Mange is a skin disease primarily found in dogs who are not bathed regularly or kept healthy. The disease occurs when parasites invade the dog's skin and burrow underneath. The mites make the dog uncomfortable and itchy and can cause inflammation and bloody sores. It's highly contagious and should be treated quickly and thoroughly. Keeping a dog in good health is essential to prevent mange.
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Causes
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While all dogs have some parasites on their skin, dogs with owners who provide good hygiene usually develop a better immune system. Should the parasites invade the skin, the dog's antibodies will kill the mites. An unhealthy environment is the biggest cause of mange. Most mites are contagious, so your pet coming into contact with another dog with mange can cause the disease; mites can also live without a host, so be watchful if you live in an area with strays. Mange may also have a hereditary component.
Symptoms
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Mange symptoms include excessive itching, causing red sores on the skin. Hair loss is another sign; mites burrow into the skin, and hair will be thin or gone in some areas. If you notice these symptoms, check the dog for dry, crusty and thickened skin. If the skin is dry and wrinkled, the dog most likely has mange. A foul odor also appears as the mites reproduce and grow in number; the smell is similar to strong cheese. Also check for blisters, severe inflammation, open wounds or blood.
Home Treatment
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Mange is a severe skin disease, and treatment should begin immediately. While several home remedies can help, a diagnosis and visit to the veterinarian are still in order.
A few drops of cooking oil applied on the skin can help soften the deposits mites leave. It can also kill a number of mites. Lukewarm soapy water can also help clean mites off the skin. This method will also disinfect the skin so the mange won't spread.
Make sure your dog is eating a healthy diet. Feed him raw food if he has mange, such as leafy green vegetables and herbs. Give him finely chopped green vegetables and herbs such as olive leaf extract, cat's claw and kyolic garlic.
Practice maximum hygiene for your dog. A dog with mange should be bathed often. Clean the dog's kennel and living area. This can keep mites from reproducing so quickly. Mites can also transfer to humans, so be careful with the dog's belongings, especially if he lives indoors.Combine lavender, almond and neem oils to make a topical treatment. Apply this to the skin after the dog has bathed. For best results, use it on the affected area twice a day. Use one part lavender oil, nine parts almond oil and one part neem oil.
The herbal extracts yellow dock extract and echinacea extract can also be used to medicate skin. Mix 10 drops of each in 4 ounces of distilled water. Apply to the skin.
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