A pet that contracts sarcoptic or demodectic mange loses hair and scratches incessantly. Sarcoptes scabei mites burrow subdermally and infect dogs and other pets with sarcoptic mange. Hair loss may be in patches but often occurs all over the body. Demodex canis mites cause demodectic mange, or demodex. Healthy dogs are immune to the mite. Puppies and young dogs through the age of 18 months frequently exhibit patches of hair loss indicative of demodex. Their immune systems are not yet mature and consequently can be infected by mites transferred from the immune mother dog. Although demodex in young dogs usually resolves itself, it requires treatment when contracted by an older dog. Dogs with weakened immune systems can experience a demodex outbreak. Some breeds also inherit a tendency to contract mange. Since a dog can be infected long before symptoms appear, it is difficult to prevent if the animal your pet comes in contact with is asymptomatic. If your your dog has been exposed to mange, you can take several precautions.
Instructions
Sarcoptic mange
Isolate your pet from an infected dog. If a neighbor's pet has mange, do not let your pet have contact with the infected animal. If the infected animal lives in the same household as your pet, remove the infected animal to another room until treatment is complete.
Keep your pet current on routine flea and tick preventatives, which can deter mange-causing mites.
Clean the pet's bedding. Mites can hide in blankets and plush toys.
Replace collars. If a dog has been exposed to mange, or has just recovered from it, remove its collar and replace it with a new one. Mites can hide in or attach to a fabric collar.
Wash the dog with a shampoo prescribed for mange.
Continue to prevent socialization between a healthy and an infected dog. The infected dog's treatment may last up to one month, and the dog will remain contagious for two to four weeks following treatment.
Avoid contact between your dog and local wildlife. Do not walk your dog in areas where there are known fox or coyote dens. Other members of the canine family can also carry mange.
Demodectic Mange
Avoid stressful situations if a dog has a weakened immune system. Dogs may have a demodex outbreak if their bodies becomes stressed.
Research the family tree. If your dog is a purebred and owners of related dogs are known, inquire as to whether mange has appeared in other individuals. If the condition is present, closely monitor your dog for signs of the disease.
Prevent contact between young puppies and animals with mange. Immune systems of young dogs are not mature, and it is possible for them to contract it, even if the adult dog has a mild case.
Review the nutritional needs of your dog, especially if she is a puppy. Feed her a food high in nutrients to support her immune system.
Stay up to date on routine deworming and heart worm treatment. Like a healthy diet, these precautions will help support the immune system and therefore your pet's ability to resist mange.