A QUESTION from Mpume Zondi from Felekisi area:
My dog is losing hair and has sores. Can my family and I get the disease from the dog?
A friend of mine told me it is possible for us to get the disease from the dog, so I need to know if it’s true and what can I do for my dog to be better, as I am now worried.
Answer: Thank you Mpume for your question. Let me start by explaining what mange is, and how it can be transferred from animals to humans.
What is mange?
Mange is caused by mites that dig into the animal’s skin to reproduce. This digging causes the itch and loss of hair. There are two types of mange – sarcoptic and demodectic are the most common in dogs. Sarcoptic mange is caused by mites and demodectic mange is usually seen in dogs with compromised immune systems. Both can be treated using different products such as dip, Ecomectin and Bravecto.
Though direct contact (zoonotic diseases), all diseases that are transferrable between animals and humans.
Mites that cause mange are most frequently transferred between hosts through direct contact and mange is highly contagious. Any contact, even friendly sniffing in dogs, can spread the problem. If one dog has mange, all dogs should receive treatment.
Humans: Mange can spread to humans, both through direct contact and infested surfaces. It causes intense redness of the skin and itching. It is advisable to consult your doctor for treatment.
Importantly, humans can get mange from dogs. Ecomectin, Bravecto and dip can help treat it or consult a vet.
