My dog has demodectic mange. What cream can I use to stop the itching?

It isn't uncommon for dogs going through mange therapy to initially get itchier as the mites die and cause inflammation. However secondary infections are also very common with mange. It is common for a dog to be on antibiotics and perhaps an anti-itch medication in addition while being treated for the mange. You could call the veterinarian that prescribed the mange treatment to discuss antibiotics and/or medication to help with his itching. Sometimes a topical shampoo helps but often oral medications are needed.

The only way to definitively diagnose mange (Demodex) is by skin scrapings which should be repeated every 2-3 weeks during treatment until 2 negative skin scrapings are found. Make sure that the flea and tick medication prescribed will also treat mites (milbemycin or moxidectin) and keep in mind that the dosage frequency is different for mite treatment than it is for flea preventative. Treatment needs to continue for 1-2 months after there is a negative skin scraping. Steroids are usually contraindicated in treatment of Demodex. Demodex mites are not contagious to other animals so your other dogs may not be affected.

Topical spray based on cortisone can be used. Topical ointment, usually based on steroids and antibiotics, can be used as well. Please discuss these options with your local veterinarian as these medications are only on prescription.

Demodex is a mite, not a bacteria, so doxycycline will not help at all. I would hesitate to use entederm because it has a steroid in it and steroids can cause demodex lesions to flare or get worse. Please call your veterinarian to discuss different therapies available to treat her.

Prescription monthly Nexgard flea and tick preventative also kills mange and is approved for a 4 month old dog (monthly Simparica and Bravecto every 12 weeks also work off label to kill mange but are labeled for dogs 6 months and older). She can be just on monthly Nexgard without the ivermectin therapy but both are safe as well. I recommend inquiring with your vet about monthly Nexgard for Winter and seeing if she may have underlying allergies as well which can predispose dogs to getting mange. Prescription Apoquel pills or monthly Cytopoint allergy injections Injections are both very effective in treating itchiness from environmental allergies (typically characterized by paw licking, scratching, chronic anal gland issues, chronic ear infections). Good luck!

You can try cool baths with an oatmeal shampoo every other day. But there isn't anything that will help with the itch until the parasite is controlled. Cortisone creams will actually make things worse. You can use an e-collar and socks on Simba's feet to prevent damaging the skin (but an e-collar must be used if you use socks to prevent him from eating them!(

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Personally, I no longer use Ivermectin to treat Demodex. I stopped about a year ago. I started using Bravecto (flea and tick preventative) that is used to treat Demodex off label. It is not marketed for use in cases of Demodex but many vets, including myself, have been using Bravecto to treat Demodex cases with very fast responses to treatment. I would discuss this as a different treatment option with your veterinarian. Rather than using Ivermectin injections, the Bravecto is given as a treat and lasts for about 3 months for one single dose. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.