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Several types of mange can occur in dogs. How do I know if my dog has mange? although not all of them are contagious like demodectic mange. This is demodectic mange, which will be discussed at the end of this article.
Scabies in dogs: How do I know if my dog has scabies?
In general, the word scabies is used to describe all those contagious diseases caused by mites that feed on the skin and its desquamations and produce intense itching.
Contagious types of scabies are common in young dogs, in dogs with immune system problems or skin pathologies, and in dogs living in unsanitary, overcrowded or unhygienic conditions.
The mites responsible reproduce rapidly and invade specific areas of the dog’s skin, causing itching to the point of causing wounds.
How do you know if your dog has mange? Learn how to recognize it!
Chyletiellosis mange
It is caused by a reddish-colored mite that causes intense itching and flaking of the skin. Chyletiellosis is easily spread between dogs and cats.
Diagnosis is simple, just look at the animal’s skin with a magnifying glass and see the reddish mites moving on the scaly skin.
E he treatment for this type of mange is simple, since most flea products are effective and eliminate the mite quickly.
Demodectic mange
It is caused by a mite that is part of the normal skin of all dogs. This scabies occurs when the dog has low defenses. It appears on the head and ears of puppies and is cured with good hygiene and proper skin maintenance.
If an adult dog has 5 or more affected areas, the mange is considered to be generalized. The most aggressive and dangerous variant of this mange is demodectic pododermatitis and appears on the paws.
Diagnosis requires skin scrapings or pulling out some hairs for examination. If the presence of demodectic mange is confirmed and it is not a generalized problem, it will be sufficient to apply some cream on the affected areas, and/or bathe the dog with a specific shampoo, and use acaricides to reduce the itching and inflammation of the skin.
However, if it is generalized or affects the paws, the veterinarian will prescribe oral flea and tick tablets, among other treatments.
