Mange in dogs is a skin disease caused by various types of mites, which can have serious consequences if left untreated properly. Generally, it occurs by direct contagion with another affected animal or with objects that have been in contact with it. Although there are several types of mange that dogs can suffer from, the most common in them are democecal mange and sarcoptic mange. These mites are found all over the planet and can affect numerous animal species. Therefore, it is not surprising that dog guardians, or future guardians, are interested in this common skin condition.
Excessive itching, hairless patches, rash, skin inflammation and scaling are some of the main signs of mange in dogs. As soon as we detect them in our dog, we will have to go to the vet to diagnose what type of scabies it is and treat it as soon as possible. For more information, keep reading this article on our site and discover how to know if your dog has scabies, all the symptoms, how it is spread and the treatments.
Types of mange in dogs and the parasites that cause them
Scabies is a skin infection caused by ectoparasites, specifically by mites. Depending on the type of mite that causes this pathology, we will have one type of canine scabies or another and, therefore, a specific treatment. When these mites infest our dog, they lodge in their skin and fur. They quickly begin to feed on the skin, sebum and keratin, proliferating at great speed. Due to this infestation in the skin, the dog suffers a great itching that leads him to scratch and rub against almost everything until causing injuries. Early detection of symptoms is very important for the final result, since in this way we will avoid contagion to other pets and the seriousness of the case in particular.
Mites are microscopic ectoparasites, like small spiders, found on animals and plants as part of a normal ecosystem. There are many different types and each type can cause different diseases and problems in some animals. As we have already said, there are different types of mange that affect dogs, caused by different types of mites and their treatment it is more or less easy depending on the origin and moment of the process in which we start it and the cures. We must bear in mind that mange is perfectly treatable, although very annoying and cumbersome for those who suffer from it, but if proper treatment is not carried out, infections and secondary diseases can occur and even death of the animal.
Below, we present a classification of the most common types of mange in dogs:
Demodectic mange
This is one of the most common scabies in dogs. It is also known as red mange, demodectic mange or demodicosis and is caused by the Demodex canis mite. This mite lives normally on the skin of our dog, but when the defenses go down a lot, this mite reproduces uncontrollably and develops the disease. It occurs very frequently in dogs with a depressed immune system, that is, with very low defenses. In addition, another of the most common ways in which this type of scabies appears is during childbirth; when the mother gives birth she passes it on to the cubs. Sometimes, if it is very mild, the problem can only go away with a recovery of the animal's defenses by providing it with a good diet. There are several types of demodectic mange:
- Localized demodectic mange: usually occurs mainly on the head, especially the face and ears. This localized mange is most common in puppies under one year of age and will usually go away on its own after a short time. The first symptoms are hair loss around the eyes and mouth. If it occurs in other parts of the body, bald spots will appear on the legs, feet and back and can reach three centimeters in diameter.
- Generalized demodectic mange: This level of demodectic mange can begin to be considered when there are five or more bald spots on the affected dog's body. In addition, large completely hairless areas may occur.
- Demodectic pododermatitis: This is the most resistant form of demodectic mange, difficult to diagnose and treat. It appears only on the legs and always carries bacterial infections, which give off an unpleasant odor.
Sarcoptic mange
It is the most common mange in dogs, even more so than demodectic mange, and in fact it is also known as canine mange. The mite that produces it is called Sarcoptes scabiei and, therefore, this type of scabies is also identified as scabies. This mite reproduces at high speed and is not part of our dog's skin environment. It is highly contagious, its spread is by contact and it can also can affect humans That is why, we must handle infested animals with latex gloves.
Symptoms usually begin to show within a week of infection. It is this scabies that produces the most unbridled itching, which can lead us to initially mistakenly think that it is a flea infestation. The ideal is to detect it as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading and getting worse, since then it will be more resistant to treatment.
How to eliminate fleas in dogs? In this article on our site we bring you the answer.
Ear scabies
This mange is caused by the mite Otodectes cynotis and is more common in cats than dogs. It is spread by contact and affects the ears and ears of our pets. In addition to the usual clinical signs in mange, it ends up producing secondary otitis in the animal. These mites are visible inside the ear and if we look closely we see moving white dots.
Scabies cheyletiella
Also known as cheyletielosis or walking dandruff This scabies is caused by the mite Cheyletiella spp. Although it is more common in cats, it is highly contagious between dogs and especially in puppies. It can be transmitted to humans causing a red, bumpy rash.
Mange pneumonyssoides
The mite responsible is called Pneumonyssoides caninum and occurs in the nose of dogs and other carnivores. It is not very common and does not usually cause serious symptoms. In case of massive infestations it can cause chronic sneezing, nosebleeds and nasal secretions. It is transmitted from one dog to another by nose contact.
Notohedral mange
More common in cats than in dogs, this type of mange, called Notoedres cati, develops mainly on the face of the affected animal and the ears. As it expands and reproduces, it reaches other areas of the body.
