Cheap Pet Insurance

March 17th, 2010 by Wendell Ruben

You may lovingly refer your dog as a mangy mutt, but real mange isn’t something either of you want to experience, you or your beloved pet. Unfortunately, mange is all too common and often misdiagnosed for a couple of reasons. This writing is meant to give you a little insight into the condition and a bit of information on mange symptoms.

Mange is primarily a problem with younger or older dogs. Most adult dogs have a sufficiently strong immune systems to fend off an attack of mites, which is basically what mange is. Puppies who haven’t yet developed a strong immune system are most susceptible. Also, older dogs whose immune systems may be compromised in one way or another.

There are 3 types of mange, caused by 3 different kinds of mites. The first is demodectic mange, caused by the Demodex canis mite. This creature burrows itself into the skin of its host, causing irritation and itching and forcing the dog into rounds of endless scratching. Symptoms will be a thinning of the coat around the eyes and mouth as well as the legs. Although this form can spontaneously heal on its own, in many cases treatment will be required make it go away. Some treatments you can do yourself, others should be handled by a Vet.

Cheyletiella mange(also known as walking dandruff) is caused by a larger, red mite, that can actually be seen under a magnifying glass. Symptoms are a heavy sprinkling of white dandruff flakes on the dog’s head, neck and back and a mild itching. It’s contagious but short-lived.

The most serious form of mange is the one known as sarcoptic, which is also commonly referred to as scabies. The very small mite that causes this one lays eggs under the skin of its host. After 3 weeks these eggs will hatch and, before too long, be laying more eggs of their own. This condition will drive your dog nuts and should be taken seriously.

Scabies infected dogs will constantly bite, dig at and scratch themselves until they’re raw and bleeding. They will be totally miserable and probably make you miserable too for all their pain and suffering. The sores created may become infected, which will make treatment even more involved because antibiotics will have to be used, in addition to something to kill the mites.

Sarcoptic mange symptoms include intense itching and resulting hair loss on the ears, face and legs. This is in the earlier stages. Later, if untreated, it could include total body hair loss. And don’t forget, it’s contagious to not only other animals but to humans too. This is one you want to handle right away by taking your pet in for professional treatment.

Mange symptoms can be mimicked by other conditions and sometimes proper diagnosis is difficult, especially if sores and infections are present. If your dog is exhibiting dry, itchy skin and scratching all the time, getting online and locating some more information on mange symptoms would be a smart move. Nobody wants a ‘mangy mutt’ around and, trust me, he doesn’t want to be a mangy mutt either!

Find out more about how you can identify and treat dog mange using simple ingredients that will provide you the fast results you want. When treating mange dogs will begin feeling better and healthier quickly!