Demodectic mange
What is it?: also called Demodex or Red mange, Demodectic mange is an inflammatory disease affecting the skin that can be fatal if not addressed in time.
Cause: a mite called Demodex Canis that lives in the hair follicles, a kind of worm that digs tunnels under the skin and creates damage. Many dogs can live with it without showing any symptoms as long as they are "healthy" carriers. A weak immune system, especially with puppies - who get infected by their mother while nursing -, allows the disease to develop.
Symptoms: more or less important hair loss, starting on the head, then the paws and affecting the whole body if the disease has not been treated soon enough. On an advanced state, the dog is worned-out, thinner, dehydrated, skin lesions and scales, and his weakened immune system can trigger infections of inner organs (lymph nodes) and lead to death.
Diagnosis: a vet will do a skin scraping to inspect through a microscope the presence of the famous mite.
Natural treatment: there are two important factors to know: the Demodex eats fungus present in the body that feed from yeast and sugar available in the system and make the most of a weak immune system to spread. So, by avoiding any yeast or wheat in the dog's food, fungus will have nothing to feed on and the Demodex will be starving and die. Furthemore, by boosting the dog's immune system, he/she will become strong enough to naturally fight these mites. That way, you avoid cortisone and other corrosive acaricide baths most vets recommend, too harsh on the dog. A natural approach is less aggressive and more beneficial in the long run.
Food: cook meat or poultry with vegetables that contain low sugar (green vegetables like broccoli, spinach, beans, etc.) and rice/pasta or split peas/lentils instead (rich in iron) for a grain-free diet, all of it in water by removing the fat excess. Add a little bit of garlic that is an excellent antioxidant. Vary the meat and vegetables each time. A little bit of olive oil is also very good for the skin.
To boost the dog's immune system, add vitamin and mineral supplements to the food: vitamins A (anti-inflalmmatory), C (soothes allergies) & E (antioxidant), fatty acids like omegas 3 & 6 (reduces itching, strengthens the skin and coat) and kelp that helps to strengthen the immune system. A natural supplement to get rid of the toxins will also strengthen his/her natural defenses.
On a daily basis: the dog will need peace and quiet, rest with moments of play and strolls to get fresh air. If the mind is happy, the body gets better! Postpone any potential vaccines that would weaken his/her immune system. Get the dog fixed, because when in heat, stress and hormones are no good for his/her general state.
Useful links:
www.petalive.com (natural supplements for dogs & cats)
www.botanicaldog.com (kits for Demodectic mange)
www.albertlechien.fr (natural supplements & products for animals in France)
The Chichi Factory Rescue case: Elliott was bred by a crooked breeder who didn't give him any care. We got him when he was four months old and already very affected by the disease, his head and legs were completely bold, his skin swollen and full of dandruffs. And he was very weak. We treated him naturally, with supplements, essential oils (the awfully smelly Neem oil, but very effective) and shampoos to help his damaged skin and weak state. Hair started to grow back and he gained strength after a month, but he then lost all of his hair on the body and tail. All his little body was infected and all of his fur needed to fall off in order to grow back healthy. He was full of shiny hair and in a great shape after three months, a complete stable state after six months. He never had a relapse and he is now almost 13 years old!
Elliott a few days after his arrival…
Several months later, feeling & looking much better!
Greying but still gorgeous!
Elliott today, almost 13, still doing great!