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Canine Mange

Canine mange is one of the various dog skin infections that causes a great deal of agonies to our dogs.

There are two types of canine mange: sarcoptic mange, commonly known as scabies, and demodectic mange, also known as red mange, or follicle mange. These two types of mange are caused by two different mange mites.

Sarcoptic Mange

Canine Mange

Sarcoptic mange in dogs (Scabies) is caused by a type of mange mites that usually infest young stray puppies. It is sudden, localized, and causes great discomfort to the dogs due to intense itching. The mite burrows into the skin to lay its eggs. After hatching, the nymphs and larvae feed on the skin. Scabies is highly contagious among dogs and cats and can be transmitted to humans so caution is necessary.

Areas commonly affected include the chest, tummy, and ears.

Symptoms of Sarcoptic Mange in Dogs

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Conventional Treatment of Scabies in Dogs

Conventional treatment of scabies is by using a dip of strong petrochemicals such as Amitraz. However, the dipping may cause such side effects as decreased body temperature, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or excitability.

Don't Forget to Clean the House

Sarcoptic mites can survive for a few days even when they are not on your dog's body. It is therefore extremely important to sweep and mop floors, vacuum carpets, and clean your dog's bedding, grooming tools, etc. to make sure that all the mites are eliminated.

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Demodectic Mange

Demodectic mange (Red mange/Follicular mange) is a non-contagious skin disease caused by another type of mites that live in the hair follicle. This type of mites are found normally in most dogs. Infestation leading to mange develops in dogs without natural immunity to the mite.

The area first affected is usually around the eyes, but may spread to the head and other parts of the body.

Symptoms of Demodectic Mange in Dogs

  • Hair loss (on the head or legs, or sometimes in serious cases, over the entire body)
  • Scaly and crusty skin

In case of secondary infection:

  • Inflammed and reddened skin
  • Crusty skin that may ooze blood or pus
  • A strong offensive odor

Most dogs have mites "camping out" on their body, but for dogs with a strong immune system, this does not pose a problem. It is when the immune system is no longer able to control the mites that problems occur. Demodectic mange usually affects puppies (less than 2 years of age) with immature immune systems and older dogs with weakened immune systems.

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Conventional Treatment of Demodectic Mange

Conventional treatment of demodectic mange in dogs depends upon the severity of the disease, but generally calls for even stronger chemicals than those used for scabies.

So, what are the alternatives?

Since canine mange is basically a disease related to a weakened immune system, it makes a lot of sense to strengthen and support the immune system while treating topically the skin problem. We can achieve this by using a combination of natural, nutritious foods, supplements and of course home remedies such as herbs.

Visit our page on Home Remedies for Mange for more information.



Related Topics

Home Remedies for Mange
Dog Skin Irritations

References

D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999).
R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000).
Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005).
M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999).


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