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My dog has hair loss, itchy skin after illness. Mange or allergies?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 5 years old | 95 lbs

My dog was recently treated for Giardia/ ear infections. Not long after he started experiencing sudden and RAPID hair loss/itchy red skin. My vet thinks its allergies but I asked for a fungal culture due to existing circular patches that looked like possible ring worm. Waiting on results. He did NOT do a skin scrapping - but I now suspect a Mange infestation triggered by lowered immune system from the giardia. Is this possible and if so what tests and medication would be recommended? Thanks!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 25th, 2017

Sarcoptic mange is possible if your pet was exposed to another dog with this skin condition. The immune system plays a small role when it comes to Sarcoptes, and more of an influence when dealing with Demodexx mites. The test for mange is a skin scrape, and medication choices are Ivermectin daily for 30-60 days in most situations or Bravecto or Nexgard (newest off label treatment for demodexx mites and potentially for Scabies.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Possible causes include bacterial skin infection, ringworm, mange, or allergies. If the fungal culture is negative than your vet can do a skin scrape to look for mites. If any mites are present than your vet can prescribe medications to treat. If all tests come back negative that your vet could try an antibiotic, anti-histamine, and/or a corticosteroid to see if that helps. Checking a thyroid level would also be a good idea to make sure he is not hypothyroid.

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