Help! My Dog Has Mange! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Dear Dr. Paola,
I have spent $600 on medicines and shampoos to treat my large dog’s mange. Why are none of them working? Her name is Abby. ” – Ashley
Quick Info about Abby
Dear Ashley,
I’m really sorry to hear that Abby is still struggling with mange despite all your efforts. When treatments aren’t working, especially after investing heavily in medications and shampoos, it usually means there’s either a misdiagnosis, an underlying condition interfering with healing, or the treatment protocol isn’t being applied consistently or thoroughly enough.
First, it’s important to confirm the exact type of mange Abby has. Demodectic mange, caused by Demodex mites, is often linked to a weakened immune system and can be particularly stubborn in adult dogs. On the other hand, sarcoptic mange, caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, is intensely itchy and highly contagious. Both require different treatment approaches, and a skin scraping examined under a microscope is essential to identify the mite type and assess the effectiveness of therapy. If this hasn’t been done recently, or if Abby’s condition has changed, it may be time to repeat it.
Secondly, treatment failure can also result from incomplete mite eradication, re-infestation from untreated environments or animals, or secondary infections that haven’t been addressed. Some medicated shampoos and topical treatments can soothe the skin but do little to eliminate mites. Systemic therapies like isoxazolines (e.g., fluralaner and afoxolaner) have been shown to work well on both types of mange in peer-reviewed studies, but they must be given in a full, uninterrupted schedule.
Since these medications require a prescription, you’ll need to consult your veterinarian, who can assess Abby’s overall health, confirm the mite diagnosis, and determine if these or alternative treatments are right for her. It’s essential to use these under veterinary guidance, especially given Abby’s ongoing challenges. If Abby is not responding despite using such products, a detailed re-evaluation is warranted. In some cases, resistant mites or concurrent health issues like hypothyroidism or allergies can interfere with recovery. A full diagnostic workup, ideally guided by a veterinary dermatologist, can reveal what might be missing.
Good luck!
Dr. Paola