Of all the kinds of mange your dog may suffer from, cheyletiella may just be the worse. The signs and symptoms can be quite discomforting for both pet and owner alike. That’s why it’s best for you, as a dog owner, to learn some essential information on cheyletiella mange dogs.
Unlike ordinary mites, the parasite behind this type of mange is large enough to be visible to the naked eye. Due to large size of cheyletiella mites, your dog can feel them walking on their skin, so infestation can be very itchy. This skin disease is highly contagious. Dogs can definitely get it from contact with other infected animals.
Infected skin areas may be covered with dandruff. When the parasites behind the problem move around, they tend to drag the dandruff with them. And because of that, this mange kind is also termed as walking dandruff. Infection may not only be from one animal to another animal. Humans may also acquire it. But our skin is simply not favorable for the cheyletiella mites. The worse that the infection may cause is a few days of skin redness and itchiness.
Common signs and symptoms are basically the same with other mange types. Scaling of the skin is noticeable, as well as production of wax-like crusts. An infected dog will scratch all the time as it can be really itchy. Hair loss also occurs where there are infected skin areas. The problem may occur virtually all over the body, but frequently in the neck, back and head areas.
Puppies and adult dogs alike may suffer from this skin disease. That’s why it’s very important to take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as signs and symptoms show up. This way, prompt treatment course may be administered right away. Fortunately for you and your dog, it’s easily treatable.
What treatment is to be given will depend on the gravity of the mites’ infestation. Usually, selenium sulfide-based shampoos are recommended for mild cases. It’s to be used once a week when giving your pet a bath. Selenium sulfide effectively wipes out the mites, and provides relief from skin itching and irritation. If the chemical sounds familiar, it’s because people suffering from dandruff use the same shampoo.
To ward off infection of skin irritations, oral antibiotics may be prescribed by the vet. In eliminating the parasites, your pet may have to be dipped in certain solutions. They usually contain lime sulphur, amitraz or pyrethrin. This procedure may be done either at home or at the clinic.
For extreme cases, injection of ivermectin may be necessary to kill the cheyletiella mites from the inside out. However, this may not be used for all breeds of dogs. Some breeds may show signs of toxicity even in small amounts of the drug. The type of treatment your pet will receive will depend on what the veterinarian deems necessary.
By keeping your dog healthy and clean, acquiring the disease may be avoided. Provide your pet with the right diet, vitamins and hygiene practices. Keep bedding and other areas of the house where your pet stays clean to prevent infestation of mites. If you got sufficient information on cheyletiella mange dogs, your pet can stay healthy and happy.
