Mange in Dogs - Symptoms

Mange is a skin condition that commonly affects canines. Dogs suffer from this skin disease when microscopic mites burrow through the layers of their skin. Several species of parasitic mites can be responsible for causing mange in dogs. Symptoms of this contagious skin disease include intense itching, scaling and bald patches on the dog's coat. A dog afflicted with this condition can be a cause of worry to the owner as well. Though all types of mange are not contagious, if your dog is infected with a contagious type of mange, you might also end up catching this infection, if you come in direct contact with your dog. A timely treatment is very important to put an end to the suffering of your dog. Let's find out more about the causes, symptoms and the available remedies.

What Causes Mange?

Mange is the general term used for infections caused by different types of mites. Cheyletiella mites, Demodex mites, Sarcoptes scab mites and Otodectes mites are the types of mites that cause mange in canines. The symptoms that an affected dog may exhibit would vary depending on the type of mite that is responsible for causing the infestation. Cheyletiellosis or 'walking dandruff' is a highly infectious condition caused by Cheyletiella mites. If your dog is suffering from this type of mange, you will be able to spot mites moving on your dog's fur coat. Though most dogs have the ability to live in harmony with these mites, but sometimes the dog's immune system fails, when there is an invasion by a huge population of these mites. Sarcoptic mange is also an infectious condition. It is also called scabies. When the female mite lays her eggs and these grow into adult mites, the vicious circle of reproduction starts on the dog's skin and leads to this skin disorder. Infection can also be caused due to Otodectes mites entering into your dog's ears. Though dog ear mites infections might not be generally classified as mange, the clinical signs are quite similar to the symptoms of mange disease.

Symptoms of Mange

Now that you have some idea about the causes and types of mange in canines, let's move on to the symptoms exhibited by dogs suffering from this condition.

Sarcoptic Mange
A dog affected by sarcoptic mites infestation will suffer from severe itchiness. Burrowing through the layers of the skin, these mites release a substance, which causes a lot of irritation on the skin. Other symptoms of sarcoptic mange include scratching, hair loss on the outer side of the ears and elbows. Other areas affected by the mite infestation include back of the hind legs, chest, groin and abdomen. If left untreated, it can lead to depression, weight loss and severe hair loss. Behavioral changes such as aggression and lack of interest in playing might also be seen.

Cheleytiella Mange
Cheyletiellosis or walking dandruff is highly infectious. This type of mange leads to marked skin scaling. The scaling might be visible on the dog's back, but can spread to other areas as well. Since these mites don't burrow deep into the layers of the skin, they can be seen moving on the dog's skin. The itchiness and scratching might not be as intense, as in the case of scabies. If your dog is suffering from scabies, it is advisable to refrain from coming into direct contact with the dog.

Demodectic Mange
This type of mange is characterized by patchy hair loss. Mite infestation in this case might not necessarily cause itching. Localized or generalized patchy hair loss might occur. In case of localized hair loss, the affected areas include the skin around the eyes, mouth and paws. The skin around these areas may become scaly, crusty and oily. If left untreated, secondary bacterial infections might also occur along with mite infestation.

Treatment of Mange

If you notice these symptoms in your dog, you must consult a veterinarian soon. You must first isolate the infected dog so as to prevent the infection from spreading to other pets. Some types of mange are contagious to humans also, therefore, you must take all possible precautions. Medicated shampoos and dips might be prescribed by the vet, in order to treat the diseased dog. Antifungal and antibacterial medications might also be required to treat secondary infections. Besides using the prescribed medicated products, dog owners can also try certain home remedies. You can use a mixture of borax and hydrogen peroxide while giving a bath to your pet. It is very important to maintain good hygiene, so changing the dog's bedding and collar frequently can also help to prevent this condition. Precautionary measures such as de-worming and vaccinations might also be of great help.

This was some information on the causes and symptoms of mange. You as a pet owner have a responsibility to protect your pets from such health problems. If you notice symptoms such as patchy hair loss and intense scratching in your dog, consult a vet soon.