Does My Puppy Have Mange?

by Summer Ortiz
(Buffalo NY)

Puppy Mange Reader Question: My 5 month old puppy has little patches of skin missing. She doesn't have scabs and she isn't scratching.


I was wondering if you might have an idea of what it might be.

Editor Response to Puppy Mange Question

Dear Summer;

Thank you for your question. Hair loss or alopecia is most commonly related to some type of possible infectious and/or parasitic problem.

However, in this case, your dog or puppy hasn’t shown any symptoms related to a parasitic or infectious problem. It might be possible that either your puppy has some problem related to a hormonal balance or some type of congenital or inherited health issue.

In this case, the best approach is to consult with a veterinarian. This case requires an in person examination including some lab tests that can help to confirm the specific problem.

For the time being, there are some things you can try at home to improve your puppy's skin and coat condition.

1. Try changing the formulation of the puppy food you use. A commercial food that contains high quantities of vitamins and minerals is essential for hair growth and skin care. For the time being we recommend trying a food like
AvoDerm Natural Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Formula Puppy Food - Dry Food.

2. Try adding some iodine to the puppy's food, which will help to improve the health of the thyroid glands. These glands are sometimes related to asymptomatic puppy hair loss. The daily requirements of iodine for dogs is 0.8 - 1.2 mg. The most appropriate source of iodine is iodized table salt, which can be found in any supermarket. Add a small quantity - 1/4 a of table spoon is enough to be combined with the dog food mentioned.

3. Try a homeopathic supplement that is formulated to improve skin and coat health like Skin and Coat Tonic.

Please note that food and skin care formulas can only help to reduce the severity of these developing symptoms, they are not a cure. Specific treatment is only possible once a detailed clinical exam is completed and a cause is confirmed. Your veterinarian will also rule out other causes, which is termed a differential diagnosis.

Best of luck to you and your puppy. Please write to us with an update.


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May 06, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Is it an allergic reaction or the mange
by: lisa d

About 2 weeks ago we noticed that my pit bull puppies had pimple like bumps on their stomach. Then yesterday we noticed that Zoey's hair was getting thin on her front legs and head. She never scratches, but we don't know what it could be. My other puppy, Zena, it is not as bad but her hair is thin but only on her belly.

Please help

Editor suggestion regarding puppy mange

There are different types of Canine mange that are usually identified by the symptoms your dog is experiencing and laboratory tests.

Sometimes, it happens that typical puppy mange symptoms may be absent, yet the dog appears to be infested by mites, which is confirmed through laboratory diagnosis.

We can make some suggestions based on the information provided, such as the presence of dog abdomen pimples, hair thinning and symptoms that are spreading towards the head and legs. Also, the condition has been transmitted to other puppies as well.

These symptoms indicate that the puppies might be suffering from canine scabies, a form of dog mange. But, scabies is mostly characterized by pruritus or itching as a major symptom. Even though itching is a primary symptom for dog scabies, this symptom may be absent in some dogs which are kept well groomed and have relatively strong immunity.

Thus, we can suspect that this condition is canine mange, but confirmation can only be made on the basis of a clinical examination and examination of a skin scraping in the laboratory.

Here, we can only recommend some herbal and natural preparations, which will surely help to control this condition. Bathe your puppies with a quality shampoo, preferably a herbal shampoo and mix a natural remedy for canine mange that mixes with it while you bathe your puppies. One product to consider which uses Lime-Sulfur as its active ingredient is Dermisil for Dog Mange. Follow the manufacturer's instructions while you treat your puppies.

Additionally, to improve skin health and boost the immune system, try natural tonics such as Skin and Coat Tonic.

Also, use a quality disinfectant spray such as Benzarid to control mites in your dogs environment, bedding, floors and corners. Wash all clothing and bedding in hot water with a quality detergent.

Remember, all products mentioned here to treat this condition are natural, they are safe, effective and usually do not have any side effects. But, if you see any unusual symptoms or conditions appearing to persist even after this control program, consult a veterinarian for a detailed diagnosis and specific treatment with respective drugs, which can only be administered with a prescription.

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