Forms of contagion of scabies in dogs
The main form of contagion is through direct contact with any dog with mange or its objects, which may also be infested with mites. However, it is not the only one, and it is also common for dogs to become infected when they suffer a significant drop in defenses. In these cases, the usual mites on the skin of dogs take advantage of the opportunity and spread uncontrollably. Another way of spreading scabies is during the birth and nursing of puppies if the mother is infested.
If the animal is he althy and strong, the chances of contracting this pathology are lower, but we will see it present very frequently in individuals who are already sick and malnourishedwith defenses down. Contact can occur between dogs or with objects and places infested with mites where an animal with this parasitic disease has been.
How to prevent the spread of scabies in dogs?
There are factors that make our pet more prone to scabies, for example lack of hygiene, an unhe althy environment, he alth poor that leads to low defenses, malnutrition, constant contact with many dogs outside, among others. For this reason, prevention involves guaranteeing optimal hygiene, an equally he althy environment, proper nutrition and regular visits to the vet.
On the other hand, in the case of demodectic mange there is more propensity in short-haired individuals and in some breeds such as beagles, Dalmatians, dachshunds, Dobermanns, boxers, English bulldogs, English pointers, shar pey and others. In these cases, hygiene measures must be even stricter, as well as regular visits to the specialist.
Symptoms of mange in dogs
To detect canine scabies we must pay attention to several symptoms that, luckily, are quite specific signs of this type of skin condition and immediately attract our attention. The most commonsymptoms of mange in dogs are:
- Itching and burning of the skin.
- Redness and swelling of the skin.
- Constant scratching.
- Rubbed against objects and the ground for relief.
- Stop eating (anorexia).
- Great weight loss.
- Hair loss and thinning with completely bare areas.
- Skin rashes (red spots).
- Skin scales.
- Wounds and sores on the skin.
- Bad skin odor.
- Dry, crusty and thick skin in the most advanced stages of scabies.
If we detect any of these symptoms in our pet we must act quickly to prevent the spread of the condition. Although we can relieve symptoms of scabies in dogs with some remedies that we will see later, it is vital that go to the vet and follow the appropriate treatment for each type of scabies as indicated by the specialist.
Treatment for mange in dogs
For the peace of mind of many, with a medicine for mange in dogs this infection can be cured. Thus, if our dog shows symptoms of scabies, we should go to the vet as soon as possible so that he can diagnose whether or not it is this pathology, and what type it is for to offer us the best solution.
The treatment to be followed will not only depend on the type of scabies our dog suffers from, but will also depend on the breed and age, among other factors.
How to cure mange in dogs?
The treatment for mange in dogs is very affordable, since the specialist will prescribe, mainly, an oral, topical or injectable acaricide, usually with ivermectin, selamectin, moxidectin, and milbemycin oxime.
On the other hand, it will provide us with pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, some shampoo or powders for baths with soothing products for the skin, with acaricides and some medication for mange in dogs more specific for a secondary skin problem, such as a possible infection by bacteria (bactericide or antibiotic) or by fungi (fungicide).
In the case of otodectic mange, the acaricide medication will be one for topical use especially for the ears and we will administer it to our dog by pouring a few drops into the ears and massaging to penetrate. It will be of vital importance that, whatever the scabies it is, we do the full treatment every day for as long as the vet tells us and never finish it before, even if At first glance the dog appears to be cured.
If we withdraw the treatment early because it seems to us that the problem has already passed, it is most likely that in a few days or weeks the scabies will reappear, since the few mites that may have remained will recover and they will proliferate again.
Injection for mange in dogs
Although it is true that there are injectable treatments to cure mange in dogs, it is not always the treatment of choice for veterinarians due to the secondary effects that they produce in certain canine breeds. Today, we have tablets and syrups that offer good results without being so aggressive for the dog's body. However, it will be the specialist who will determine the best treatment depending on the type of canine scabies and its severity.
How to prevent mange in dogs?
As they say, prevention is better than cure and in this case it is no less. The most effective way to combat mange in dogs is to prevent it, although we also know that this skin disease can be cured with the proper treatment and the necessary care. It is a slow process that makes our pet suffer due to the extremely annoying symptoms.
To prevent mange in dogs we will follow the following guidelines:
- We will maintain a good daily hygiene of our faithful friend, in addition to providing monthly baths with a suitable shampoo and daily brushing.
- We will also maintain proper hygiene in your environment.
- We will avoid contact with animals that may be infected with scabies and, if we suspect that ours suffers from it, we will also avoid contact with others so that he does not transmit it to others.
- We will respect the schedule for veterinary check-ups, external and internal deworming, and vaccination. This will give early detection of the problem and avoid infestations and diseases that can weaken our dog and make it more prone to scabies.
- It is very important to prevent the recurrence of scabies, which occurs very easily, to extend the treatment as long as possible and go to the veterinarian for several consecutive check-ups until you can confirm with great certainty that the problem it has disappeared.
- We will also treat all other animals that may have been in contact and We will disinfect all things such as blankets, beds, collars, feeders, drinking bowls, among other objects that have been in contact with the sick dog.
- We will provide adequate nutritionand heal our dog so that he and his immune system are strong
- To avoid otodectic mange we must provide good ear care and hygiene to our pet. How to clean my dog's ears? discover the answer in this article.
