Cheyletiella Mange: The Walking Dandruff in Dogs
Of all the mites and skin disease your dog might acquire, Cheyletiella mange could just be the most discomforting of all. Unlike other mites, cheyletiella mites are visible to the naked eye. Your dogs can certainly feel them walking on their skins and under their hair.
Cheyletiella mites are referred to as the walking dandruff because of the flakes and the scales
they produce. If you happen to look at them very closely, the flakes will appear to move from
one place to another.
Cheyletiella mange is very similar to sarcoptic mange. The only difference between the two is
their size. Cheyletiella mange is also very itchy.
Like sarcoptic mange, it
causes scaling, crustiness, and hair loss around the affected area. Cheyletiella mites usually
attack the neck, head, and back of dogs.
Cats and other four-legged pets can be affected by cheyletiella mange as well. Just one cheyletiella mite penetrating the fur of your dog is enough to trigger an infestation. These parasites can reproduce greatly until they reach a number that can severely harm your pet.
As a pet owner, you should be concerned about cheyletiella mites as well. Humans can be temporarily
affected by mites if they find their way to your skin. However, they won't live long, and won't
reproduce on human skin as much as it does on animal skin. You would merely experience itchiness
and redness on your skin. This would eventually go away after the lifespan of the mite has ended. Cheyletiella mites also have the ability to live outside of the host for a short period of time. Therefore, it is possible to acquire the disease even without direct contact with an affected animal.
Both puppies and adult dogs may acquire cheyletiella mange. Pet owners are very much advised to take their pets to the veterinarian when the first signs of the disease show. The course of treatment always depends upon the extent of the disease. A veterinarian should be able to decide if your dog needs oral medications like antibiotics, or if dipping in an anti-mites solution will suffice.
However, prevention is always better than a cure. Dogs with strong immune systems are not susceptible to cheyletiella mange. This means that if you feed your dog right, keep it in a healthy environment, and provide the best hygiene, you should not worry about cheyletiella attacks on your four-legged friend.