Mange is caused by mites that reside in the hair follicles. The condition causes scaly patches of dry, itchy skin. Some types of mange clear on their own, but severe cases often require medical treatment. Take your dog to a veterinarian for evaluation and treatment if you suspect it has mange.
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Ivermectin
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Ivermectin is the most common mange medication given to dogs. The drug is an anti-parasite medication that is very effective in clearing up mange with daily or every other day dosing. The oral version of the drug has an unpleasant taste to dogs, so some veterinarians prefer to use Ivermectin injections.
Certain breeds of dogs are extremely sensitive to Ivermectin, and the drug can be fatal in certain dogs. Collies, Australian shepherds, old English sheepdogs, Shetland sheepdogs and other herding breeds should not take Ivermectin. Other breeds can still experience serious side effects from the drug. Some veterinarians prefer to start dogs on low doses of the drug to watch for any side effects. A test to determine whether a dog will be sensitive to Ivermectin is available through Washington State University.
Amitraz Dips
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Amitraz dips are medicated liquids placed on a dog after bathing to help clear up mange. Most dogs need to be shaved before dipping so the mange medication comes into direct contact with the dog's skin. Dogs are bathed in benzoyl peroxide prior to dipping with Amitraz and the dip is repeated every two weeks. Amitraz dips can cause mild sedation and they are usually done at a veterinarian's office so the dog can be monitored for side effects.
Interceptor
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Some veterinarians use the monthly heartworm preventative Interceptor to treat mange. Dogs with mange require daily doses of the drug, which can be expensive, since Interceptor is typically sold in six-dose packages. Interceptor is often a good choice to treat mange in dogs that are sensitive to Ivermectin without dipping the dog several times.
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