Cheyletiella Mange

Dogs can suffer from various health problems especially when they are not given proper care and attention. If a dog’s kennel is not kept clean or if you associate your dog with other animals, it will be exposed to unwanted diseases. Dogs can acquire health problems with their skin from various causes. One of these skin conditions is Cheyletiella Mange which is otherwise known as walking dandruff.

Cheyletiella Mange or walking dandruff is a type of mange which is common to cats but can also attack dogs. It is caused by parasitic mites that do not burrow into the skin but can be found on the epidermal layer or surface of the dog’s skin. The mites are microscopic but are large enough to be visible to the naked eye as they move around the scale of skin on the areas of the head, neck, and back.

They appear reddish in color and may seem to appear like dandruff on the skin; hence, the term walking dandruff. Generally, it affects puppies and can be highly contagious to other animals through direct contact just like the case of Sarcoptic mange.

The mites that cause this skin condition do not last more than 10 days on one host. Usually, they die within 48 hours off the host, but female mites stay on the keratin level and produce eggs not more than 10 days. The general symptoms of this condition are mild to moderate and even intense itching, scaly or crusty skin, and hair loss, although sometimes it can occur without symptoms.

When a dog is diagnosed with Cheyletiella Mange, the pet must be isolated from other dogs and animals at home. Their beddings and the places they usually occupy must be cleaned in order to keep the infection from spreading.

In treating mild cases of this type of mange in your dog, a home remedy may apply. You can give your dog a bath using selenium-sulfide shampoo once a week for five weeks. Apart from getting rid of the mites, the effect of shampoo relieves itching and scaling of the skin. You can also consult with your veterinarian for medical and insecticide treatments.

Lime-sulphur dips and amitraz dips can be helpful in killing the mites. Your vet may also prescribe antibiotics and injections for extreme cases of Cheyletiella Mange such as prescription of Ivermectin injection. But not all breeds are safe with this kind of treatment. It is best to consult the veterinarian for the best medical assistance for your dog.