Dectomax to Treat Dog Mange

Mange is a serious skin disorder that strikes dogs, cats, cattle, pigs and even humans. Although the cause is the same, every species has a unique, appropriate treatment. Dectomax is a treatment for mange in livestock, but it is not designed or recommended for dogs.

  1. Mange

    • Mange is caused by a range of mites, including demode and sarcoptic mites. These mites infest a dog's skin, rapidly multiply, and dig tunnels in the skin to suck the dog's blood. Mange mites are highly contagious, and cannot be eliminated by simple brushing or bathing.

    Symptoms

    • Dogs exhibit some obvious physical and behavioral symptoms when they have mange. The infestation strikes first around a dog's face, ears and chest, but quickly spreads to the rest of the body. Symptoms include flaky, scabby skin and hair loss, giving dogs a moth-eaten appearance. Dogs with mange scratch obsessively and may begin to lose weight due to stress and discomfort.

    Treatments

    • Mange should be treated immediately with one of several accepted and proven treatments. Mange generally occurs when a dog's immune system is compromised, so increased nutrition helps a dog recover. Vets prescribe medicated, toxic washes that kill the mites. Many owners choose home remedies like hydrogen peroxide and specialty shampoos to treat mange more gently.

    Dectomax

    • Dectomax is an injectable solution used to control parasites like roundworms, lice and mange mites. The solution is injected subcutaneously and is always subject to a vet's prescription and guidance. It works to protect the animal by "tainting" its blood against parasites like mange mites.

    Considerations

    • According to the Dectomax homepage and Drugs.com, Dectomax is not designed for use on dogs. This drug is endorsed for use on livestock like dairy and beef cattle and swine. Although Dectomax is safe for those animals, it is not designed for and should not be used on dogs.