What is Mange? Mange is a class of persistent contagious skin diseases caused by parasitic mites. The most common of these are Red mange or demodectic mange. This type of mange affects physically vulnerable dogs such as puppies or seniors. It cause’s ragged, patchy hair loss sometimes accompanied by severe itching. If left untreated your dog will look very sick and unattractive.
The other common type of mange is Sarcoptic Mange also known as canine scabies. This infirmity is highly contagious and it is caused from mites burrowing in the dogs outer layers of the skin. The canine sarcoptic mite can also infest cats, pigs, sheep, horses and even humans as well as other various animals.
While there may be several different treatment plans out there, I have come to find out that only one method has proven to work for me. Before I get into that let me share something with you. Living in South Texas for a while I am not sure if the dry heat or the numeration of stray dogs had anything to do with it, but it seemed to be a mecca for mangy dogs. People didn’t take their dogs to get treated, their treatment plan was to go out to a remote sugar cane field and drop these defenseless creatures to fend for themselves.
I have also heard of home remedies such as soaking an infected mange dog with used motor oil. That is not an effective method and I think it is cruel. If you have ever dipped your hand in used motor oil you know it is hot and uncomfortable feeling. Imagine having that all over your body and standing out in direct sunlight in 100+ degree weather. Not a very nice picture, is it?
Several years ago I had a stray dachshund come in to our yard with my other pit bulls. This dog probably weighed 10 lbs wet with zero hair follicles and open sore wounds all over his body from scratching. I felt sorry for the dog and I was disgusted that someone had actually come by and dropped him off solving their problem. I isolated Peanut from the rest of the pack keeping an eye on him. I then assessed his weight and based on that I administered a dosage of Ivermectin serum subcutaneously on his neck area. I continued the treatment for the next 3 weeks and by week four he had gained all his hair and weight back. One thing to note, I began to notice results within 2 weeks of the treatment.
Ivermectin is not labeled to be used on dogs but it works. This medicine can be bought at any farm supply store and will cost you around $40 for a 50 ML bottle depending where you shop. I normally use an 18 gauge needle because the serum is thick. Figure out the dosage according to the weight of the animal to avoid over dose. After you have injected the animal massage the area really good. When in doubt always follow the label directions.
Note: I am not a veterinarian nor do I claim to be one. I am simply sharing some home remedies for those do it yourself people out there. This remedy was shared with me by a retired vet. I have used it for several years and it really works. Always follow the label directions when administering. If you have any questions always consult your veterinarian.
**This article is not meant to provide a diagnosis for your pet. If your dog is sick contact your veterinarian for assistance.**