Please help!!!!! I have a small dog who has mange. I don't know which type, but I tried to soak him with Borax and Peroxide daily. It doesn't seem to doing anything, except making him throw up. He does have hair loss, itching, places under arm pits and his belly that has black thick spots. I have not seen or been around mange to understand what the difference between the two types. I need help because I don't want to lose him to this life condition. I am on a very tight fixed income. Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | unneutered | 4 years and 9 months old | 10 lbs

There are two types of mange: Sarcoptic and Demodex, both of which have different causes 1) Sarcoptic Mange: This is a mite that can be contagious to other dogs, cats AND people. Dogs get this from direct contact with another infected dog. Dogs with this type of mange can become very itchy with lots of hair loss and red flaky skin. It can be anywhere on the body and spread throughout the body without proper treatment. Diagnosis is via a skin scrape and how well the dog responds to treatment. Treatments range from dips, injections, oral drugs, and topical medications depending on the severity of the mange. 2) Demodex Mange: This is a mite that is normally found on dog's skin but only causes an issue when there is too much of it on the skin. Most dogs with this mange are younger with immature immune systems or dogs that are sick/immunocompromised. This is NOT a contagious mite. Dogs with demodex have patches of hair loss a lot of the time around the head, eyes, ears or it can be all over. Typically the skin underneath is calm and not red. Dogs can or can not be itchy with this mange. However, in severe cases of demodex, dogs can be very itchy and have lots of hair loss. Diagnosis is also made via skin scrape. Treatment is very easy with oral medication, sometimes a dip or ointment depending on the severity. I would recommend visiting your veterinarian to determine the type of mange Toby may have. I would not use Borax or Peroxide directly on his skin as it can irritate it more and make him more itchy. Your veterinarian will be able to provide you a better treatment plan. In the mean time you may consider benadryl. Here are some articles that may be helpful to you: 1) demodex: https://www.petcoach.co/article/demodectic-mange/ 2) sarcoptic mange: https://www.petcoach.co/article/scabies-sarcoptic-mange/ 3) dosing benadryl: https://www.petcoach.co/pet-medication/benadryl/ Good luck!