Q&A for How to Cure Mange in Dogs

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Can senior dogs get Demodex?

Natalie Punt, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Natalie Punt is a Veterinarian and the Founder and CEO of mPet- a smart phone app for pet owners to store, manage and transfer their pets medical records and health information. She specializes in small animal emergency and general medicine and veterinary practice economics. Dr. Punt holds a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The University of California, Davis, an MS in Biochemistry from The University at Buffalo, and a DVM from Western University of Health Sciences.

Natalie Punt, DVM

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Not usually! Some of their skin is really good at getting rid of any harmful bacteria, mites, or parasites. So, it's definitely not normal if you see a mature dog with Demodex.

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Question

I am treating my dog for demodectic mange on her paws with an aludex bath every three to five days. Is there anything else I can do to help her?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Make sure she is eating a good balanced diet to strengthen her immune system and help her skin fight off the mites. Aludex is a treatment designed to kill demodex mites, and demodectic mange is relatively unusual in adult dogs. Your vet may need to investigate to see if the dog has an underlying health problem that is suppressing the immune system and allowing the demodex mites to breed in her skin.

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Question

Does Amitraz work for both types of mange?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Yes. Amitraz has a good spectrum of activity and kills both sarcoptic and demodectic mange mites, plus cheyletiella (the 'walking dandruff' mite) and ticks.

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Question

My dog had mange 10 years ago. Will his hair ever grow back?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

If the hair hasn't regrown after 10 years, then it probably won't. Severe mange can cause deep scarring which damages the hair follicles and prevents hair growth. In less severe cases, the lost fur usually regrows the next season.

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Question

I have put a stronghold on my dog, but he is scratching himself very sore and losing a lot of hair. He now has very sore patches on him and he is getting worse. What can I do to help him?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Stronghold is effective against sarcoptic mange mites. Some dogs actually get more itchy for a short time after treatment as the dying mites act as an irritant in the skin. If the itch is excessive, then a short course of steroid (and possibly antibiotics) may be required to help him over this phase. Also, make sure you reapply the Stronghold regularly and wash the dog's bedding to avoid reinfection.

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Question

What if the itching gets worse after treatment starts?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Once treatment starts, the itch from sarcoptic mange may temporarily get worse before it gets better. Additional medication, such are steroids, may be necessary to help the dog over this hump.

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