Dog Mange: Sharing More Than Just Love

The species of mites that causes dog mange is not the same as the species that can cause human scabies. That does not mean that the mites will stay on your dog and not cause problems on your skin. They can and they will transfer to you if you and your dog have frequent contact and your immune system is not able to fight off an infestation. And most pet owners can never resist giving a beloved dog a hug or a pat on the head. The signs that you have scabies are a bit different from your dog. You will notice itchy bumps on parts of your skin that may or may not have water in them. Scratching will lead to small wounds. The frequent areas that the mites will infest will be the parts of your body without hair. It may have come directly from the dog, or something that your dog has lain in like your sofa or even your bed. The best thing to do when you are sure that you do not catch scabies from your dog is to clean all the fabrics that he has come in contact with. Bleach would be the best way to do it, but applying a hot iron will also do the trick. When your dog is getting treated for a mange infestation, this will be one of the more contagious stages. The mites on his body will be looking for a more suitable environment and will migrate off him. If you are the closest thing that they can find, they will not care if you’re the right specie. Another way to ensure that the mites will not scatter will be to isolate the dog, although the severity of a mange infestation may call for treatments that can last up to six months. It’s really not a pleasant alternative for both of you. On the other hand, mites can exist on your skin and not be bothersome if your immune system is strong enough. And while taking care of a sick pet will take its toll on you, you should not forget to keep healthy or you will end up getting a mite infestation as well.