Puppy mange is a skin condition that’s also known as red mange or demodectic mange. Although there are three different types of mange infections, puppies are affected by mange caused by the demodex canis mite. Puppy mange can be treated with medication, such as ProMeris, and pet owners should seek medical help if they notice any of the symptoms.
Symptoms of Demodectic Mange Include:
- Hair loss around the face and neck
- Itching
- Redness at affected sites
- Darkening of skin
- Bald spots on the body
Mange Transmission and Diagnosis
Puppies commonly acquire mange from their mothers, and most puppies combat mange infections on their own. Certain pets however, with weak immune systems, develop mange and skin lesions. In order to diagnose demodectic mange, the vet will perform a physical examination of the skin and conduct a skin scraping test. The skin scraping will detect demodex canis mites under microscopic examination.
Treatment of Puppy Mange
Some puppies rid themselves of demodectic mange without medical intervention, because the immune system develops as the puppy matures. Other pets can be treated with medicated shampoos and dips. Most puppies suffer from mange that’s specific to certain areas of the body. Products that contain rotenone or benzoyl peroxide are effective if used daily on affected areas. Commercially available medicines such as ProMeris for dogs can also be used to treat demodectic mange.
ProMeris for Dogs
ProMeris is safe for use on dogs more than 8 weeks of age. It contains the active ingredients metaflumizone and amitraz. ProMeris is a topical solution that should be used once a month to protect pets from ticks and to control puppy mange. Since the medication contains amitraz, an organophosphate, it should be used with caution.
Usage of ProMeris for Dogs
Pet owners should wear rubber gloves and apply the medication to the skin between the shoulder blades. The ProMeris should be left to dry and dogs should be prevented from licking the solution. Since the medication is waterproof, it doesn’t have to be re-applied after bathing the pet. The response to medication varies in individual pets, and abnormal behavior or symptoms should be treated with prompt medical care. ProMeris is available in varying dosages and pet owners should obtain proper dosage instructions from the vet.
Precautions
- Since amitraz is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, it shouldn’t be used in combination with other monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
- Care takers should prevent skin contact with the solution. It’s also not safe for use around people that are pregnant, breast-feeding or taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
- The side-effects of ingesting amitraz are temporary and include lethargy, sedation and difficulty breathing.
- ProMeris has several drug interactions and may not be ideal for pets that take tricyclic anti-depressants.
- Pets that exhibit symptoms such as diarrhea, skin irritation or vomiting should be given prompt vet help.
Although ProMeris is recommended as a monthly topical treatment for ticks and mange, it works best if the solution is administered according to vet instructions, as individual pet conditions differ. Apart from ProMeris, the vet might also prescribe medicated dips to cure generalized demodectic mange.