Posts tagged "lice"

Does anybody have suggestions on how to deal with mange ?

My englishbull dog had rash on her head the vet said it was mange , that was passed on by her parents she will have for the rest of her life.she is only 1yr old now she has it all over her neck she takes a bath 5 times a day she sees the vet 1 every week to dip . this is so exspensive is there anybody that has had this prolem with there dog and is there anything to do for her

Demodectic mange is not generally contagious; these mites thrive only on very specific hosts (dogs) and transmission usually occurs only from the mother to nursing puppies during the first few days after birth.

Some breeds appear to have an increased risk of mild cases as young dogs, including the Afghan Hound, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Chihuahua, Shar Pei, Collie, Dalmatian, Doberman Pinscher, Bulldog, German Shepherd Dog, Great Dane, Old English Sheepdog, American Pit Bull Terrier, West Highland White Terrier and Pug. There is strong evidence that a predilection for juvenile demodectic mange is inherited.
Minor, localized cases are often treated with medicated shampoos and not treated with agents aimed at killing mites as these infestations often resolve within several weeks in young dogs.

Demodectic mange with secondary infection is treated with antibiotics and medicated shampoos as well as parasiticidal agents. Amitraz is a parasiticidal rinse that is licensed for use in many countries for treating canine demodicosis. It is applied weekly or biweekly, for several weeks, until no mites can be detected by skin scrapings.

Demodectic mange in dogs can also be managed with avermectins, although there are few countries which license these drugs, which are given by mouth, daily, for this use. Ivermectin is used most frequently.

I would talk with your vet and see if using the Ivermectin daily dose for a month might work in your situation. You need to kill the mites, they will need to do monthly skin scrapings to verify that the mites are gone.

Demodectic mange is primarily a problem for young dogs. It is a genetic anomoly that the dog can pass on to next generation. She is spayed, yes?

There are all kinds of “natural treatments” for mange, have no clue if they work. Mostlikely not.

You have a breed that is know for having skin issues. This appears to be the first issue.

Dealing with mange? Find your Solution to Mange Problem, here.


Guinea pig lice/mange spread to cats or dogs?

so i just noticed that one of my guinea pigs has to blotches of missing fur on its back end and researched that it could be mange. I have noticed this starting to spread to my other guinea pig and my dad and I are going to find a small animal vet within the week to take him to. My main concern is that I don’t really wash my hands after handling the guinea pigs and have a cat. Can they spread to my cat?

I’m sorry your piggies have that. It is very painful for them and I’m so glad you’re taking them to the vet.

You’ll be relieved to know that the mange mite that attacks cavies is species specific and will not harm your dog or cat.

The only thing the cat or dog could catch from your piggies would be ringworm. Ringworm is not an actual worm, but a fungal skin infection. It also causes hair loss and is infectious to humans. The good news is that it is easily cleared up with medication.

Good luck. I hope you get it cleared up!


Killing Mange,Mites and Sarcoptic Mange

Breakthrough in Mite Killing Technology-NO LINDANE

Duration : 0:2:55

Read more…


what are the best products, brands for getting rid of sarcoptic mange on animals?

i know cats cant take permethrin and collies cant take pesticides very well…besides these percautions- what do i use to erradicate these little pests which cause big problems?

For horses, this is what I do:

Not sure how’d you keep your collie from injesting any of it, but guess you could try one of those cone collars.

They also call it "sarcoptic mange", "Spanish Itch", "sweet itch", lice etc.

Well if you’re willing to try anything, here’s a decades old remedy for it… Motor oil (New or used). Simply paint your horse/pony with it and it will kill the fungus/bugs. Leave it on at least a month and within 2 weeks of painting it on, you’ll see new hair growing in hairless spots. What happens is, that it coats their little bug bodies and because bugs breathe through their skin, suffocates them…

I should state that you SHOULD either WASH your horse/pony with dawn or something else that will take the oil off IF you HAVE to ride before you put any tack on it. IF you don’t you WILL stain your tack and boots (I actually heard somebody did ride with it on their horse and it stained all their tack and their black boots turned brown)… Thought that would be a no brainer.


Demodectic mange in puppies is passed on to them while nursing from their mother. How do you treat it?

It lowers their immune system. Vets say they can outgrow it. Besides expensive dipping weekly, what else can be done? They also get sick because of their weakened system. Diarhea and vomiting are possible. Does anyone know about the diet they need to help build up the immune system?
I did not agree with the one answer I received. So, I don’t want to choose it. The type of mange my dog suffers from is NOT CONTAGIOUS or passed on to other animals or people. Withdraw my question.

