April 20, 2012
Posted in Common Pet Conditions, Pet Health

You have probably heard the word "mangy" used to describe a stray dog or one in poor health. "Mangy" sounds like another way to call a dog ugly, but it actually refers to a health condition,  mange, that is out of the pet's control. It is also important to note that mange is not a result of poor hygiene – it is actually a skin reaction to an infestation of mites.

Demodectic mange is generally not contagious, but it is highly uncomfortable for your pet. Mites are found on nearly all dogs, but they become a problem if the dog's immune system has been weakened, since they are then unable to naturally fight off the parasites. This is why it commonly occurs in stray dogs that are not receiving proper nutrition to satisfy their body's needs.

The result of an uncontrolled mite infestation is extreme itching and skin irritation. You may notice dry, scaly patches of skin or redness near the dog's mouth or eyes. Young dogs are more likely to suffer from this condition since their immune systems are not built up yet. Short-haired breeds like American Staffordshire terriers or Greyhounds are also more prone to develop demodectic mange.

Luckily, there are a number of ways to treat this condition in your dog. Mitaban is the most common type of medication used to treat mange. The antiparasitic ingredient, Amitraz, has been proven by the FDA to treat the mites.

Unlike other pet drugs, this medication is a liquid that works by being applied directly to the pet's skin like a pet shampoo. To use, you should wash your dog and then towel dry it. Combine one 10.6 milliliter bottle of Mitaban Dip with two gallons of warm water, then wet the entire dog with the treatment. If the dog is particularly large, your vet may prescribe two bottles. After applying the medicine, you should not rinse or towel dry the dog, instead, allow it to air dry.

It is also important to boost your pet's immune system to make sure it does not fall ill from this infestation or another one anytime soon. Vetri-DMG is a good medication that strengthens the dog's immune system and other systems in its body.

While you're thinking about parasites, make sure your dog is protected from other pests like fleas and ticks. Monthly preventative pet products like Revolution, Sentinel or Comfortis are crucial to keeping your dog healthy and happy. 

Related posts:

1. What is the difference between mites and fleas?
2. Managing Mange
3. Understanding demodectic and sarcoptic mange
4. Treating hypothyroidism in dogs
5. When your pet has mite-y itchy ears