Introduction
Mange is a common contagious infection in pets especially dogs, cats, rabbits etc and can even affect humans causing scabies. This infection can occur at any time of the year and it's found worldwide. There are different types of mange but the commonest which is the one to be discussed, is the sarcoptic mange (skin mange) caused by mites called Sarcoptes scabiei. In view of the different products and different treatment methods been bandied around as the ultimate solution to mange, in which some of them may actually be dangerous to your pets, has deemed writing this article imperative.

How does the mites affect my pet?
When the female mite is pregnant, it digs a hole into the skin of your pet and starts laying eggs, defecating and also releasing harmful products into the skin thereby causing skin reactions which will damage the skin of that particular area.

How can my pet contract mange?
Mange can be transmitted between dogs by direct contact with infected dogs. Transmission by indirect contact may also occur if the dog has contact with infected objects.

What are the signs and symptoms of mange?
Signs may develop anytime from 10 days to 8 wks after contact with an infected animal which include;
1) Intense itching due to skin reaction to the site where the eggs and harmful products are deposited
2) Loss of hair in the affected area
3) White/yellow crusty substance in the affected area
4) Redness of the area which may be due to intense itching
5) Emaciation and death in severe cases if it becomes generalized.

Which areas in my pet's body is mostly affected by mange?
Abdomen, chest, ears, elbows and ankles. Although, if untreated may become all over the body.

How do I know that my pet has mange?
1) When your pet suddenly starts itching a particular area especially after exposure to other infected animals, including people.
2) Observation of any of the signs and symptoms listed above.

How do I manage/treat mange in my pet?
Mange can be treated in four ways;
1) From inside the pet's body by the adminstration of drugs like Ivermectin or sister drugs under the guidance and supervision of a qualified veterinarian due to the dangerous side effects in Ivermectin sensitive pets
2) From outside the pet's body by shaving the hair of the affected area then removing the dirt from the affected area by the use of shampoo and then final application (bathing) with acaricidal dip like Lime sulfur (especially in young animals) every 7 days apart. Amitraz is also effective and should be applied as a 0.025% solution as indicated by the manufacturer at 1- or 2-weeks intervals for 2–6 weeks under the supervision of a vet
3) Combination of number one and two
4) Local/traditional methods by application of coconut/palm oil over the area, use of Dogonyaro tree bark extracts etc. Although successes of these treatment method has been recorded by some people but such methods have not undergone scientific scrutiny hence not scientifically valid.

How do I prevent my pet from contacting mange?
1) Maintaining of your pet's overall health by good diet is important in creating immunity to the mite infestation
2) Clean environment can greatly reduce the opportunity for your dog to develop a mite infestation.
3) Contact with infected pets, people or objects should be avoided
4) Application of Fipronil spray over your pet occasionally as a preventive measure to prevent infestation.

Thanks a lot for this educative piece.

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