I know of 2 treatments for mange mites.
-The cheapest is LymDyp. It is a sulphur based solution that you can use on dogs & cats. You don’t rinse it off. Just put in on and let it dry, it leaves a yellow residue due to the sulfur in it. It is sold in a 16 oz bottle in concentrate & lasts a long time and sells for $12-$16 per bottle. I didn’t shop around to find the $12 price, but it is out there. I bought mine through www.petcarerx.com for $16. It is painless and the least toxic way to go. Mange is passed on to other animals in the household, and it thrives on them. Mange can be passed on to humans, but it does not thrive on humans. In other words, it is self limiting unless you keep getting exposed to the mites. In either case it is EXTREMELY itchy for you and/or your pets. You and your pets will scratch until you bleed, that is how horribly itchy it is. No prescription is needed for LymDyp. BTW: LymDyp is also a good treatment for other parasites and skin disorders. Cheap, easy way to go.

-The more expensive treatment is Frontline (the Flea treatment). It not only kills fleas, but also lice & mites. You can find it on the internet for $10-$15 per dose. The dose is based on your pets weight. It must be applied each month. It may take 2-3 months to get the problem under control. I also got this through www.petcarerx.com, but they are not the cheapest site around. No prescription is needed for Frontline.


What is the difference between demodectic mange and sarcoptic mange?


Demodectic mange is caused by the demodex mite and is not contagious. Demodex is normal skin fauna and is always present in small amounts in ALL dogs. When a dog’s immune system is compromised the demodex mite population spirals out of control and causes mange. Puppies and immuno-suppressed dogs as well as dogs under considerable stress are most at risk. Because demodex is caused by organisms that normally live in the dog’s skin it can be very difficult to treat and some dogs can have relapses even after successful treatment.

Sarcoptic mange is caused by sarcoptes mites and is highly contagious. Sarcoptic mites are parasites and spread from dog to dog through close contact (kind of like lice). While a compromised immune system will make a dog more susceptible to sarcoptic mange even healthy dogs with good immune systems will catch it if they are exposed to it. Sarcoptic mange, while very contagious is pretty easy to treat and unless the dog is re-exposed to it they don’t generally have relapses.


The American Pit Bull Terrier This Breed of Dog, Also Fondly Called as Apbt, is Known for Its Loyalty and Intelligence. the Dogs With This Breed Make

How, then, are they different from the Staffies? For the UKC or the United Kennel Club, Staffies and APBT are of the same breed but many disapprove of this suggestion. For instance, if the American Kennel Club has an American Staffordshire terrier, it will be registered as an American pit bull terrier by the United Kennel Club. Furthermore, many breeders noted that their lineages have been separate for a long time already for these dogs to be still considered as having the same variety.

Meanwhile, the American Kennel Club does not register a UKC-listed American pit as an American Staffie. In order to gain dual-registry, the dog must initially be recorded as an AKC American Staffie before it can be listed with the UKC as an American pit bull, and not the other way around.

The following are some of the basic facts breeders would really love to know about APTBs:

Category: Terrier Living Environment: either outdoor or indoor Coat: smooth, shiny, thick, and short Colors: color varies Height: between 18 and 22 inches Weight: between 30 and 60 pounds Temperament: courageous, full of energy, and loyal; should be socialized early on with other animals especially with children Health Issues: heart murmurs and mange

Care and Exercise: athe when necessary. Brush their coat only occasionally using a brush with firm bristles. Rub down their coat with a towel or a chamois to remove hairs that are loose. Their physique requires a regular exercise routine which includes a daily play time and/or running along a bicycle while on a leash. They should be on leash while walking in public places.

Origin/History: The ancestors of APBT came to the US in the mid-1800s with some Irish-Boston immigrants. Like the Staffie, they were originally bred from bulldogs and terriers. Since APBT is a forerunner to the Staffie, it was also molded to be a fighting dog. However, the Americans made their variety some pounds heavier and trained them to have a more powerful head.

