Can my older Staffordshire terrier mix get demodectic mange?

Mange is caused by mites. There are two types of mange, sarcoptic mange and demodex mange, each caused by a different mite. Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious to other animals and humans, while demodex mange is not. The symptoms depend on what type of mite is presents. Yes a skin allergy could potentially look like mange, but a vet will be able to diagnose the underlying cause. You will need to take Mister Brown into the vet. Best of luck.

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Poor Tommy! How old is Tommy? He looks older. I worry about underlying conditions in older animals that develop demodex. Demodex is only "normal" in young puppies (Immature immune systems). Older dogs that develop demodex usually have an underlying condition that suppressed their immune system and allows the mites to grow. Things like Cushing's disease, cancer, low thyroid, etc. Since you are describing Tommy as weak I am worried about something else going on MORE than just his skin. There are no good home remedies for demodex. Tommy needs to be examined by a Vet to find out why he is weak and developed the mites in teh first place. You can try a follicular flushing shampoo, bathe twice weekly allowing the lather to sit on the skin for 10 mins http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=21564 Nexgard, Simparica and Bravecto are oral flea and tick medications that also kill demodex. You can see if your Vet will prescribe one of these for Tommy. I wish Tommy the best!

Since there is a smell, severe pruritus (itch), and hair loss this is very suspicious for sarcoptic mange, especially since both your dogs are affected. You will need to take them to your vet for a skin scrape to verify that it is indeed mange. Mange is relatively easy to treat with an injection of an avermectin. Sometimes a second injection is needed. Unfortunately sarcoptic mange is contagious and if you have other pets (dogs, cats) they should all be treated. You will also need to watch out for itchy skin conditions as humans can also be affected.

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.

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.

Demodicosis and scabies are caused by 2 different mites, Demodex and Sarcpotes, respectively. The only way to diagnose and differentiate between these mites is by a veterinarian performing a skin scraping. This technique essentially scrapes away the top few layers of skin cells and bit of blood just under the outermost cells so that the sample can be examined microscopically. The mites are diagnosed during this microscopic exam and can easily be distinguished. There are two different prescription based medications for each mite, but must be given under close veterinary supervision. If you are concerned about mange, Jack should see his vet for both diagnosis and treatment. I hope that all goes well!

Sometimes it takes more than one round of treatment to treat mites. If your dog has demodectic mange your veterinarian will have to look at the underlying cause of the repeated outbreak as demodextic mange usually lies dormant until the dog has a compromised immune system. If it is sarcoptes mange then your dog may have reinfected himself. Your veterinarian can prescribe Bravecto, a chew that covers fleas, ticks and all types of mange, even demodectic mange.