Mange is the itchy, patchy result of a common parasitic infestation. It affects mostly puppies, very elderly dogs or those with compromised immune systems. In puppies, it may resolve itself as the immune system gets stronger; but in most dogs, it is important to treat the infestation not only to ease the symptoms, but also to prevent secondary bacterial infections, which can become serious.
Things You'll Need
- Veterinarian
- De-greasing shampoo as prescribed
- Anti-microbial dip as prescribed
- Antibiotics as prescribed
- Clean bucket or large bowl
- 1/2 cup borax
- 1 bottle hydrogen peroxide
- 2 cups clear water
Instructions
Observe the symptoms. If your dog is ferociously scratching and biting himself, this is the first sign of mange. Then, the fur thins in patches beginning on the face and progressing to the forelimbs, and if the infestation goes unchecked, it can spread over the entire body. The balding patches may develop scaly skin, or may become scabby and greasy-looking.
See your veterinarian. Your vet will perform a skin scraping. Under a microscope, she will check the skin sample for mites. There are three types of mites that cause mange. Your vet will have to scrape every two weeks until the sample shows all dead mites for six weeks.
Decide whether you want to try the antimicrobial dips your vet may offer. These can be not only very expensive, but toxic; however, the dips are effective in 70 to 90 percent of cases. Your vet may prefer to do the shampoos and dips in the office to watch your dog for any reaction; otherwise, you may be instructed to do it at home. Follow your vet's instructions exactly.
If you choose to try a home remedy, do so with your vet's approval. One home remedy that is popular on Internet dog forums is a mixture of 1/2 cup borax, 1 bottle of 1% hydrogen peroxide, and 2 cups water. You want the borax to be saturated until some of it floats. Bathe your dog, towel him damp, and massage this mixture all over him. Do not rinse or dry: the mixture must dry and stay on the dog for the borax to work. Do this once a week.
Have your vet continue to check your dog for mites. Mange often reoccurs and needs to be treated two or three times before all of the mites and their eggs are exterminated.