Common Health Conditions in Shelter Dogs That Really Aren’t a Big Deal

Demodex Mange

Demodectic mange is a skin infection caused by parasitic skin mites, primarily Demodex canis. In normal conditions, these mites will live in a dog’s hair follicles without causing any issues. But in dogs that are young or immunocompromised, the mites can overcome the body’s natural defenses, proliferate, and cause a skin infection.

Demodex usually occurs in dogs under one year of age. Symptoms include alopecia and crusty, red skin lesions that can be seen in one or two areas of the body (localized) or all over (generalized). This type of mange is not contagious and cannot be passed to other dogs or people. Demodectic mange should not be confused with sarcoptic mange, which is super contagious.

Demodex is diagnosed using skin scrapes, which is exactly what it sounds like: A vet will use a sterile blade to scrape the skin and look for mites under a microscope. Demodectic mange is typically treated with mite-killing medications. These can be oral or topical and are some of the same medications prescribed as monthly preventatives.

Your dog should continue medication until there are no mites found on at least two recheck skin scrapes, which is usually about two to three months. Treatment also involves addressing any secondary bacterial skin infections. In cases of mild, local disease, Demodex can spontaneously resolve within two months, but many vets recommend starting treatment rather than taking the “wait and see” approach.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is likely when a pup finds a new home. A newly adopted dog may have juicy poops for relatively benign reasons, including stress and diet change. This is usually limited to just a few episodes, but can sometimes go on for several days.

Diarrhea that doesn’t quickly resolve on its own should be treated. This may involve changing to a bland diet, anti-diarrheal medication, and fluid therapy for dehydration. Dog parents can lower the risk of diarrhea from diet change by finding out what food their dog was fed prior to adoption and doing a slow transition over a week or two.

Malnourishment

Prolonged poor nutrition or lack of access to food can lead to malnourishment in dogs. This can then cause severe weight loss, dehydration, poor coat quality, lethargy, and weakness. Carefully restoring proper nutrition can get these dogs looking and feeling great, but you need to start slow.

Believe it or not, giving a starving dog lots of food can cause more harm than good. Truly emaciated dogs should be under veterinary care to ensure that nutrients are introduced properly to prevent refeeding syndrome — a condition where electrolyte imbalance can lead to muscle, nerve, and heart dysfunction. For skinny dogs with a history of malnourishment, vets may give specific feeding instructions regarding food type, amount, and feeding frequency. Dog parents should talk to the adoption organization and their vet to make a plan to get the pup to a healthy weight.

While adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue organization may sometimes come with challenges, remember that the rewards far outweigh them. New pup parents can overcome these bumps in the road by communicating with the shelter or organization, following veterinary advice, and having a little patience. It’s a small hurdle for the big reward of a long life with your new pup.

References:

Mange in Dogs and Cats

Heartworm Positive Dogs

Updates on the Management of Canine Demodicosis

Starvation and Re-Feeding Animals

Tickborne Diseases in Dogs and Cats