How To Treat Mange In Dogs
Mange is often used as a catch-all term to describe any kind of skin problem on a dog where there is a loss of hair and scratching. Mange is actually a skin condition caused by different kinds of mites. Some of these mites are highly contagious and may be passed to humans When it comes to how to treat mange in dogs, are four kinds of mange that affect dogs and they require different kinds of treatment.
Treatment
Demodectic Mange
As to how to treat mange in dogs, Demodectic mange is treated topically. Benzoyl peroxide and Goodwinol ointment are often prescribed to be applied to the site of localized areas of mange. Some localized cases may clear up on their own. To treat generalized Demodex, Amitraz dips are sometimes prescribed but you should discuss this treatment with your veterinarian as there are safety concerns. Ivermectin and Milbemycin oxime are also used to treat Demodex. These are ingredients found in heartworm medications. Your vet may also need to prescribe antibiotics if your dog has a secondary infection as a result of scratching at the areas where mites have burrowed or caused itching.
Sarcoptic Mange
Since Sarcoptic mange can be transmitted to other animals and to people, you will need to treat all of your pets which may have been in contact with your dog. You may need to clip your dog’s fur so any scabs or other irritations can be seen and reached when you bathe your dog with a medicated shampoo. These shampoos are called antiseborrhics. After bathing you will need to apply a dip to your dog to kill the mites. Amitraz or Lime-Sulfur are usually prescribed. You will need to repeat this procedure 3-4 times every couple of weeks in order to end your dog’s mite problem. Your vet will need to prescribe antibiotics if your dog has any secondary infections.
It is also possible to treat Sarcoptic mange with Ivermectin or its derivatives, such as Selamectin or Moxidectin. These products are found in Heartgard, Revolution and Advantage Multi, respectively. Milbemycin oxime, found in Interceptor or Sentinel, is also used to treat Sarcoptic mange. These products can be prescribed for your dog for off-label use to treat Sarcoptic mange, but they are effective.
Your dog’s bedding will need to be washed in hot water and treated with an insecticide to kill the mites. Mites do not usually live long once they are off their host’s body but there may be some mites in the bedding. You must keep your house clean while your dog is undergoing treatment. Mites can infect people but they won’t be able to reproduce on people.
Cheyletiellosis
Treatment for Cheyletiellosis, or Walking dandruff, must be applied to all the pets in your home since this form of mange is very contagious. Treatment is usually topical and includes Lime-Sulfur or Amitraz dips. These dips will be repeated weekly for six to eight weeks. Ivermectin can also be used to treat Cheyletiellosis, either orally or given as an injection. Some common flea treatments such as Imidaloprid (Advantage) and Selamecin (Revolution) have also been safely used to treat Cheyletiellosis.
You will also need to wash your pet’s bedding in hot water and treat it with an insecticide to get rid of mites and keep them from coming back. You can use insecticides designed to kill mites to treat your home.
Ear Mites
As to how to treat mange in dogs when ear mites are involved, treating ear mites is a little different from treating other forms of mites. You will need to remove any discharge from your dog’s ears before treatment. The discharge will prevent any medication from reaching the source of the problem. Your veterinarian can show you how to safely remove the discharge without harming your dog. Your veterinarian will prescribe an ear mite medication and you can place drops in your dog’s ears several times per day for a couple of weeks until the mites are gone. Tresaderm is frequently prescribed to kill the mites.
Ear mites can cause serious ear infections and it is possible that your dog can develop secondary ear infections. Your vet may need to prescribe other treatments for your dog’s ears if they fail to clear up after treating them for ear mites. You will need to continue to clean your dog’s ears regularly with a good ear cleaner.
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