Bull baiting and dog baiting were prohibited in England so bull terriers were no longer bred for bouts. It is in America where the pit bull also gained its popularity for many uses and reasons like:

It was used to embody the country in one WW1 artwork. Well-known companies like the Buster Brown Shoe Company and even RCA used the breed as mascots.    Petie, a pitbull, was one of the stars in, “Our Gang”, a well sought children’s TV series. A mix breed called Stubby was transformed into a popular and decorated WW1 hero. Pits became good companies of pioneer families on their journeys. Jack, a working pit bulldog was owned by Laura Wilder of lines of books called “Little House”. Popular people like Helen Keller and US President Theodore Roosevelt owned the variety.

Here is some history about the cause of dilemma regarding the registries of APBTs. In 1898, the United Kennel Club or UKC was structured to provide fighting guidelines and registration for APBT as fighting dogs. Later, there were breeders who shun away from dog fighting so they asked the AKC to recognize their pits so they would be fit for performance events like dog shows.  In 1935, the AKC approved of their petitions but the dogs were registered as Staffordshire Terriers, naming them after the little province in England that the breed was known to have originated from. Thus, many breeders have dogs that have dual-registry.

It is interesting to note that Petie, which was one of the stars in the, “Our Gang” TV series was the first breed that was dual-registered to be Staffordshire Terrier/Pit Bull. However, the UKC later started registering other performing-type varieties and they also began holding dog shows comparable to those of the American Kennel Club.

The AKC soon sealed its studbooks to APBTs. They allocated registration to those pit breeds with lineages that are listed as Staffies. For a little time during the 1970s, the AKC disclosed the American pits to their studbooks.

In 1973, the American KC decided to add the word “American” with the pit’s name to discriminate it from a Staffie. At present, those dogs with mixed APTB-StaffIe parents are recognized by UKC and even the American Dog Breeders’ Association as “American pits or American pit bull terriers”.

Nowadays, the pit has employed as search and rescuers, police/armed service dogs, livestock workers, and even as therapy animals because they are good as companions and working dogs.

Moreover, the variety can even compete in dog sports such as herding, obedience, and conformation, French Ring, and Schutzhund. Breeds of this type can be very loving as pets for everyone. The physical demands and harshness of various activities developed a healthy, strong, and stable animal.

If you want to have an APBT as a pet, be sure that the puppy is handled well and properly socialized. A solid and good training will surely produce an obedient, tranquil, and good companion or even a working dog!

Joy Smit

http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/the-american-pit-bull-terrier-this-breed-of-dog-also-fondly-called-as-apbt-is-known-for-its-loyalty-and-intelligence-the-dogs-with-this-breed-make-704466.html


Natural Treatments for Dog Itching and Cat Bladder Infections

The skin: why your dog is itching

The skin is the largest organ of your pets’ body and reflective of what is going on in the body. Regularly brush your pet looking for fleas, lice or ticks. The hair coat should be soft and shiny.

If you are seeing areas of excessive shedding in your pet then you may be dealing with certain skin conditions such as mange, ringworm, hypothyroid disease or allergies; treatments for these are discussed in detail in my book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed.

If your pet has areas of hair missing around the face that are not itchy, then he may have a type of mange called demodex. This small parasite shows up in pets with depressed immune systems.

One very safe effective treatment is Vitamin E given at 400IU per 40lbs once daily for 3-4 weeks.

If your pet has an excess of flaky skin (dandruff), then she may be in need of a essential fatty acid supplement. Flax is the best source for dogs at a dose of 1 teaspoon per cup of dog food. For cats use the liquid supplement (such as fish oil).

Take note of any palpable lumps or bumps.

Lipomas (benign fatty tumors) commonly occur on the chest wall. If your dog has a soft moveable lump on her chest, then it is probably a fatty tumor.

Sebaceous cysts are another common lump; they can often be distinguished by squeezing out a cheesy substance. They are also very soft. Lumps and bumps become more prevalent as your pet ages and their immune system weakens.

The most important thing in helping your pet is having them on a premium quality diet and supplementing with additional antioxidants. The ones I suggest using are Vitamin E, Vitamin C and specific flavonoids.

Any lumps that are firm, rapidly growing, not easily moveable should be considered serious and examined by your veterinarian.

Allergies are one of the most common reasons that I see pets. There are a huge number of allergens. The 3 main classes are Food, Fleas and Environmental. The most common signs are excessive scratching, paw and anal licking, hair shedding and excess dandruff.

If you suspect that your pet has an allergy, then the first 2 things that I suggest are to eliminate external parasites as a cause, and to feed a hypo-allergenic diet for 4-6 weeks (there are many available).

