disease usually targets the ears, armpits, belly, and elbows.
Demodectic Mange
Another type is Demodectic Mange. This one is caused by the Demodex canois mite. The relaxing part is that it is not as contagious. The mites attack puppies and dogs, especially the ones with a weak immune system. What are the symptoms? They can be mild and severe, including loss of hair, skin infections, and red bumps on your dog’s body. And keep in mind that they are present in two types: generalized and localized.
Otodectic Mange
Otodectic mange is related to ear mites. The Otodectes cynotis mites are responsible for giving a hard time to your dog. You may find your dog intensively scratching their ears and shaking its head. Apart from that, the ears can release a dark-coloured discharge and leave an unpleasant stench. Therefore, monitor your dog for the mentioned symptoms and then proceed ahead.
What Are The Different Symptoms of Mange In Dogs?
The particular symptoms of mange tend to vary. It all depends on the kind of mite and how severe the infection is. So, let’s spill the beans:
A lot of Itching
The list of symptoms of mange in dogs includes a lot of itching. If you see your dog biting, scratching, and rubbing, it is trying its best to get some relief from the skin-related disease.
Loss Of Hair
Whichever part of your dog’s body the mites will select, you will witness that area lose hair. And with time, that portion will become bare and exposed. So, pay close attention to your dog, and the area with missing hair will give you your answer.
Redness
Like every infection, even this one will turn your dog’s skin red. And not only that, it will become inflamed and irritated. Hence, watch your furry fellow’s skin carefully, and then you will be able to figure out that it annoyed your dog so much that the skin turned red.
Scabs
If you notice scabs with crusts forming on your dog’s skin, then that is a clear signal that your dog is suffering from this particular skin infection. And due to so much scratching, these scabs and crusts appeared on its skin.
Thickening Of Skin
It’s not a necessary symptom, but in some cases, the texture of the skin does change. Skin-related disease can cause the dog’s coat to feel thick and leathery. Hence, you can try touching your dog’s coat to determine.
Secondary Infections
If your dog keeps on scratching without a pause, then guess what will happen. The intense scratching will damage the layer of the skin, allowing the bacteria and fungus to enter. As a result, that will raise the chances of fungal and bacterial infections. Therefore, your furry fellow will be in a very miserable state.
Problems In-Ear
In the case of mites attacking your dog’s ears, you will see your wagging tail scratching their ears. Furthermore, they will be shaking their head to get some relief, and when a discharge is released from their ears, the colour will be dark. And this will worry you more.
What Causes Mange In Dogs?
Your dog can get mange in three different ways. They are as follows:
Sarcoptic Mange
The first and most contagious type is sarcoptic mange. Your dog can get this type by coming in direct contact with other infected dogs, picking up a toy, or touching the area where the ill dog was present.
Demodectic Mange
Demodectic mange is usually inherited, and your dog will be helpless in front of it. It can also occur if your dog’s immunity system is not strong enough to fight strong infections.
Otodectic Mange
This ear-related one is spread by coming in direct contact with infected dogs. Apart from that, your dog can catch it even if he shares or you give it the same bed or tools for grooming used on the already infected dog. Therefore, be careful at your end and ask before you pick the tools or the bed because it does not spare humans.
Some After-Effects Of Mange In Dogs
Mange has a few after-effects. These are as follows:
Loss Of Weight
You will see your dog spending most of his time itching themself. Why? The mites will be annoying it so much that the poor fellow will feel compelled to skip meals. This will result in loss of weight. They will prefer scratching the affected areas over eating their favourite treats.
Depression
When something starts bothering you, you become depressed. Likewise, dogs feel the same way. Mange irritates them from every angle as they are not able to enjoy their daily activities, play with you, or even eat their treats. The discomfort is so much that they prefer staying aloof and constantly scratching themselves. This leads to depression and lethargy.
Social Issues
No matter how well you train your dog, skin-related diseases such as mange will affect it socially and force it to scare you and others with its behaviour. The non stop itching and scratching make it very annoying. Plus, when you try to throw a Frisbee at it as a distraction, it doesn't show any willingness. Instead, it distances itself and becomes aggressive when other family members try to approach it.
It Can Infect Humans
Sarcoptic mange is a dangerous one as it can infect humans as well. Hence, if your dog is diagnosed with this one, then please maintain distance from your pup. We understand that you share a close bond with your buddy, but you should not take any kind of risk and separate the bedding as well. Otherwise, you will also find yourself scratching yourself and becoming agitated. So read about the possible risks and be careful.
The Expense
The sad part is that treating mange costs a hefty amount. You will have to pay more if the condition is severe or if medication is needed for several days. These expenses also include the cost of clinic visits, the time your vet spent grooming your dog, and the particular shampoos your vet suggested to kill the mites. Therefore, be prepared to spend money so your dog can return to its usual routine.
Ways To Diagnose A Mange
If you want to clear your doubts about whether your dog is facing mange, you can always take it to a professional vet. They will make the most out of four ways to diagnose a mange:
Perform A Physical Examination
The vet will perform a physical examination on your dog. How? They will do so by analyzing your furry friend’s companion, looking for mites and patches of hair loss, and observing your dog’s behaviour to see if it is facing skin irritation. If they spot any, then only they will move ahead.
