My dog has mange. Is it scabies or demodex? What's the treatment?

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.

Sarcoptic mange usually causes hair loss and thick crusts on the tips of the ears, elbows and hocks (ankles) along with extreme itchiness. Demodectic mange usually just causes small patches of hair loss, although secondary skin infections could lead to skin redness and itchiness. I'm not super familiar with Happy Jack, but it looks like it's a sulfur based dip which is probably not toxic but is not the most effective treatment for either type of mite. I would see if any of the potential adoptive families would be willing to help out with a veterinary bill so you can start some prescription medications (that are also a lot less messy and time consuming than dips).

There are two types of mange: Sarcoptic and Demodex, both of which have different causes 1) Sarcoptic Mange: This is a mite that can be contagious to other dogs, cats AND people. Dogs get this from direct contact with another infected dog. Dogs with this type of mange can become very itchy with lots of hair loss and red flaky skin. It can be anywhere on the body and spread throughout the body without proper treatment. Diagnosis is via a skin scrape and how well the dog responds to treatment. Treatments range from dips, injections, oral drugs, and topical medications depending on the severity of the mange. 2) Demodex Mange: This is a mite that is normally found on dog's skin but only causes an issue when there is too much of it on the skin. Most dogs with this mange are younger with immature immune systems or dogs that are sick/immunocompromised. This is NOT a contagious mite. Dogs with demodex have patches of hair loss a lot of the time around the head, eyes, ears or it can be all over. Typically the skin underneath is calm and not red. Dogs can or can not be itchy with this mange. However, in severe cases of demodex, dogs can be very itchy and have lots of hair loss. Diagnosis is also made via skin scrape. Treatment is very easy with oral medication, sometimes a dip or ointment depending on the severity. I would recommend visiting your veterinarian to determine the type of mange Toby may have. I would not use Borax or Peroxide directly on his skin as it can irritate it more and make him more itchy. Your veterinarian will be able to provide you a better treatment plan. In the mean time you may consider benadryl. Here are some articles that may be helpful to you: 1) demodex: https://www.petcoach.co/article/demodectic-mange/ 2) sarcoptic mange: https://www.petcoach.co/article/scabies-sarcoptic-mange/ 3) dosing benadryl: https://www.petcoach.co/pet-medication/benadryl/ Good luck!

Hi there! Scabies is generally fairly easy to treat. Your veterinarian should prescribe a medication such as Bravecto or ivermectin, which will clear it up without any problems. I'm not aware of any over-the-counter remedies that are effective, so this is best left to your veterinarian to treat :)

Oh no, that's not good! I would have Rocky seen by a vet to confirm that he does have mites, which the vet can diagnose with skin scrapings. Treatment depends on if he has sarcoptic mange or demodex mange. Medications and shampoos can be administered at home for sarcoptic manage depending on the treatment used, but must be prescribed by a veterinarian before use. All animals in the house must be treated, and the home must be disinfected as well. Demodex mange can also be treated at home with medications from the veterinarian. Because sarcoptic mange is so itchy, anti-itch shampoos or medications such as anti-histamines may be recommended by the veterinarian to help relieve the itchiness. Dogs affected with sarcoptic mange must be isolated from other animals in the home. There are several different medications that can be used to treat sarcoptic mange. Ivermectin is a common medication, but it must be given only by a veterinarian. Selemectin (Revolution), Moxidectin (Advantage Multi), amitraz washes, and 2% lime sulpher washes can be used as well. Generalized demodex mange involves treating any underlying systemic illness, antibiotics for skin infection, amitraz dips, milbemycin, and ivermectin, which is given by the veterinarian. Ivermectin treatment has to been given for 90-120 days, and should be used for one month past resolution of symptoms. Amitraz dips should be given every two weeks for between six to 14 dips, and should continue for one month after mites are not found on skin scrapings.

Sarcoptic mange mites can be seen under the microscope however they can be difficult to find in deep skin scrapes, best results can be obtained from ear margins, hocks, elbows. The clinical symptoms and the appearance of pruritic alopecia aid diagnosis so sometimes vets prefer to treat it as sarcoptic mange even when negative skin scrapes are found. I hope it makes sense !

First, you need to make sure this is mange. There are 2 types of mange....Demodectic mange is typically found in young puppies or adult dogs with seriously compromised immune systems. Sarcoptic mange can be found in dogs of any age, but is more common in dogs that live outdoors. It is extremely itchy and typically has patterns of hair loss and rash on the edges of the ears, along extremities. The photos you included are not a clear suggestion of either type of mange. There are no successful over the counter remedies for mange. It would be best to see your vet for a proper diagnosis. Your pet may be suffering from allergies, a skin infection, or other issues. Once you know if your dog has mange and which type....they are treated with different medications... or if your dog has something else.. .your veterinarian can get you started off on the right treatment plan.