Mange in Dogs

Mange in Dogs
By Gagan Dhillon

Has your dog been itching a lot lately? Wondering is it ticks or fleas or mange? Read on to find out the different types of mange and the treatment for mange in dogs.

Types of Mange

Walking Dandruff
Walking dandruff is caused by Cheyletiella mites. This type of mange in dogs is called walking dandruff as the white flakes or the mites can be seen moving. These mites cause severe itching in dogs and causes scaling of skin. Cheyletiella mange is highly contagious and is contracted through direct contact with the infected pet. Humans too can catch this skin disease but it is self eliminating in humans. This disease usually affects dogs with poor immune system and puppies contract it while feeding from the mother.

Demodectic Mange
Demodectic mange or red mange in dogs is caused by demodex mites. These mites are present in all dogs, they contract them from their mothers in the first few days of feeding. Most dogs live in complete harmony with these mites most of their lives. Dogs build immunity against these mites when they are young puppies itself, but in certain cases if the dog's defense system is weak, then these mites can cause mange in dogs. It affects dogs with mange in three ways. One is a localized infection which affects a small area and causes a itchy bald spot over that area, second is an infection which spreads over a large area and the third type just affects the paws.

Sarcoptic Mange
Sarcoptic mange in dogs is caused by Sarcoptes scab mites. These are microscopic creatures and when they mate, the female mite burrows into the skin of the dog and lays her eggs. These eggs hatch and become adult mite within weeks. These mites usually affect the hairless part of the dog's body such as the elbows, ears and abdomen. Commonly known as scabies, this skin disease is highly contagious and can be contracted by humans also.

Otodectes Mange
Otodectes mites are also known as ear mites as they are found on the ears of cats and dogs. These mite are highly contagious and live on the host body, their entire life. This type of mange is contracted by direct contact with an infected dog with mange. The symptoms include itching, scaling, redness on the skin of the ear and the formation of brownish red crusts on the ears.

Treatment for Mange in Dogs

For treating mange in dogs, it is best to begin by first isolating the dogs with mange to avoid spreading the infection to other pets. If you have more than one dog, then give the other dogs mange treatment too. Proper dog care is a must. You can try some mange in dogs home remedies like bathing the dog with a mixture of borax and hydrogen peroxide. Remember to change the dog's bedding and collar. Vets do prescribe anti fungal and bacterial drugs that help treat dogs with mange. Over the counter mite killers are also very effective for mild cases of mange in dogs. The most common treatment is bathing the dog in lime and sulfur insecticide solutions to kill the mites.

Mange in dogs can be highly contagious, so the sooner it is treated, the better. Hopefully, the above mentioned information on mange in dogs will help you care for your pet better.