Chewing lice and mites are both tiny creatures that make a dog's life very uncomfortable. The primary mites responsible for mange are called sarcoptic mites. The condition the mites cause is called mange, from the word mangy, because of the ragged and dull looking fur that results from damage to the skin caused by the mites. Chewing lice are called Mallophage. They are differentiated from other lice because they have mouth parts designed for chewing, not sucking.
-
Transmission
-
According to Encyclopedia Brittanica, mange is transmitted between animals by direct contact or by contact with objects, like a tree, that have been in contact with a mange-infested dog. Mange is highly contagious between canines. Chewing lice are also transmitted by direct contact between two dogs. But unlike mites, lice cannot live long without their host. However, lice may also be transmitted by grooming brushes.
Symptoms
-
With both mange and lice, your dog will scratch, rub and bite at infested areas. Sarcoptic mites dig tiny tunnels in a dog's skin, making a dog very uncomfortable and itchy. Both lice and mange will result in an unhealthy-looking coat. Extreme cases of lice infestation can cause anemia. Chewing lice also make small wounds that can become infected. The extreme discomfort of either infestation may depress your dog. The constant biting and crawling of lice also causes nervousness in dogs.
Diagnosis
-
Diagnosing lice is easier than diagnosing sarcoptic mites. Lice can be seen with the naked eye. Part your dog's hair, on the top of its body, and use a bright light. Chewing lice are often on the move and you will see them crawling through your dog's fur. You might also find lice with their mouth parts embedded in a dog's skin. Before you visit the vet, you can often diagnose sarcoptic mites with the Pinna-Pedal reflex. Scratch the inside of your dog's ear, near the top edge, with your finger. If this triggers a leg scratching movement in the dog, it's 95 percent certain your dog has sarcoptic mites. Confirm the diagnosis with your vet.
Treatment
-
Two doses of Ivermectin, delivered two weeks apart, effectively treats sarcoptic mites. Medicated shampoo baths help with the itch in the meantime. Chewing lice are easily killed with over-the-counter flea products like powder and shampoo. There are also special combs for removing lice.
Caution
-
Sarcoptic mange is contagious to humans. It's otherwise known as scabies, and if humans share the same spaces as an infested dog, like a bed or couch, the whole family will start scratching soon enough. And because scabies is so contagious, it's possible for humans to transmit scabies outside the house, to school or work.
-