Have you noticed that your dog loses hair around the eyes? Are the rims of your eyes red? It could be demodectic mange, also known as canine demodicosis, a he alth problem caused by the demodex canis mite.
In this article on our site we will detail the symptoms that localized demodectic mange can cause, how the presence of mites in the dog's eyes should be diagnosed and what treatment to follow.
Keep reading and discover why my dog loses hair around his eyes with the most useful tips for your case:
Symptoms of mites in the dog's eyes
If you wonder why my dog loses hair around his eyes, perhaps it is due to the appearance of localized demodectic mange This problem caused due to mites usually affects the dog's face, although it can also occur in the legs and other areas of the body. It usually affects young dogs, older dogs or those with a weak immune system.
The symptoms of localized demodectic mange are usually the following:
- Hair loss around the eyes
- Inflamed skin
- Scaly skin
- Itchy eye area
- Compulsive scratching
- Headshakes
- Discomfort
- Bad smell
As a consequence of the appearance of scabies, the dog may experience secondary bacterial infections in the eyes. However, remember that it may be another type of scabies, fungi or allergies. When the first symptoms appear, you should go to the vet so that the pertinent tests can be carried out on the dog for an accurate diagnosis.
Causes of demodectic mange
The causes of the appearance of demodex canis mites are not usually due to contagion but rather due to a depressed immune system in adult dogs. In immunosuppressed systems, the responses of the dog's body are usually exaggerated or, on the contrary, very deficient.
We should know that practically all dogs are infected with demodectic mange inherited from their parents, although it does not usually manifest itself if the dog is in an appropriate state of he alth.
If our dog is suffering from localized demodectic mange, it is essential to go to the vet for a good diagnosis and a general check-up to help us identify if our dog is also suffering from a primary diseasethat may be causing disorders in their defenses and thus causing the appearance of scabies.
Diagnosis of mites in the eyes
Demodectic mange should be diagnosed only by a veterinarian. A scraping of the scales or the skin of the dog is generally carried out for later analysis.
The professional will perform blood tests to detect, if applicable, a possible disease that is harming the dog's natural defenses and was the primary cause of the appearance of this type of scabies.
Treatment of demodectic mange around the eyes
To treat demodectic mange around the eyes, you must work very carefully following the instructions of the veterinarian. Topical treatments such as ointments and gels are generally ruled out as, being so close to the eyes, they could cause burning and serious eye damage if applied sparingly. watch out.
Ideally, carry out an oral or injectable acaricide treatment that eliminates the parasites that are causing it. The type of medication and the exact amount (based on weight) should be prescribed by a veterinarian after the above diagnosis is made.
Generally, the treatment of this type of scabies usually takes 1 to 3 months to resolve and show hair again in the areas previously affected by the parasite.
In addition, it is necessary to carry out preventive treatment for all pets that live with the sick dog, in case there is a risk of contagion, although it is unlikely. It is also necessary to thoroughly clean the house and the toys used by the dog.
Prevention of mites in the eyes of dogs
Once the disease is over, it will be very important to take proper care of our dog so that it does not suffer from demodectic mange located around the eyes. To do this, proper hygiene of the animal will be useful, offering quality food and visiting the vet regularly
Let's not forget that many he alth problems can be treated favorably if detected early. On the contrary, those who take longer to be diagnosed have a worse prognosis and longer and more expensive treatment.
