I leave tomorrow to bring a homeless dog back from peru. She either has mange or an allergic reaction to fleas. Many of us have held her, petted her, played with her and have no infection ourselves, no bites or itching. I have held her on my lap for 4 times taking her to the vet and am fine. Does this mean she does not have mange?
Replied By Dr. Tamara (Glendale, Arizona) on 06/30/2010
Barb from Seattle: Demodectic mange is caused by a parasite that is always present on the skin of canines. Normally, the mange mites are kept under control by the immune system, but when immunity is compromised or internal conditions are made optimum (often caused from a diet filled with too much grain, sugars and/or low quality proteins) the mites grow out-of-control ... much like when humans get a yeast infection. This form of mange is *not* contagious for pets or humans. Sarcoptic mange, on the other hand, is a foreign parasite that can be passed from dog to dog or dog to human. For humans, the mite infestation is referred to as "scabies" and is normally self-limiting; causing a minor rash that goes away without treatment. It can become a problem for anyone who has immunity/auto immunity issues.
So, to answer your question, *yes* a dog *can* have demodectic mange without spreading the mites to you.
Hope that helps!
Replied By Rick (Beverly, Massachsetts) on 08/30/2010
This Treatment Works, I have 3 Carin Terriers And 2 have had this condition, The treatment cures this. The only thing is I have to repeat it At the least every two weeks, It is Cost effective , And Does not Make your animal ill at all.