An increasing number of dogs with demodectic mange or galis have been spotted by animal lovers on the streets of Metro Manila and posted in Facebook for rescue.
This is saddening because most of these dogs were apparently abandoned by their owners, with some deliberately dumped on a vacant lot, as far away from home as possible to get rid of the pet, or niligaw. They have been neglected because of their physical condition.
This also makes us in the animal welfare world so mad because demodectic mange can be treated. Please do not dump your dog on a vacant lot or abandon him/her just because the pet developed mange. It is not the dog’s fault.
If you can not handle mange or galis, then please, do not get a dog ever again.
In two earlier columns, I have discussed how to prevent mange.
In brief, you can prevent mange by keeping your dog’s immune system strong through proper nutrition and keeping her mental and emotional state healthy, and making sure your place is clean.
This kind of mange is caused by a small mite demodex canis which is present in all dogs but which multiplies fast when the dog is not healthy.
Organicfacts.com says: “.. if a dog is suffering from malnutrition, abuse, or a severely compromised immune system, those mites can begin to reproduce rapidly and start to wreak havoc on the canine’s fur. This can result in hair loss in small patches and mild irritation but can be as serious as widespread hair loss, infections, and life-threatening complications. For our beloved pets, it can be difficult to see them going through so much pain without being able to help.”
Treating mange is not that expensive as long as you find a vet who does not over charge.
You will pay for :
1. cost of test to determine what kind of mange your dog has (about P150- P200);
2. the professional fee (about P150 to P300);
3. an injection or oral meds (about P300); and
4. medicated shampoo (about P250 to P300) or soap (P70 to P110).
I strongly suggest you bring your dog to the vet for the prescription medicine: one is injected (the dosage should be determined by your doctor alone); the other is a tablet.
Two warnings: Never inject on your dog and please, do not overuse prescription meds. Why? This can cause damage to the liver and kidneys. Most dogs I know who were given oral meds developed liver problems a few months later.
To avoid overusing meds, please do the following to complement what your vet is doing to treat your dog:
1. Start feeding good, nutritious food to your dog. Avoid chicken or its by-products when a dog has developed mange. This irritates their skin more.
2. Do make sure the place where your dog stays is clean.
3. Make your dog feel loved and make him/her happy. Hug your pet, give belly rubs more often, walk your dog, among others.
4. Give your dog a bath once a week. Your vet might prescribe medicated soap or shampoo too.
5. Clean your dog’s beddings.
6. USE NATURAL HOME REMEDIES.
These home remedies will lower the treatment cost further.
You can do one or a combination of two or three of the following home remedies:
1. Madre de Cacao fresh leaves with virgin coconut oil
a. Pound the leaves of madre de cacao
b. Miix virgin coconut oil.
c. Apply or rub on affected areas.
d. Let it stay for at least two hours
e. Remove the mixture using cloth soaked in water. Then bathe your dog using the soap or shampoo your vet recommended
2. Aloe Vera
Organicfacts.com says aloe vera is a natural antiseptic and is an antiparasitic, thus, “.it makes for an ideal home remedy for mange.”
Spread aloe vera, either in gel or tea form, on the affected areas twice a day.
Organicfacts.com says results will be seen in a few days.
3. Lemon and garlic
a. Soak 6-10 cloves of garlic with lemon peels in water overnight.
Organicfacts says: “the resulting liquid will be infused with a wide variety of beneficial organic compounds to stimulate healing and neutralize the parasites on your dog. “
b. Apply on affected parts. “It might smell a bit strange, but it will get the job done,” Organicfacts.com adds.
4. Apple cider vinegar
Put a small amount of apple cider vinegar to your dog’s usual food.
5. Honey
Spread honey on the affected areas. Honey will
a. suffocate the parasites that are reproducing so rapidly, and
b. sooth the inflamed areas and stimulate rapid healing.
6.Olive oil
Olive oil or other cooking oils placed on the affected areas can alleviate the inflammation and the waxy build-up on the skin due to mange, and eliminate the parasites in the affected area.
Warning: These home remedies may be effective but life-threatening secondary infections can occur. I strongly suggest that you bring your pet to the vet for proper treatment, and to discuss the treatment plan. Please also inform your vet about the home remedies you want to use.
Have a great Sunday. Namaste!