How to Prevent Getting Mange

Mange is a parasitic infection spread by mites that burrow into the skin and lay eggs. The only type of mange that is transmissible to humans from pets is sarcoptic mange, or scabies. Symptoms of sarcoptic mange in humans include intense itching that worsens at night and red blisters that form on the back of the knees, hands, feet, elbows and wrists. There are many ways people can prevent contracting mange from their pets.

Things You'll Need

  • Pet shampoo
  • Liquid laundry soap
  • Vacuum
  • Garbage bag
  • Multi-vitamins
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Instructions

    • 1

      Bathe your pet at least once every two weeks with a high quality pet shampoo. Keeping your dog or cat well groomed will cut down on the likelihood of a sarcoptic mange infestation.

    • 2

      Isolate your pets from any other animals you suspect have mange. This also means keeping your dog or cat in the house at night to prevent it from coming in contact with any potentially contagious domestic or wild animals.

    • 3

      Wash the dog's bedding, toys and clothing in hot water once a week. Use hot water and liquid laundry soap to ensure the mites are killed.

    • 4

      Vacuum any furniture, flooring and bedding that the potentially infected dog has come in contact with. This will remove any mites from these areas. Empty the vacuum in a garbage bag outside immediately after cleaning the home.

    • 5

      Build your immune system by taking a daily multi-vitamin supplement and by maintaining a healthy diet and drinking at least 64 ounces of water each day. Maintaining a healthy immune system will allow your body to fight off any sarcoptic mites before they have a chance to burrow under your skin and lay eggs.

    • 6

      Bring your dog to the veterinarian immediately if you suspect it has sarcoptic mange. Symptoms of mange in dogs include intense itching, hair loss and skin inflammation. The veterinarian will ask for a through history and may perform a skin scraping or biopsy to diagnose the condition. If diagnosed, the veterinarian may prescribe one or more treatments for the infection including special shampoos, lotions or antibiotics if the scratching has led to an infection.

    • 7

      Visit the doctor immediately if you suspect you or any member of your family is infected with mange. The doctor will diagnose the sarcoptic mange and offer treatments or ways to treat the infection, such as the use of Neem oil or lotions to kill the mites and treat the symptoms.