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A common symptom of mange in dogs is intense itching.
Mange in dogs is not just an annoyance for our four-legged friends, but also a painful affliction. This article sheds light on how to recognise mange, what causes it and how you can help your hound.
Sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious skin disease (Parasitosis)) caused by mites. Afflicted dogs suffer from unbearable itching and scratch themselves raw.
This is why doggy mange must be addressed: If left untreated, mange can lead to death in our feline friends within a few months.
Can mange be transferred to humans?
Mange can be transferred from dogs to humans. However, it appears as a form of pseudo-scabies. This implies that the mites cannot reproduce in human skin and the symptoms subside on their own after a short while.
Symptoms: How is mange in dogs evident?
Once a dog becomes infected with sarcoptic mange, the first signs appear rapidly. The following symptoms indicate an infestation:
Intense and sudden onset of itching, independent of the season
Hair loss and bald patches
Redness, scratch wounds and crusts
Preferred body areas: Head, chest, abdomen and legs
Often accompanied by bacterial secondary infections
When should I go to the vet?
If you notice any of the typical symptoms, you should take your dog immediately to the vet to start treatment as soon as possible.
Causes: Where does mange come from?
The culprit behind doggie mange is the mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis), also known as the burrowing mite, and not without good reason:
The parasites burrow into the top layer of the dog’s skin.
Once settled, the mites feast on keratin and tissue fluid.
Well-nourished, the females lay their eggs in the tunnels.
In just three weeks, these eggs hatch into new mites, which also live within the tunnel system under the skin.
The rapid reproduction cycle means that a few mites can quickly become a significant infestation.
Why do dogs get mange?
The highly infectious mites are transmitted either through direct contact with infected animals or indirectly via contaminated objects. On bedding, brushes, and the like, mites can survive for up to three weeks, easily finding their next victim.
Good to know: Since foxes are often infected with sarcoptic mites as well, transmission through bushes is also possible.
Diagnosis: How is mange diagnosed?
If your vet suspects mange after a clinical examination, further tests will follow. The most crucial test is taking a skin scraping from your dog. The vet will collect several samples from different areas of the body and examine them under the microscope. If Sarcoptes mites are visible, the diagnosis is clear.
Blood Examination
However, a conclusive detection is only successful in 40 to 60 percent of cases. This is why a blood test is often carried out to detect antibodies against Sarcoptes mites.
The issue here is that the number of antibodies often only increases some time after symptoms appear. This can lead to false-negative results.
Should the suspicion of mange persist despite negative results, a diagnostic treatment is possible. If the dog’s condition improves thereafter, the presence of dog mange is proven.
Bare patches in your pet’s coat can indicate an infestation of mites and mange.
Treatment: How is mange treated?
Various medications are available for treating mange in dogs, aimed at relieving the itching and killing off the mites. Additional precautions in your household are also necessary to prevent the disease from spreading further.
What remedy works against mange in dogs?
The treatments authorised for sarcoptic mange include the active substances Selamectin, Moxidectin and Sarolaner. They attack the mites in the form of shampoos, spot-ons, or tablets:
Treatment with shampoos is the most laborious. You must wash your dog five times at intervals of five days with the special shampoo.
Spot-on preparations are applied every two weeks and at least three times.
The dog receives tablets containing Sarolaner every four weeks.
Your vet will decide which treatment suits you and your dog best. If your dog shows bacterial secondary infections, usually an appropriate antibiotic is prescribed as well.
What should I do if the medication doesn’t work immediately?
Do not be discouraged if your dog’s itching seems to get worse at first. The dying off of mites can sometimes cause additional irritation, which may make the symptoms seem to worsen before improving after a few days.
Further Measures: What else should I consider at home for mange?
As dog mange is highly contagious, a good precaution is to treat any contact dogs following the same regimen.
Additionally, it is beneficial to treat your ill dog’s environment with special sprays. This includes sleeping spots, dog beds, brushes, and combs.
What does mange treatment cost?
The costs depend on the medication and any complications that arise. On average, the total cost is around 100 to 200 Euros.
Prognosis: Can mange in dogs be cured?
With the numerous medications available, mange in dogs can be treated effectively. However, the more advanced the disease is, the longer the recovery process might take.
Can I treat mange in my dog naturally?
Avoid trying to speed up the healing process with home remedies such as coconut and black seed oil. The effectiveness of these remedies has not been proven in studies. Furthermore, some home remedies pose additional risks for your dog.
Prevention: How can I protect my dog from mange?
As mites are everywhere, it is not possible to prevent an infestation effectively. Regular hygiene measures and a strong immune system can, however, reduce the likelihood of a mite infection.
Regular flea and tick prophylaxis can also help prevent an infestation by Sarcoptes mites and an outbreak of mange.
Since mange in dogs is highly contagious, it is essential to keep affected dogs away from others. Treating the environment is also crucial. By doing so, you contribute to reducing the infection risk for other animals.
This article from zooplus Magazine is purely informative. If your pet is experiencing discomfort, contact your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
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Franziska Pantelic, Veterinarian
I am supporting the zooplus magazine for several years with my extensive expertise. I became a licensed veterinarian as early as 2009 and currently operate a mobile small animal practice in the metropolitan area of Munich.
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