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Tags: dogs, pets, diseases, mange
 You've heard of the the expression “mangy mutt”, but do you actually know where the term came from? Some say (I say) that the word “mangy” was probably derived from the term “mange”, which is a dog disease that is caused by a certain parasite that attacks the dog's skin.
The end result of mange if left untreated would be a pooch full of scabs, dried blood on the surface, hair loss all over its body, and blister – this would leave your pet in a repulsive state, unbearable to the human eye and touch of the blind. Hence the term mangy mutt, which best describes all sorts of physically disgusting looking pets.
How does mange work? Well the parasites first nests itself on your pet's skin, doesn't have to be many, one would be enough. From there it will burrow deeper into the skin, and suck the nutrients out. With the help of the nutrients, it'll be able to sustain and prolong itself, plus multiply.
One parasite can divide and have devastating effects on the overall “look” of your dog in as early as a week. There are basically 3 types of this dog disease; first we have the Demodectic mange, which happens to be the weakest type of all 3. Being the weakest of its kind, this is the easiest to cure, and some pets with strong immune systems can actually get better on their own without the help of any form of medical treatment.
The second type would be Sarcoptic mange, which is very much similar to the first type. Though the same symptoms may be shown, this won't be easy to rid of. It'll require more medical attention of higher dosages or as prescribed by your veterinarian. The sarcoptic type has greater chances of spreading though out the entire body, which would make your pooch look really ugly.
The 3rd and last type is the Cheyletiella mange, which shows the most obvious symptoms of the disease in the shortest time frame. All 3 kinds will usually make themselves known on areas such as the foot, mouth, and ears – so take note of any dog skin problems happening there.
Though mange can resemble many other skin diseases that won't require much medical attention, it's best that you go see your veterinarian for his thorough analysis of the type. Remember that this ailment doesn't just make you pooch look bad, but it makes it feel bad as well – how would you feel if your skin was crusting and cracking? Very painful of course - the vet will probably recommend the antibiotics and dips depending on the type it has contracted.
He might change the diet of your pet to help speed up recovery, and suggest that you observe proper dog grooming procedures. Dirty pets are at greater risk of this ailment, so make it a habit to keep your pooch clean and healthy. Use shampoo specially formulated to be mild and compatible on your pet's fur, as well as soap and powder manufactured for killing ticks and fleas.
About the author
Alex De La Cruz is a successful Dog Trainer who has been advising and coaching dog owners for many years. Alex now decided to share his knowledge through this site, Doggyweb.info. You can sign up for his free weekly newsletter and learn how to keep your dog healthy and happy.
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