Red mange, or demodectic mange, is a common skin issue that causes hair loss in dogs. Red mange is a result of the Demodex canis or Demodex injai mite. All dogs have these mites living on them and many go through life without any problems related to their presence. Puppies and dogs with suppressed immune systems, however, can develop red mange because of the mites. Symptoms of red mange include patches of hair loss on the dog's body, particularly around the feet, abdomen, head, neck and legs. In addition, affected dogs can experience scaling and crustiness, inflammation and pustules, or bumps. Fortunately, red mange is resolvable with the help of a veterinarian.
Things You'll Need
- Five-percent benzoyl peroxide gel
- One-percent rotenone ointment
- Benzoyl peroxide shampoo
- High-quality food
- Amitraz dip
- Ivermectin
- Milbemycin oxime
- Hair clippers
- Rubber gloves
Instructions
Apply an ointment or gel that is used to resolve red mange to the lesions daily. Useful ointments and gels include five-percent benzoyl peroxide gel and one-percent rotenone ointment. This type of topical treatment is effective in dogs that have localized mange, or less than five lesions on their bodies.
Bathe dogs with localized mange with benzoyl peroxide shampoo. The frequency in which these baths should occur depends on the dog. Consult your veterinarian as to how often you should use the shampoo. In addition, feeding affected dogs high-quality foods that contain fatty acids can also help to boost the immune system and improve the condition of the skin.
Apply Amitraz dip to the dog every two weeks for 4 to 14 weeks, if it has generalized mange, or more than five lesions on the body. Amitraz, an organophosphate, is often effective in eliminating the mites that cause red mange. This type of treatment can be hard on certain dogs, however, as it has a strong smell that can cause nausea and sedation.
Administer ivermectin or milbemycin oxime to dogs that do not respond to or tolerate the dip. The amount to give will be decided by the veterinarian. Both medications are given orally. They are also used off-label, as they are mainly used in preventing heartworm infections.
Give antibiotics to treat any secondary infections that are caused by the red mange. Your veterinarian will determine which antibiotics to give and tell you how often to administer them. Pustules on the skin are usually caused by an infection and often resolve with the help of antibiotics.