Your poor dog is scratching like crazy and even has a couple bald patches. You might think that your beloved pet could never have mange, but you would be wrong! If the dog has mites, which many dogs do, then they may have some form of it. With care, your dog can go back to being healthy and happy once more.

The first of these is demodectic, caused by a mite called Demodex canis. This mite, which is only visible with a microscope, appears even on healthy dogs. However, when it goes through a rapid growth in population, it can cause your pet to develop bald patches where the infestation explodes.

If your dog has a small mangy spot, it will likely disappear on its own. However, if your dog is covered in spots, it might need treatments in order to clear it up. Some people believe that some breeds of dogs are prone to this condition. Indeed, veterinary experts have noticed that certain breeds, such as Chihuahuas, Dobermans, Old English Sheepdogs, Afghan Hounds, Boston Terriers and Collies to name a few, are more likely to develop the demodectic variety.

If your dog has scaly looking dry flaky skin around its neck and or back, chances are it has “walking dandruff”, the common name for Cheyletiella. This version of the condition is caused by a large red mite. Although it only causes minor itching, it is a major concern as it can spread very easily to other dogs.

Often found in kennels, the mite that causes this will live on the surface of the skin. Because it is easy to spot, it is possible to remove this mite from its host. Without the food of its host to sustain it, it dies quickly. If your dog comes home from the kennel with this condition, be certain to let them know so that they can spray their facilities and prevent illness for their other guests.

Sarcoptic mange, otherwise known as scabies, is caused by a tiny mite. With this mite, the female burrows under the skin in order to lay her eggs. In the process, she irritates the skin, which causes your pet to scratch and bite themselves. The worst part of this form is not necessarily the bites, but how they become infected from constant scratching and biting.

All forms are treatable and many are preventable with proper animal care. The best way to prevent any of these infestations is simple: provide your pet with good nutrition, control other parasites such as fleas and worms and keep up with vaccinations. For demodectic and cheyletiella mange, treatment involves an insecticide dip, sometimes several times depending on the severity of the infestation. However, with scabies, your veterinarian will likely use an internal treatment to kill off the mites while treating the itch with steroids and perhaps even a medicated bath.

When your pet has mange, it can be a sad sight. Did you know that there is a mange cure? We have mange treatment that will put a stop to it.

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