Adopt a Friend: "Luke" the Valedictorian Dog

ADOPT A FRIEND - "Luke" the Valedictorian Dog 

The good Samaritan that found Little “Luke” on 9/6/12 couldn’t keep him so Prince George’s Animal Control picked him up and brought him to the shelter.  He is in great health except for suffering from a case of Demodectic mange which he is being treated for and should be clean as a whistle very soon.  See Tip of the Week for information regarding this infection.

NAME:  “Luke”

COUNTY ID #:  A376402

AGE:  10 Months

GENDER:  Male

BREED:   Lab mix

WEIGHT:  Approximately 30 lbs

COLOR:  Black with cute little white feet
HOBBIES:   Playing with his plush toy, loves to carry it in his mouth. Playing fetch

PERSONALITY:  Very generous.  Will share his favorite toy with you.  He is very smart and has learned to play fetch, sit, come and the basics of house breaking in a very short time at the shelter.  He is very loyal and will bond easily with his new human companion.  He always wants to please.

If you or anyone you know is interested in adopting the wonderful pet featured this week, please call the Prince George's Animals Management Facility in Upper Marlboro at 301-780-7201 to check on the availability. You may also visit www.pgamd.petfinder.com or www.petharbor.com to see many more precious pets that are available for adoption.

ASK FOR “LUKE” (A376402)

Don't be afraid of Demodectic Mange

What causes Demodectic Mange in Dogs?

All dogs raised normally by their mothers possess demodectic mange mites (Demodex canis), which are transferred from mother to pup via cuddling during the first few days of life.  Most dogs live in harmony with their mites, never suffering any consequences.

Localized cases occur when these mites proliferate in one or two small, confined areas.  This results in isolated scaly bald patches-usually on the dog's face-creating a polka-dot appearance.  Localized demodicosis is considered a common ailment of puppyhood, and approximately 90% of cases resolve with no treatment of any kind.

Is Demodectic Mange Contagious?

Current thinking is that Demodex mites can be transferred from one dog to another-but as long as the dog is healthy, the mites dimply add to the dog's natural mite population and no skin disease results. Isolation of dogs with even the most severe cases is still felt to be unnecessary-though in rare circumstances, contagion is possible.  While there are still different theories about dog-to-dog transmission of Demodex mites, it is accepted that mites cannot be transmitted to humans or to cats.

NOTE:  HUMANS CANNOT GET DEMODECTIC MANGE FROM DOGS.

What Are the General Symptoms of Demodectic Mange in Dogs?

Demodectic mange tends to cause hair loss, bald spots, scabbing and sores.  Secondary bacterial infections can make demodectic mange an itchy and uncomfortable disease.

What Should I Do If I think My Dog Has Demodectic Mange?

Take your dog to a veterinarian, who will perform a physical exam, analyze skin scrapings and try to confirm the presence of mange mites with a microscope.  It can be difficult to identify mange mites if they're buried deep in a dog's skin, so your vet may rely on clinical signs or your pet's history to make a final diagnosis.

How Is Demodectic Mange Treated?

Depending on the type of mange and the breed of your dog, medication may be given orally or applied topically, by injection, or via shampoo and dip.

Medications and managing physiological stress are essential when treating demodectic mange.  Some infected dogs may also require special treatment-such as medicated shampoos-for secondary skin infections.

Please note, many skin treatments can be toxic to dogs and should not be repeated frequently, so check with your vet before beginning any treatment program for mange.