Not nice

When we see a dog suffering from scabies we cringe and certainly do not want to touch it. There are mainly three species of mange mites and some are extremely contagious to both humans and dogs. Therefor avoiding direct contact with any mange infected dog unless sure, it is the non-contagious type is a wise decision.

There are three types of these eight legged burrowing canine mites that we get on dogs. They cause severe itching, which if ignored, can become quite serious when left unchecked. We have all seen the result where in severe cases the dog has patches of hair loss and crusty, oozy cracked skin.

Sarcopic Mange

Sarcopic mange also known as scabies is the one that is contagious to both people and animals.

These parasitic mites live for about 4 weeks and will burrow just under the surface of the skin of healthy dogs where they lay their eggs. It is the presence of these mites that cause extreme itchiness so that the dog cannot resist scratching and biting themselves resulting in hair loss, inflammation and festering sores. These pets should be treated immediately, or they will continue to infect more dogs and people they come in contact with.

Demodectic Mange

Demodectic Mange or Red Mange is not contagious to humans or other animals.This is the most common mange and usually not as itchy for the dog,

This mite is found under the skin of all dogs and becomes serious if the dog is sick or suffering from malnutrition resulting in a weakened immune system. Demodicosis is the name of the decease caused by these mites and localised symptoms are combinations of hair loss and redness with sores on the skin. These usually appear around the eyes, mouth, ears and on the front legs and paws.

When patches of hair loss and irritable weeping sores start to appear on the dog’s head, legs and worse yet over its entire body then this is an sign that the decease is in a generalised demodicosis condition.

Some puppies do genetically inherit juvenile demodecosis, but those with localised symptoms usually heal without treatment. This is because as they get older their immune system strengthens.

Cheyletitiella Mange

Cheyletitiella Mange or Walking Dandruff - not very common.

These are non-burrowing mites that live on the surface of the skin. This is a large reddish mite that affects mainly puppies. It is highly contagious and spread by direct contact with other pets, mostly in shelters and boarding kennels.

Not as itchy as scabies, but these mites do cause a severe case of dandruff on your pets head and body.

Enter the Vet

If having to treat your dog for mange then many factors i.e., degree of infestation, identification of parasite, dog size, age, allergies and a whole host of others help the vet to diagnose what the best treatment for your pet will be. It is difficult for the layman to come to a correct treatment decision.

Be aware that Sarcopic and Demodectic mites are extremely difficult to detect and can only be done by a vet. If you suspect that your dog is infected by mange, then do not hesitate to visit your vet or I guarantee that your pets problem will only get worse.

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