The symptoms of mange, which are caused by mites, can be very painful for a dog. When left untreated it can have devastating effects on an animal. According to Mangeindogs.com, both a weak immune system and heredity can make a dog more likely to develop mange. Because the mites can live off a host for a period of time, a dog may contract mange even though they have not been in contact with another infected animal.
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Young dog with Mange.
Causes
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Mange is caused by an infestation of parasitic mites. There are three different types of these parasites: Cheyletiella, Demodectic, and Sarcoptic. Each type of mange is caused by a different species of mite. Some dogs are more susceptible to mange, such as puppies, older dogs and dogs living in poor environmental conditions. Stress and heredity can also make a dog more susceptible to mange. Studies have shown that if the mother of a dog has ever had the affliction, the puppy will be more likely to be infected.
Itching
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Itching is usually the first symptom of mange. Mites cause irritation and intense itching as they burrow into a dog's skin. The animals will scratch constantly and even nip at themselves, trying to relieve the itching. Although dogs normally scratch and itch, excessive scratching can mean your dog has been exposed to mange. Sarcoptic mange is particularly known for causing severe itching. Dogs may scratch until they are exhausted and dehydrated, even injuring themselves trying to find relief.
Hair Loss
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Hair loss is also a common symptom of mange. The constant scratching to relieve the itching can cause the hair to be worn away. As the mange progresses, the dog will lose more and more hair. The animal could become virtually hairless if not treated. Contributing to the hair loss are the mites themselves, which burrow into the hair follicles resulting in more hair loss. The hair may or may not grow back in the affected areas.
Sores/Blisters
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Mange mites can cause sores and blisters on the dog's body as well. As the mites go through a life cycle they produce waste which can cause infection in the host. Pockets of pus can form underneath the skin causing large sores. This can also lead to a systemic infection, eventually causing the death of the dog. Sores can be caused by the dog's nails and teeth, as the animal bites and scratches to relieve the itching.
Odor
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As the mange progresses, and the mites continue to multiply, the dog will start to have a vary bad odor. This odor is caused by the wastes of the mites and the skin infections as a result of the mange. The resulting odor has been described as musty, or even smelling like old cheese.
Treatment
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The first step in treatment will be to alleviate the symptoms as much as possible while killing the mites. One product, Dermasil, is a lime sulfur dip that is applied to the dog during its regular bath. Selamectin, another topical medication, is also used on red mange with good results. Another choice is Ivermectin, a prescription shot that is given every 3 to 4 weeks. For Ivermectin sensitive animals there is Melbemycin which has not shown to have the same side effects. Whatever treatment that is chosen the key is to follow through with the recommended dosage until all the mites are gone.
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