How to Identify Mange
- 1). Observe whether your pet is suffering from any degree of hair loss. The most observable symptom of mange is hair loss. It is easy enough to recognize the change in your pet's appearance. Mange can make your pet look and feel terrible. Hair loss may occur around the face, head, neck and ears. It may also appear on the legs and other areas of the body. There may be significant hair loss in various areas of the body or there may only be a few small bald patches. In other areas the hair may have thinned to where you can see the skin through the fur. If your pet suddenly starts to lose large quantities of hair the culprit might be mange.
- 2). Examine your pet's skin. Are there areas of thickened skin? Does the skin have a scaly or flaky appearance? Are there rough patches of skin that seem to have pimple-like blisters? Do the blisters or scaly areas of skin have any type of discharge such as pus or clear fluid? Is the skin dry and sore where the hair has fallen out? The skin often appears rough, thickened or even leathery in a pet affected by mange.
- 3). Notice whether your pet is scratching furiously. Itching can be severe and your pet may be driving himself crazy by scratching his skin raw.
- 4). Observe your pet's overall behavior. Manage can make your pet feel as miserable as he looks. Is your pet chewing, biting, licking, scratching and grooming excessively? Your pet may react this way in the early stages of mange as he seeks to rid himself of the infestation of mites causing the condition.
- 5). Examine the skin for signs of infection. Is the skin red and inflamed? Is there any leaking of fluid from scaly patches of skin? Are any of the areas oozing a discharge? It is not uncommon for a secondary infection to occur. If an infection does occur your pet needs proper medical treatment.
- 6). Look for signs of lethargy and loss of appetite. Pets suffering from severe cases of mange may suffer from weakness, lethargy and loss of appetite. The animal may stop eating altogether. He may also suffer from dehydration. If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms contact your veterinarian immediately.
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