Some very helpful at home remedies that I often use are:

TO THE BATH. An oatmeal shampoo with cool water will ease the itchiest skin. Leave the shampoo on for 10 minutes then rinse well. With the most severe allergies, bathe your pet twice weekly.

SOOTHE IT TOPICALLY. Calendula ointment is a herbal medication that has been successfully used to relieve the itch. Apply a thin coat twice daily to affected areas.

THE SUPPLEMENT CONNECTION. Fatty Acid supplements are very helpful in decreasing the level of inflammation. Omega 3 fatty acids are most important. A great, inexpensive source is ground Flax Seeds; I give 1 tsp per cup of dog food. Cats are unable to metabolize Flax, so I only recommend the liquid supplement for them. Other sources include fish oil, primrose oil and specific veterinary supplements.

Evaluation of the Genital and Urinary system – cat bladder infections…

In male dogs look at the sheath of the penis to ensure there is no abnormal discharge. This is more common in intact males, so an easy remedy is to have your dog neutered. In female dogs examine the vulva. A common problem is skin fold infections.

These can be treated by washing the skin folds twice daily with an antiseptic such as Hibitane and applying a soothing cream such as Aloe Vera.

The urinary system is more difficult to evaluate, but there are some things you can do at home. Signs of a bladder infection are frequently urination, which may have blood and may be painful.

There are a number of home remedies for bladder infections, the most effective are Vitamin C and Cranberry juice. The Vitamin C acidifies the urine making it more difficult for the bacteria to grow, as well as dissolving the more common type of crystal, struvite. The Vitamin C dose is 250mg per 20lbs daily.

If you have a male cat, then it is imperative to determine that he is not completely blocked up. Using your thumb and other four fingers, palpate the entire lower abdomen. An obstructed bladder will feel like a firm distended balloon. If your male cat has this condition, it is an emergency and he must be treated by a veterinarian!

I discuss ways to prevent your cat from getting obstructed in my book; the most important thing is to feed a diet higher in moisture. This is accomplished with canned food. Then depending on the type of crystal he has it is important to either acidify the urine (with struvite) or make the urine more alkaline (oxalate crystals). An easy way to acidify the urine is to raise the meat protein level. Making the urine more alkaline involves decreasing the protein level and adding a supplement, potassium citrate.

If some of these tips and treatments have helped you, then get your copy of my book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed, today.

Dr. Andrew Jones

http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/natural-treatments-for-dog-itching-and-cat-bladder-infections-123211.html


Boxer Breed Profile

The boxer is a dignified and yet playful dog. Often wary of strangers, they inspire incredible loyalty among those who have had one. This easy to maintain, smooth coated dog loves his people. He is highly trainable and wants to please, and like many active breeds is best kept busy to prevent problems.

The boxer is another German based breed. They are lively and can be high energy dogs. Each is uniquely and individual and although now not as popular as in the past, they hold a special spot in American history also.

Going back in history the breed traces to the 16th-17th centuries in Tibet. It is thought the Boxer traces to dogs referred to as the Bullenbeisser while other sources mention a dog called Bouldogue de Mida. They were used to hunt wild boar, and their ears were cropped to keep the pigs from grabbing the dog’s ears. A family pet when not pursuing this activity, they were bred with the early English Bulldog, creating the first Boxers in the early 1800s. They were once used for bullbaiting. Some of these dogs were all white, a color that is banned from conformation shows today and by the standard not an accepted color.

At the turn of the century they were brought to the US, having been established as a working and police breed. The AKC recognized the first Boxer champion in 1915 but it was 34 years later until the breed really gathered the country’s attention. For a time in the 1940s and ’50s dog shows were covered by sports magazines and others. Popular dogs were noted and followed and in the late 1940s Bang Away made a splash when selected as Best In Show at 2-1/2 months old. He won at Westminster and 121 Best In Show wins over six years. It is documented that at one show a questionable loss by the Boxer resulted in a riot.

Today by the standard these dogs are up to 23-25 inches with females slightly smaller. Balance is essential the the dog is presented as a well muscled athlete. They are fawn or brindle and can have white markings, provided not more than 1/3 of the coat is white.

The Boxer is an active dog both physically and mentally. Keeping them busy with games, regular exercise and play is essential. They’re nice dogs for families as well as single people. Some tend to be aggressive with smaller pets, especially cats, so it is worth putting special training into the puppy if you have other pets. They are intelligent dogs that love to learn. They can be somewhat independent thinking, and it is worth noting to balance insisting on obeying with picking your battles in training issues.

