I am trying to help my financee's cousin with his dog and I think he might have mange. If so it is just the beginning stage so I want to get it taken care of ASAP. It will be 2 weeks till I can get him into the vet so I am thinking I will try some OTC remedies from the feed store or tractor supply. Does anyone have any suggestions? I know there are 3 types, I know about skin scraping, I just want to try something until we can get him to the vet.
2007-04-10 07:15:54 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Ivermectin is a remedy for parasites. Just go to a feed store and ask them about this, or a "dip". This may help. But there are two types of mange demodeptic and sarcoptic. The first is the hardest to treat because it is genetic and flares from the inside out. It's not quite as simple as having parasites in the skin like sarcoptic. But the latter is transmissible to humans. So, be safe and wear gloves and try not to come into direct contact with the animal. The feed store should be able to point you in the right direction, but remember the dog could be having another reaction such as hypothyroidism, dermatitis- "hot spots" or an allergic reaction. Only a vet knows for sure. Good Luck!
2007-04-10 07:29:51 · answer #1 · answered by Belle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Demodex mange, which is caused by the skin mite that lives in every hair folicle, is usually the result of a weak immune system, preventing the patient from controlling the mite population. This form of mange is often treated with immune support (multivitamins, broad spectrum deworming, etc) and benzoil peroxide ointment on the affected areas. Sarcoptes mange, however, is much more serious. A weak immune system makes the patient vulnerable, but it is much much more difficult to treat. Attempts to boost the immune system and topical ointments often are not enough to defeat the mange. Regular injections of ivermectin and daily medicated bathing is usually required. You must see your vet for a skin scraping to get a proper diagnosis of the form of mange. All these treatments are safe, by the way, and some veterinarians are comfortable dispensing the injectable drugs for home administration if the owner is proficient enough to give them. Good luck with your doggie, hope she feels better soon. To your added info - ivermectin is not toxic to all herding dogs, they have a 'higher incidence of sensitivity' to it. If your vet determines that she requires medical treatment for her mange, definitely have the first couple courses administered at your vet, and make sure she is monitored afterward. If she tolerates it then it's no problem, and most herding dogs do. If she doesn't, then your vet can treat her for the reaction and you will probably have to treat her mange with regular dips instead of the injections.
2016-03-17 22:55:46 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Skin scraping is for diagnosis, not treatment.
To be honest there's not much point getting OTC counter treatment until you know what kind of mange mite you're dealing with - or if it definitely is mange. It may possibly turn out to be a huge waste of money. Feed stores and especially tractor supplies are most likely to specialise in large-animal medicine - not very helpful and potentially harmful for dogs!
Can you really not get him to the vet any sooner? Get a pet taxi or a friend to take or something? I just think it's the only thing worth doing - for you pet's and your wallet's health.
Chalice
2007-04-10 07:22:09 · answer #3 · answered by Chalice 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There are no "over the counter" remedies for mange.
There are several types of mange, and each has a different treatment, so you need to get a vet to diagnose which type of mange the dog is affected with.
Certain types of mange are contagious even to people.
A high quality diet will help boost the dog's immune system, helping fight off the effects of mange and secondary bacterial infections associated with mange.
2007-04-10 07:31:22 · answer #4 · answered by libertydogtraining 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can't "try" something before you go to the vet.
That's very backwards and chances are excellent that you'll be wasting your money.
You HAVE to go to the vet at least to determine what kind of mange your dog has. If it's the contagious kind, you'd better RUN and not walk to the vet, because you risk catching it yourself including any other pets or people in your house hold.
The route you are taking is foolhardy and in the long run won't help either you or your dog.
Please go to the vet. If the vet says it's Demodex, then there is lots you can do OTC.
Thanks
Best of luck
MM
2007-04-10 07:21:21 · answer #5 · answered by merlinandmeimei 3 · 4⤊ 1⤋
All of these people have given good advice. A vet is the most recommended solution. I would also get a flea shampoo that says it kills mites. If it is mites, this will help a little, until you can get it to a vet. I know this dog has to be suffering, so if this just doesn't work, go see a vet.
2007-04-10 07:39:17 · answer #6 · answered by bonnie g 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not worth it to treat it until you know what "it" is.
Visit the vet, get a diagnosis and *then* talk about treatments.
Who knows..it may not even be mange. What if it's allergies? or ringworm? or scabies? or...
2007-04-10 07:27:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
try to arrange a vet appointment... our dog had mange and she had to be dipped 3 times... the vet mite try to prescribe somethin for it
hope this helps! :-)
Lilyoung
2007-04-10 07:22:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