Scrapings of Skin
The healthcare professionals will take a few scrapings of your dog’s skin as part of the sample. Then, with the help of their microscope, they will place the samples and zoom in to look for mites. If they spot any, they will suggest the proper care.
Wood’s Lamp Examination
The wood’s lamp approach is also used in the list of diagnoses. What happens here? The vet uses a special kind of light to detect particular types of mites that irritate your dog’s skin and cause it to turn red.
Blood Tests
This is one of the most common ways of diagnosing mange in dogs. The vets will simply take your dog’s blood sample for testing. In this manner, you will get to know what actually happened and if there is anything to worry about or not—subtracting the other conditions.
How To Treat Mange?
There are four ways to treat mange. According to PDSA, your vet may suggest the necessary treatment to kill the mange mites. These medicines are usually available in the form of tablets, shampoos, or spot-ons. And yes, your dog might need around two to three treatments, with a gap of a few weeks. This acts as an assurance that all the mites are finished with no chance of infecting again. Furthermore, it also depends on the kind of mite and how severe the infection is. So, let’s take a look at the solutions:
Medications
Your vet might tell you to go to your nearest pharmacy or store that deals in dog medicines as well. Get medications in the shape of oral and topical. These will effectively kill mites. And the usual ones are ivermectin, selamectin, or lime sulfur dips. You will need to apply them on your dog’s coat or give them through food or after they have eaten.
Shampoos
To reduce this skin disease, there are medicated shampoos and dips as well. These help kill mites and offer relief to your pup’s itchy skin. Use the shampoo consistently, and you will notice how your dog’s skin turns to its normal colour. As a result, your dog will also stop scratching themselves, telling you that the shampoo worked out.
Antibiotics
Suppose the vet observes that your dog’s constant scratching has opened the ground to let bacteria enter. Then, they will recommend you purchase antibiotics. The medicine will show its worth by treating secondary bacterial infections. Hence, your dog will comparatively feel easier than it was in the last couple of days.
Flea Control
Naturally, as a dog owner, you will not like to see your dog go through the same situation multiple times. So, if your vet asks you to purchase flea control, then don’t delay. Get one. Why? That will assist in keeping your dog’s fur protected from this infestation. And you will see your dog playing around without scratching themselves.
Wash Your Dog’s Stuff
While your dog is being treated, your vet might tell you to wash your dog’s stuff as well. Hence, you will need to clean its bed, blanket, burhs, kennel, and other toys with the assistance of the recommended mite-killing medicine.
How To Give The Best Possible Care At Home?
Who said you cannot take care of your dog’s mange at home? You can give the best possible care in the following ways:
Isolate Your Dog
First of all, isolate your dog. This means keeping it away from other dogs living under the same roof or the neighbourhood ones as well. The idea will hurt your pet, but it’s for the safety of other dogs as well.
Clean The House
Purchase a good-quality dog mite disinfectant and use it to clean the house. This includes cleaning your dog’s bed, toys, and living areas, where it usually sits with you. You need to do this regularly so your space remains safe for other family members or guests as well.
Use Gentle Shampoos
Based on your vet’s recommendation, get some gentle shampoos. Read the bottle’s description carefully. You need to be sure that the shampoo does not contain harsh chemicals, as your main goal is to soothe your dog’s skin. Otherwise, the situation might worsen.
Try The Elizabethan Collar
As a dog owner, you will not like to see your dog in such a miserable state. Therefore, you can try making it wear the Elizabethan collar. You must have seen the collar in many dog-related films. What does it do? The accessory discourages the dog from scratching it so much. Or, if the collar does not work out, then you can use other protective remedies to offer it some relief.
Watch Out For Side Effects
After starting the course of mange medication, you need to watch out for side effects. Pay close attention to see how often your dog scratches itself. If the scratching reduces, then that means the medicine is working. However, if the condition worsens, then kindly take it to the vet.
Go For Routine Check-ups
Even if you and your dog have defeated mange infection, do go for routine check-ups. This is essential for your dog’s betterment and your peace of mind that your pet is mite-free. Otherwise, the same infection can happen again as well. Hence, show up so your vet can tell you about the dog’s progress and confirm that there is no need to worry any longer.
Can You Prevent Mange?
Yes, you can prevent mange. How? Here are a few tips that can assist you in keeping your furry friend away from mange:
Grooming Regularly
If you make it a habit of regularly grooming your dog, that can help you identify the infection’s early signs. You or the dog stylist can remove the loose hair and other dirt. In this way, mites will not be able to attack your dog’s skin.
Keep Away From Infected Animals
Is there any infected dog in your neighbourhood? Then, kindly keep your dog away from that dog. As, you will not like to see your dog upset, stop eating, and scratch itself.
Prepare A Healthy Diet
How strong is your dog’s immunity? If it is not that supportive, then it is suggested you prepare a healthy diet for the fellow. A well-balanced diet will boost his immunity, decreasing the risk of this skin disease.
Conclusion
We hope this blog provided you with the necessary details about mange. Now, you know how to treat the disease at home and prevent it from happening in the first place. Hence, look after your dog, and all will be well.
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