No matter how careful you are as a pet parent, you have likely battled fleas before. Telltale signs include itching, especially around the neck, ears, and rear.
Diagnosing fleas is generally not difficult – if you don’t see the fleas themselves hopping around on your pet or in your home, you will see their feces, which look like pepper and are known as “flea dirt.” To test if what you are seeing is truly flea dirt, remove a few pieces and place them on a wet paper towel. If it is flea dirt, it will turn red. Look for white and oval flea eggs about the size of a grain of sand to confirm if fleas are present.
If you have successfully ruled out fleas, but your poor pup is still miserable with itching and even losing some hair, it might be mange, a parasitic skin disease caused by microscopic mites. Two types of mites cause this painful skin condition: sarcoptic mites that live under the skin’s surface and demodectic mites that live in hair follicles.
Signs and symptoms of sarcoptic mange
Although invisible to the human eye, sarcoptic mites can cause significant distress in dogs. They live and feed on skin, and the females burrow under the top layer of the skin to lay eggs.
Early detection of sarcoptic mange is crucial. If you notice your furry friend scratching excessively around their ears, elbows, and possibly around their armpits, legs, and belly, it could indicate that mites are present. As the condition progresses, untreated, the skin becomes red and inflamed, and hair loss occurs. Open sores form, and the skin crusts and thickens. These sores can easily become infected. If untreated, sarcoptic mange can lead to enlarged lymph nodes, loss of muscle tissue, and even death. Therefore, seeking veterinary care for a proper diagnosis is essential if you suspect mange.
According to VCA Centerville Animal Hospital medical director Travis Taylor, DVM, mange caused by sarcoptic mites is often spread by wildlife and is highly contagious, meaning your pup can pick up mites from contact with other dogs. This can occur with dogs that live or play together at a dog park or boarding facility. Symptoms generally don’t appear until ten days to eight weeks after exposure to the mites. Although sarcoptic mites prefer animals, they can infect humans, causing a very itchy – short-lived rash.
If you suspect or know that your dog has sarcoptic mange, keep them away from other animals and people and fumigate your home, dog’s bedding, and yard until treatment is complete.
Signs and symptoms of demodectic mange
Unlike sarcoptic mites, which transfer from animal to animal, demodectic mites are naturally present in dog hair follicles and the skin’s oil glands. They don’t become bothersome unless your dog has a weakened immune system. Puppies or older dogs, as well as those with medical conditions like diabetes or cancer, are more likely to get demodectic mange.
Puppies with demodectic mange may develop scaly bald spots near their lips, heads, or front legs. Often, their immune systems kick in and take care of the problem on their own.
A more generalized infection may result in hairless patches, oily or bumpy skin, itchiness, scabbing or crusting skin, skin discoloration, and bacterial infections with an odor.
Demodectic mange is not contagious. Therefore, fumigating your home or isolating your pup is unnecessary.
Getting a correct diagnosis is critical
Getting a correct diagnosis is the first step in helping your fur baby recover. Veterinarians will perform a skin scraping test and examine the sample for eggs or mites under a microscope. Even if they cannot find mites or eggs, your veterinarian is trained to diagnose based on your pup’s skin condition and symptoms that suggest an infestation.
Your veterinarian may prescribe various treatments to manage the condition, including oral medications, injections, and medicated baths or dips.
Natural remedies for mange
For mild cases or in conjunction with prescribed treatments, you can also use a number of natural remedies.
Immune-boosting supplements. If your canine companion suffers from demodectic mange, it is important to focus on boosting the immune system. Begin with a whole-food diet and consider supplements containing ginger, turmeric, aloe vera, calendula, dandelion root, and medicinal mushrooms.
Raw organic honey. Honey contains antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that can ease skin and supercharge the immune system. Add it to your pup’s food and apply it to sore spots for relief.
Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Dilute apple cider vinegar with water to make a 50/50 solution. Pour into a spray bottle and spray on the skin—but not on open sores. Apple cider vinegar contains anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated skin and antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Lemon and garlic. Lemon has antiseptic properties, and its acidity kills mites, bacteria, and fungi that can lead to secondary infections. Garlic contains allicin, which has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Combine the two in a paste, then apply it to the infected skin.
Check your dog often for improvement
While your pup is in treatment, keep an eye out for improvement. You should see improvement within a few days, depending on your chosen treatment. If you notice that the condition is not getting better or worsening, contact your veterinarian immediately.