The Boxer is a beautiful, athletic dog with a great combination of gentleness yet the ability to rise to defend his family if need be. The unique way he uses is front feet when fighting (or playing!) gave the Boxer his name. This is a breed that can get 65-80 pounds, so it’s worth noting that training from early on is needed.

Health problems that can affect Boxers include hip dysplasia, aortic stenosis (a heart defect), Boxer cardiomyopathy, thyroid disorders, corneal dystrophy, demodectic mange (which is easily treated but indicates a weakness in the immune system), cancer, bloat, allergies and, in white Boxers, often deafness. Fortunately, many of these can be tested for and rule out genetic passing on of the defects. For those dogs that are affected, serious problems can result and it is best to know and deal with the health problems as soon as possible.

It is also worth noting that like many short nosed breeds, the structure of their head can lead to problems in high heat and humidity. For this reason particular attention should be paid to keeping the dogs cool and not exercising them when it is dangerously hot outside.

From a breeding standpoint a typical litter size is six puppies. Because of the health problems in the breed, health testing should always be done before breeding to insure you aren’t passing along traits that condemn the puppies to a bad (and short) life.

Boxers are still used for police K-9 work. They have the friendly nature, prey drive and power to effectively work in the sport of Schutzhund as well as for obedience, agility, or personal dogs. He’s been used as a war dog and a seeing-eye dog. They’ve been used as messengers and sentries, search and rescue and detection work. Some have been used for flyball competition and therapy dogs.

The Boxer has a tendency to love life – they will put all their energy into whatever they are doing. They can be incredibly persistant if they want something badly enough! They are affectionate and sometimes forget their manners and size when they get excited to see a friend.

Boxers with good care can live well into their teens. Grooming is minimal – occasional baths, trim toenails and general care. Being short haired an occasional brush down can help shine the coat and remove old hair and dander but the Boxer is for the most part a low-maintenance dog as far as grooming.

One unfortunate thing to consider is the advent of breed specific legislation in many areas. Even though it often doesn’t directly include the Boxer, many people with breeds that are affected have now taken to calling them “Boxer crosses”. The kick to that can come much later, as good Boxers have a tractable temperment but can be accused and grouped in with other dogs based on appearance. It’s worth making sure you have proof your dog is a *Boxer* depending on where you live and the local laws, which seem to change on a regular basis.

Famous owners reported to have had Boxers include Jodie Foster, Carroll O’Connor, Robin Williams, George Clooney, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Charlton Heston, Sylvester Stallone, Humphrey Bogart, Nat King Cole, Lauren Bacall and Shirley MacLaine.

In city popularity they are the dog of choice in Knoxville and second in DesMoines, Kansas City, Louisville and Omaha. They hold the third spot in Baltimore, Charlotte, Cleveland and Memphis and made the top five in a host of other cities. Nationally on the AKC list thay ranked sixth in 2007.

If you’re looking for a dog that can combine seriousness with a clown – active with a house dog personality – and gentleness with a willingness to protect his family whatever the odds, consider a Boxer. They are never dull and we could learn something from them in the zest for enjoying life! If you have a little room for a larger dog and an active lifestyle to keep them busy, consider a Boxer for your next pet.

David Beart

http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/boxer-breed-profile-734802.html


Please HELP!! My cats have pretty bad mange. Need home remedy known to be safe and effective for cats! Thanks.

Recently became aware that my cats itching was not b/c of fleas (tons of treatment) but from mange mites! I cannot afford a trip to the vet and am also weary of chemicals used to treat mites. I have found a number of mite remedies but all have been for dogs with no side notes indicating they are safe for cats. Please help if you have any information or experience.

Diet alone can treat mange. Mites are best treated from the inside out. Try a raw diet or switch to Wellness brand wet food with added vitamin C, E, zinc, and lecithin.

The chinese herb astragalus and echinacea.

There’s a natural skin tonic, but it’s lemon and cats aren’t crazy about citrus. It’s pretty diluted though, you could try it:

Thinnly slice a whole lemon, including the peel. Add it to 1 pint of near boiling water and let it steep overnight.The next day, sponge the solution on the animals skin and let it dry.

Homeopathic: Sulpher (the element) 6C 2X a day for a week to ten days.

Good Luck!


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