What does mange look like on a dog?

During the years of being with dogs, we always look forward to them being lively and healthy. Every run and jump, every intimate bark, is like a small happiness in life, lighting up our daily life. However, there is a disease that comes quietly, but it may break this beauty inadvertently, that is scabies.

Scabies is not a simple skin problem, it is a "skin crisis" caused by mites. Once a dog is infected, it first shows abnormal signs on the skin. At first, there may be only some subtle changes in the edges of the ears, elbows, tarsal joints and other parts. The skin begins to turn red, like the color after being slightly sunburned, with a hint of strange heat. If you look closely, you can see dense small red rashes on the skin, like tiny red beans. These red rashes are the "flares" of scabies mites wreaking havoc deep in the skin. Dogs will scratch these parts frequently and unconsciously, as if there are millions of small insects crawling under the skin, itching unbearably.​

As time goes by, if the condition is not controlled, the "sphere of influence" of scabies will gradually expand. The red rash, which was originally only localized, begins to spread to other parts of the body. The back, abdomen, and legs may all become the "new battlefield" of scabies. The skin becomes rough, as if it has been polished by sandpaper, and the originally smooth hair loses its former luster and becomes dry and brittle. In some serious areas, the skin begins to thicken, forming patches similar to moss. When touched, it can be clearly felt that the texture of the skin has become hard and rough. And those places that have been scratched by dogs may even break the skin and scab. The bloodstains and brown scabs seem to tell the pain suffered by the dog. ​

Scabies brings far more than physical discomfort to dogs. Their mental state will also be greatly affected. The dog that used to be full of energy and full of curiosity about everything has become listless. No longer keen on playing, always curled up quietly in the corner, with pain and helplessness in his eyes. Appetite also drops significantly. They used to be excited when they saw food, but now they just sniff listlessly when faced with delicious food. Because of the severe itching caused by scabies, dogs often have difficulty falling asleep at night and frequently get up and scratch. The entire sleep cycle is completely disrupted, and the body becomes weaker and weaker in the long run. ​

So, how do dogs get scabies? In the social world of dogs, close contact with other dogs is one of the common ways to get scabies. When two dogs play together, sniff each other, and lick each other, scabies may take the opportunity to transfer from one dog to another. Especially in some places where dogs gather, such as pet parks and dog foster centers, the risk of scabies transmission is higher. In addition, environmental factors cannot be ignored. Dark and humid places are hotbeds for scabies. If dogs often stay in damp kennels, basements, or come into contact with carpets, towels and other items contaminated by scabies, they are easily infected.​

When we find that the dog may have scabies, the anxiety in our hearts surges like a tide. It is crucial to take the dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible. The veterinarian will confirm the condition through professional examinations, such as skin scraping examinations, and observe whether there are scabies mites under a microscope. Once diagnosed, the treatment process requires us to be patient and careful. Usually, the veterinarian will prescribe drugs specifically for scabies mites, which may be topical lotions, sprays, or oral drugs. When using these drugs, we must strictly follow the veterinarian's instructions to ensure accurate dosage and correct use. ​

During the treatment period, the dog's living environment also needs our careful care. The dog's kennel should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and all bedding should be washed and exposed to the sun to let the ultraviolet rays in the sun kill the remaining scabies mites. Floors, furniture and other places where dogs often touch the house should also be disinfected regularly. At the same time, in order to prevent dogs from scratching and causing skin damage and infection, it is a good choice to put an Elizabethan collar on the dog. Although the dog may not be very adaptable, it can effectively protect their skin and promote recovery from the disease.

During the days of fighting scabies, our company and care are the best "medicine" for dogs. Spend more time with them, soothe them gently, and give them enough sense of security. Every treatment and every care is our way of conveying love to dogs. When we see dogs gradually regain their former vitality, their skin slowly gets better, and their hair regains its luster, the joy and relief are like the warm spring sun, dispelling the haze of the past. We know that in this "battle" against scabies, we fight side by side with dogs to protect the precious love and health together.