Secondary Infections from Mange Infestation

The mites that can cause mange in dogs (both sarcoptic and demodectic) will always be present on the dog’s body, but in small numbers they usually cause no harm.

Dogs are immune to infestation unless they are put in situations that will lower their immunity, or are of the breed that have a predilection to mites. Since mange is a skin disease, most owners would think that it really is not that dangerous. But mange infestations do tend to get worse and opens the dog to further opportunistic infections.

Severe mange infestations can have the following effect:

1.    It can allow other harmless microorganisms to infect your dog like fungi, or harmful bacteria. The skin condition will worsen, and it could lead to sepsis and shock. Some dogs with mange infestations in a local area like around the eyes can also get eye infections. Although antibiotics will clear these infections, they will recur if the mange is not treated along with it.
2.    Because your dog will be feeling extremely uncomfortable, the dog will also likely act poorly. He will not have a good appetite, and will lead to the degeneration of his physical well being. Weight loss is just another way to weaken an already compromised immune system. In this weakened state, the dog can just catch about anything, despite the fact that he is vaccinated for them. Vaccinations are never 100% effective against the diseases that they are made for. They are only an added security for your dog’s health.
3.    A mange infested dog can pass his mange to other dogs and in the case of sarcoptic mange, even to you. The mites will not live long in your body, that is true enough, but that doesn’t mean they won’t keep trying to live there whenever they can. As long as your dog has these types of mange, there will be occasions that you will itch along with him.

Mange infections are treatable and prevention is not that hard, either. An infestation can be very uncomfortable for your dog, and there is no reason to let it continue. If you see symptoms of mange on your dog, take him to the vet as soon as possible. The earlier the infestation is caught, the easier it will be to get rid of it. It will also be less expensive and bothersome for you. 

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