| Demodectic Mange |
Demodectic Mange is also called puppy mange, red mange and follicular mange.
First of all....you cannot get this type of mange from your dog.
This kind of mange usually appears in young dogs, puppies whose immune systems are not
completely developed, or adult dogs whose immune systems are low. The demodex canis mite is
present on all dogs, and another species on us! These mites are normally present on most eeery
dog, but are usually not a problem. This mite is transmitted to the puppies from the mother, and
can only be transmitted by physical contact. The dog's environment is not affected at all, since
this mite does not survive off the dog, so bedding and home do not need any treatment -
thankfully. Most puppies are immune to these mites, though some are not. These puppies will
develop
lesions (sores) ususally on the muzzle or eye area.
Localized mange is when there are less than five patches of mange, usually on the head.
Generalized mange is when there are five or more patches of mange anywhere on the body.
This type of mange usually appears when the dog is four months or older. Skin scrapings will help
determine if lesions are actually caused demodectic mange, since this mite is normally on the dog.
Lesions could also be from alllergies or a contact dermatitis.
Symptoms are: hair loss, red skin, and possibly moist or oily or crusty looking skin. The head may
be the only place demodectic mange shows (closest body part to mom's food source), or may be
on the back, sides, belly, legs or feet. As the dog's immune system develops or improves this
mange will disappear.
Treatment for demodectic mange is if the form of lotions or dips and shampoos. Localized mange
(fewer than five lesions) usually cures itself. Generalized mange heals itself about half of the time,
but treatment is the best way to treat this type of mange. A high quality diet with adequate fatty
acids may be all that is needed. Just like us, each dog has it's own particular dietary needs to
keep him healthy. Bathing should be done to clean the skin and remove any crusty area from the
lesions so the medication can come in direct contact with the sores. Treatment may be needed
from two to fourteen times to cure this mange. Your vet will help determine treatment.
Demodectic mange is not hereditary, but it is possible that the immune system is, so if there is a
history of demodectic mange in a bloodline, or near relatives, breeding those dogs should be
avoided.
First of all....you cannot get this type of mange from your dog.
This kind of mange usually appears in young dogs, puppies whose immune systems are not
completely developed, or adult dogs whose immune systems are low. The demodex canis mite is
present on all dogs, and another species on us! These mites are normally present on most eeery
dog, but are usually not a problem. This mite is transmitted to the puppies from the mother, and
can only be transmitted by physical contact. The dog's environment is not affected at all, since
this mite does not survive off the dog, so bedding and home do not need any treatment -
thankfully. Most puppies are immune to these mites, though some are not. These puppies will
develop
lesions (sores) ususally on the muzzle or eye area.
Localized mange is when there are less than five patches of mange, usually on the head.
Generalized mange is when there are five or more patches of mange anywhere on the body.
This type of mange usually appears when the dog is four months or older. Skin scrapings will help
determine if lesions are actually caused demodectic mange, since this mite is normally on the dog.
Lesions could also be from alllergies or a contact dermatitis.
Symptoms are: hair loss, red skin, and possibly moist or oily or crusty looking skin. The head may
be the only place demodectic mange shows (closest body part to mom's food source), or may be
on the back, sides, belly, legs or feet. As the dog's immune system develops or improves this
mange will disappear.
Treatment for demodectic mange is if the form of lotions or dips and shampoos. Localized mange
(fewer than five lesions) usually cures itself. Generalized mange heals itself about half of the time,
but treatment is the best way to treat this type of mange. A high quality diet with adequate fatty
acids may be all that is needed. Just like us, each dog has it's own particular dietary needs to
keep him healthy. Bathing should be done to clean the skin and remove any crusty area from the
lesions so the medication can come in direct contact with the sores. Treatment may be needed
from two to fourteen times to cure this mange. Your vet will help determine treatment.
Demodectic mange is not hereditary, but it is possible that the immune system is, so if there is a
history of demodectic mange in a bloodline, or near relatives, breeding those dogs should be
avoided.