Mange Medicine for Dogs

Mange is a skin disease in animals that is caused by an infestation of parasitic mites. Mange can occur in two forms from two different types of mites: sarcoptic mange and demodectic mange. 

Sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies, is caused by a mite that lives in your dog’s hair follicles. Sarcoptic mange is extremely painful for dogs and can even be fatal if left untreated. It’s also highly contagious and can be transferred from dog to human. 

These mites can cause raised bumps to appear across your dog’s body that lead to hair loss and severe itching, often to the point of causing self-inflicted wounds. Dogs with sarcoptic mange may also experience lethargy and weight loss associated with decreased appetite. 

The other type of mange is known as demodectic mange and is caused by a parasite that lives under the surface of the skin. It’s normal for dogs to have a few of these parasites on their skin, but an infestation can cause demodectic mange. Typically this occurs in dogs with weakened immune systems, which can allow the parasites to quickly multiply. 

Unlike sarcoptic mange, dogs with demodectic mange don’t experience severe itching, but will experience hair loss.

If you believe your dog has mange, the first step is to talk to your vet. They will be able to diagnose the type of mange and prescribe a treatment. 

Sarcoptic mange is only treated with prescription mange medication that is designed to kill the parasites. Dog mange medicine may also be paired with antibiotics to treat any associated skin infections, as well as anti-itch medications. Dogs with sarcoptic mange should be isolated from humans and other pets. 

Demodectic mange is typically treated with a topical medication like an ointment or a shampoo. For more severe cases, an oral medication or injection may be administered.

Dutch’s online pet pharmacy offers several different mange medicines for dogs. For puppies, your vet may prescribe Senergy Puppy/Kitten Topical Solution (Rx), whereas an adult may be prescribed Senergy Canine Topical Solution (Rx). These medications treat sarcoptic mange and also control fleas, heartworm, ear mites, and more. 

Advantage Multi Topical Solution for Dogs (Rx) is another example of mange medicine for dogs. Your vet may also prescribe a mange medication for dogs from Revolution.

Side effects of mange medication vary based on the prescription. If you’re concerned about the side effects that your dog is experiencing from their dog mange medicine, talk to your vet ASAP. They will be able to provide insight.

Because mange-causing mites must be treated at every stage in their lifecycle, it may take weeks or months for your mange medication to fully rid your dog of mange.