Mange occurs as a result of a mite and may take several types of treatment to eliminate it. Mange comes in two forms---sarcoptic and demodectic. PetEducation.com states the parasite Sarcoptes scabiei causes sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies. Demodectic mange occurs when a dog has a reaction to the Demodex canis or Demodex injai mites. Both forms of mange require treatment from a veterinarian, as no over-the-counter medication exists to resolve the issues of mange. Therefore, if you suspect your animal has mange, take it to a veterinarian immediately so that treatment can begin.
Things You'll Need
- Selamectin
- Ivermectin
- Milbemycin oxime
- 1-percent rotenone ointment
- 5-percent benzoyl peroxide gel
- Organophosphate dips (such as Amitraz, Mitaban)
Instructions
Apply selamectin to your dog's skin to kill the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. Along with treating scabies, selamectin provides your dog with heartworm, flea and tick prevention.
Administer liquid ivermectin or milbemycin oxime to your dog to eliminate scabies, if your veterinarian recommends. Your doctor may try a few treatments for scabies. She may first recommend the topical treatment, and if the dog does not respond well, she may move on to the oral medications.
Apply 1-percent rotenone ointment or 5-percent benzoyl peroxide gel to your dog's lesions, if it has localized demodectic mange. According to PetEducation.com, 90 percent of demodectic mange cases are localized, which means the dog has less than five mange-induced lesions on its body. Applying veterinarian-prescribed ointments and gels typically kills the mites that cause demodectic mange.
Place amitraz dips on your dog if it suffers from generalized demodectic mange, in which more than five lesions appear on its body. The dip requires application every two weeks, until the dog receives four to 14 treatments. The amount of dips needed to resolve the issue depends on the dog and the severity of the mange.
Give your dog oral ivermectin or milbemycin oxime if it does not respond to the dips, states PetEducation.com. While these medications are used off-label to treat mange, they are often effective.