Demodex and Sarcoptic Mites (Scabies) or Mange
When it comes to dog mites there are two different types that occur in canines; demodex and sarcoptic (scabies). The overgrowth of which leads to crusting over, lesions, scabs, and hair loss and is called mange. Everyone has probably heard of a mangy dog before. We picture a dog with an uneven coat, bald spots, and scabs over much of his/her body. This is very tragic to observe.
DemodexSo just what causes demodex. They are microscopic insects that live in the hair follicles and oil glands of the dog's skin. Maybe your dog has some right now. Don't be alarmed though because in an animal with a healthy immune system an overgrowth of these insects will not occur. The worry is that if your pet lacks an adequate immune defense system, or in an immune defense system that has been compromised, an overgrowth could happen. Then lesions will become visible.Some facts: --demodex mites are rarely transmitted to their human companions. --they can be transmitted from dog to dog. --their life cycle is about 20 to 35 days. Symptoms--irregular shaped patches of hair loss. --these spots can be a little bit irritated but not extremely itchy. --spots appear wet, moist, greasy, and reddish. See your vet for a complete diagnosis as they will take a skin scraping and examine it under the microscope. If it is demodex mite overgrowth they will prescribe something for it. Beware of Ivermectin if you have a herding breed (sheltie, collie, sheepdog) as it is toxic to this breed. You could also try a more natural method of your choice under your vets supervision. This way your vet may observe and have the possibility of finding something less toxic to animals and humans that works just as well as a prescription. Natural is better.
Sarcoptic (Scabies)Scabies is caused through transference from dog to dog and from infected areas. There is little you can do for prevention other than keeping your pet in optimal health. You could also keep your dog from contact from areas that are populated by large numbers of dogs, let them never play with other dogs, and litter box train them. Wouldn't that be cruel! This is just a common condition among pets. Mites can also infect: --ferets --cats --foxes --humans, but usually not the same kind as dogs. Stop itching! Tunneling directly into the skin and traveling several centimeters the female will deposit her eggs. She will then die. Then eggs will hatch in 3 to 8 days time. Then their life cycle continues to adult hood. They mate. The entire life cycle is 2 to 3 weeks. They can live for about 3 weeks off of your pet's skin, thus, this is how they are spread without ever coming into contact with another animal. Another term I have also heard them called is skin and mange mites. Symptoms
--hair loss--severe itching especially in less hairy areas such as ears, elbows, belly, armpits, and chest. --red pustules and yellow crust. --skin could become infected due to scratching. --Scratching becomes worse in warm conditions. See your vet for treatment. But, again beware of Ivermectin if you have a herding breed. Some of you will go ahead with the recommendation of your pets vet. It's your choice, your dog, however, I would definitely try to find a more natural remedy (under your vets supervision) to see if it would work first. We must always treat our dogs as if it was ones self and limit the exposure to as many toxins as we can.
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