Prevent Mange
Mange in dogs is a serious skin condition caused by different types of tiny, parasitic mites. An infestation of mites on dogs – mange – can lead to uncomfortable itching, scratching, hair loss, infection and other unpleasant symptoms. Extreme cases of mange can even be life threatening, so if you suspect mange always consult your veterinarian.
There are currently no known preventative measures against mange. However, there are a few simple things you can do to avoid it. Keep your canine pal away from infected animals, keeping your dog safe by your side whenever possible. Boost their immune system, and keep them clean and healthy with regular grooming.
Avoid contact with infected animals or humans: If you suspect a friend or neighbour’s dog has mange, keep your dog away. You will be unable to tell which type of mange the dog has so your pup could get infected.
The two types of mange affecting dogs are sarcoptic (canine scabies) and demodectic. Sarcoptic mange (canine scabies) is the most common of the two and highly contagious, it is also a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be passed from dog to human and human to dog; demodectic mange is relatively rare and not contagious. It is not zoonotic.
Demodectic mange is caused by the cylindrical, cigar-shaped mite with eight legs known as Demodex canis. Unlike scabies, these mites are always present (even on healthy dogs), and they reside in hair follicles rather than burrow into the skin. Normally, they cause no harm. It’s only when a dog’s immune system is compromised that demodectic mites are able to grow out of control (i.e. reproduce rapidly) which causes the problem.
A healthy immune system can help prevent the recurrence of mange in dogs. It’s therefore important to keep your dog on a regular feeding schedule, with lots of water and healthy meals, and plenty of exercise. Include a high dosage of vitamin C and A, zinc, vitamin E in your dog’s diet.
Keeping a closer eye on your dog with the help of a GPS & activity tracker for dogs means that you can keep your furry friend out of harm’s way. It’s a good idea to always know everywhere your dog goes.
Last but not least, practice good hygiene and keep your dog clean. Give your dog regular baths and wash bedding and collars. A regular grooming and bathing schedule will certainly help prevent your dog from getting mange. Our mobile grooming service is designed to be convenient for you, we'll come to you on a regular schedule and groom your dog in the comfort of your own home. This eliminates the need for you to transport your pet to a grooming salon, which can be stressful for both you and your furry friend.
Mange is painful – both for the dog affected and their humans to witness. It’s never nice to see an animal suffer. So it’s essential to treat mange in dogs as soon as it’s detected. Luckily, mange is treatable and many dogs are able to fully recover from it with proper care and treatment.