Blog Dermagic

What are Mites and Mange in Dogs and Cats

—

by

Alex
in , , , , ,

What are mites?

Mites are microscopic creatures that resemble miniature spiders.

Among the mites species that attack cats and dogs, are members of the Sarcoptic mange mites (family Sarcoptidae), which burrow under the skin. 

Demodex mites (family Demodicidae) are parasites that live in or near the hair follicles of mammals, including humans.

Cheyletiella mites look like tiny spiders under a magnifying glass and are often called “Walking Dandruff” because upon close inspection it seems like little flakes of dry skin are actually moving about.

Sarcoptic mites are very nasty creatures. Infestations of these mites are called scabies are highly contagious. Scabies produce intense itching, reddening of the skin, thinning of the hair (alopecia) and development of crusts and scabs. Bacterial skin infections commonly occur in the inflamed, irritated skin.

Sarcoptic mite infestation otherwise know as mange, is frequently misdiagnosed as allergic dermatitis  even by very competent and experienced veterinarians.  The mites burrow right down into the skin where they are virtually undetectable by skin scrapings.  Sarcoptic mites prefer skin with little hair, so they are most numerous on the ears, elbows, abdomen and hocks. As the disease spreads, hair is lost and eventually the mites occupy large areas of skin.
Sadly, many dogs are treated with cortisone or prednisone for a supposed allergic dermatitis when in fact these Sarcoptic mites are the cause of the pruritic or inflamed skin, and the unnecessary cortisone eventually makes the condition worse.

Then there are Demodectic (or Demodex) mites, which cause a different type of mange.  These mites are found in small numbers in the hair follicles of normal pets. In stressful situations, however, they proliferate, and large numbers inhabit the skin and hair follicles.
The good news is that Demodex mites can easily be seen on a skin scraping viewed under the microscope. The less good news is that generalized demodicosis is serious and often difficult to treat. Large areas of the body may be affected, and often the affected areas are also infected by bacteria. In these cases, the skin is red, crusty and warm, and has many pustules. It may bleed easily and has a strong, rancid odour.

DERMagic products stop infections associated with parasitic infestations, and kill certain parasites outright.  Read below the steps to eliminating these debilitating skin infestations naturally…

Choose one of our Award-winning Shampoo Bars, plus Skin Rescue Lotion (4 fl oz bottle) and Hot Spot Salve (2 oz jar) as a complete system for the most effective results in treating your dog’s problem skin condition.
* All Natural Ingredients
* No harsh chemicals
* Works Fast & Safely
* Gentle and Effective
* Guaranteed
* Made in the USA

STEP 1
Before starting any treatment, give your dog a good cleansing with one of our organic Shampoo Bars, specially formulated for deep cleansing sensitive skin. Bathe your dog weekly or every two weeks (not too often!) while undergoing treatment.

STEP 2
DERMagic Skin Rescue Lotion
Apply DERMagic Skin Rescue Lotion for fast and effective relief from skin irritations, hot spots, scaly skin, flea allergies, dermatitis, and dry skin conditions. Massage well into problem areas, then cover pet with a T-shirt to protect skin. Reapply twice daily for first week of treatment. Continue application once daily for another week. For more serious situations like Black Skin Disease (Alopecia X), please click here for additional information.
STEP 3
DERMagic Hot Spot Salve
For raw and irritated hot spots use DERMagic Hot Spot Salve, applying daily to affected areas until no longer needed. Also treats minor wounds, insect bites, localized allergic reactions, and itchy or inflamed skin.