Home remedies for mange in dogs
Reducing the symptoms of mange in dogs and accelerating the healing process is possible thanks to the use of natural remedies such as vegetable oils, medicinal plants such as chamomile or fruits such as lemon.
There are no home remedies for mange in dogs, but there are remedies to relieve such annoying symptoms, which help our pet to overcome the process. Before proceeding with any of them, it will be convenient to consult with our trusted veterinarian so that he can tell us which are the most appropriate remedies for our dog's case.
Next, we see a series of home treatments for mange in dogs that help complete what the vet prescribes:
Baths for dogs with scabies
One of the home treatments for mange in dogs is baths. Baths are vital to relieve the excessive itching that our partner feels. We can bathe our dog sick with scabies every week or two with a white, neutral and/or acaricide soap prescribed by the veterinarian, with lukewarm water and very gently. We must let the soap act for a few minutes before rinsing it, preventing the dog from licking it. We will have to use latex gloves whenever we handle our sick pet. We will never brush it, but with our hands we will gently massage its fur and skin. We must let it dry on its own or dry with a towel with gentle touches and we must never rub the skin with the towel.
Proper diet and vitamin supplements
The second of the home remedies for mange in dogs is a change for the better in our dog's diet together with vitamins, which will help to recover the strength of its immune system, being able to fight mites and helping to eradicate scabies.
Raw food
It is very good during the mange healing process for the dog to eat raw food such as vegetables and herbs. This remedy for mange in dogs includes a diet with kyolic garlic, cat's claw and olive oil extract We will chop the vegetables very small to feed them more easily and provide this home remedy for mange in dogs.
Sweetie
It may seem strange, but a lively dog that feels loved and accompanied will be a happier dog and, therefore, it will be easier to heal than a sad and depressed dog.
Oils for mange in dogs
olive oil is one of the most effective home remedies for mange in dogs, since it can help weaken the mite deposits and eliminate the weak ones. In addition, you can combine lavender, almond and neem oils that will serve as a topical treatment and will also weaken the nests of the mites. You can put it on the affected areas twice a day, always after baths. With the oil we will prevent the skin from drying out more and we will hydrate it. We will never use motor oil, which has become quite popular for treating scabies and does not really help in improving the skin and we run the risk that the dog gets seriously poisoned if he licks it.
Discover the Uses and benefits of olive oil for dogs in this article on our site that we recommend.
Floors
Some herbs and plants are very beneficial and can be applied as a home remedy for mange in dogs mixed with oils or in the diet. These herbs are neem, cymbopogon and niaoli, which due to their antiseptic, antibacterial and regenerative properties of the skin are ideal against canine scabies.
Garlic, antiseptic and healing
Garlic, in addition to being one of the remedies for mange in dogs, is a very effective natural antiseptic that acts as a healing agent. We can grind a couple of cloves of garlic and mix them with olive oil and apply it directly to the affected areas. We can leave it to act overnight and in the morning we will remove it with a damp cloth with gentle touches.
Wormwood
This is one of the home treatments for mange in dogs that acts as an effective repellent for insects. We will boil a few leaves in a liter of water and when the infusion is lukewarm we will carefully bathe our partner. We should do it a couple of times a week.
Chamomile
Chamomile tea is very good for disinfecting areas affected by scabies. It will serve to clean wounds and will greatly relieve skin irritations. We will apply this natural remedy for mange in dogs about three times a week.
Oatmeal, ideal for relieving mange in dogs
Either with a oatmeal shampoo or with oatmeal mixed with water, we will apply it to our dog's skin with gentle massages and circulars in the affected areas. We will let it act a little so that it calms the dog's skin and we will rinse it gently.
Lemon
To use this natural remedy we will have to gently rub a few slices of lemon on the areas affected by scabies or with homemade lemon water (we can leave a few slices of lemon in hot water overnight to use it for the morning). Using lemon we will disinfect the skin of our dog.
Yogurt to heal
The latest home treatment for dogs with mange is yogurt. It is good to apply one or two tablespoons on the wounds to promote their healing. It is usually used a lot in the ears, putting a thin layer that covers the skin well.
Is mange in dogs contagious to humans?
If your dog suffers from scabies, it will be essential to exercise some caution when handling him until the diagnosis is received, since some types of scabies can be transmitted to peopleIt is a zoonotic disease, but what types of mange in dogs stick to humans?
- Demodectic mange: it is NOT contagious to humans.
- Sarcoptic mange: YES it can spread to humans.
- Otodectic scabies: YES it can be spread to humans.
- Cheyletiella scabies: YES it can spread to humans.
- Scabies pneumonyssoides: It is NOT contagious to humans.
- Notohedral scabies. It DOES spread to humans.
Discover more about the transmission of scabies to humans in aHOWTO.
Videos of mange in dogs
In the following video, Alfonso Fernández, a veterinarian at the San José Clinic in Barcelona, talks about the most common types of mange in dogs, the parasites that cause it and the most common treatments for each one of them. Likewise, images of these parasites and the symptoms they produce are shown.
