Demodectic mange is caused by mites that live in the hair follicles in the skin. The main symptoms include hair falling out creating irritated, bald areas. An afflicted canine will attempt to scratch the bald spots. Mange weakens the body's systems, which makes your dog more susceptible to other illnesses if the mange is not treated promptly. As bad as mange is, there are simple steps you can take to prevent your dog from getting demodectic mange.
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Hygeine
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Hygiene is one of the main things that you can maintain to prevent your dog from getting demodectic mange. Washing it thoroughly and consistently on a frequent basis will help to achieve this. If your dog has long hair, it should be combed before being bathed. You should brush the hair of your dog regularly, whether or not you are giving it a bath.
Keep your dog away from other dogs that look like they are not well kept, or from dogs that are ill or who have had mange. This condition is spread from contact with animals that have the mites.
Health and Nutrition
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Ensuring that your pet gets the proper nutrition is very important. Good nutrition includes a proper diet high in nutrients and a source of clean water. This will give your dog a strong immune system that will fight off many conditions. Stay up to date on vaccinations. This will strengthen your dog's immune system and enable it to fight off illness.
Puppies are especially susceptible to mange because their systems are not as strong as adult dogs. Following a healthy diet for puppies is especially important. Your veterinarian can suggest a diet.
Other Recommendations
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It is recommended that you have your dog spayed or neutered to limit the desire to have contact with other dogs, because mange can be transmitted from one animal to another by physical contact. Anything that you can do to prevent heartworm or flea infestation is also recommended. Flea collars can certainly help, and there are supplements that can be given to protect your dog from heartworm.
If your dog experiences a change in environment, diet or locality, it is very important to keep the stress level as low as possible. High stress may cause outbreaks of demodectic mange, especially if it has recovered from mange and is still susceptible to outbreak.
Curing the Mange
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If it is too late for prevention and it is necessary to cure your dog of mange, there are a few options available.
A vet can prescribe an Amitraz pour-on treatment for Demodectic Mange. This treatment consists of a lotion that is applied externally every other week for eight weeks. This treatment cures mange in about 80 percent of cases, according to Mike Richards, D.V.M.
The second treatment option is Ivermectin, which can be delivered by pill or injection. In most cases, a vet will deliver an initial dose by injection, and the dog owner will continue the medication orally. The treatment is continued until two consecutive skin scrapings are negative for Demodectic Mange.
The final treatment option is a dosage of Milbemycin. Most vets will prescribe this medicine to be delivered orally daily for six to eight weeks, until your dog tests negative for the mange.
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