Few things are as irritating to a dog as mange symptoms can be. A severe case of mange will have the dog trying to relieve the itch by chewing, scratching and biting at his skin. Here are some hints to learn how about mange treatments and mange medicines.
Mange is a condition brought about by parasitic mites invading the skin or hair follicles of an unsuspecting host. There are several types of mange, each caused by a different type of mite infecting a victim. Most of these mites are microscopically small and can only be seen through a microscope or magnifying glass. But small or not, they can still be responsible for a huge amount of damage.
Most common among house pets (mainly dogs) is a condition called Demodectic or ‘Red’ Mange. It’s a result of too many ‘Demodex canis’ mites populating the hair follicles of the dog’s coat. These mites are normally present on most dogs but in smaller numbers, as a strong immunity system will usually keep their spread in check. It’s puppies and older dogs with compromised immunity systems who are most susceptible to Red Mange because they’re not able to ward off the infestation.
Healthy adult dogs are much less likely to fall victim to these mites. For those that do, symptoms will include different degrees of irritation and itching, depending on the severity, and hair loss that can either be localized or quite wide-spread. The dog will be very uncomfortable with his condition.
If a puppy contracts Demodectec Mange that appears localized it is considered minor, as just a common puppy problem. In a great many cases the condition will heal itself without the need for treatment. The condition may be treated with medicated shampoos to help bring relief but stronger agents meant to actually kill the mites will usually not be recommended for puppies.
If an adult dogs suffers from mange symptoms for any period of time it can bring others problems. The dog may be so aggressive in trying to relieve the itch he may literally rub or chew his skin raw. This may foster secondary infections that will require the use of antibiotics to heal. Plus, something will have to be applied to cure the remaining mange symptoms, to prevent further infection.
There are various ways to treat mange, depending on the variety and the severity. Not too long ago, a popular folk remedy was to dip the dog in a barrel of used engine oil. It’s not clear whether or not this method works as a cure, but it’s certain to be messy!
Amitraz is a popular rinse to use on pets as it’s a parasitic rinse which is meant to kill the bugs creating the problem. There are also ointments and creams sometimes prescribed as well as oral medications which are said to work, although they may cause some unpleasant side effects. The Internet can be helpful in giving you some options, including several home remedies which look to have had some good success, judging from user comments. Just a few clicks and you’ll have more information than you’ll need. Good luck with your search.