Before and after pictures of a pet with mange are pretty sad. The “before” picture may display a stunning dog with shiny fur, perfect figure, and beautiful face. The “after” picture looks like a near-death experience, and it can even churn your stomach. There’s a reason why people use “mangy” as an insult. The stuff looks gross.

Which brings up a very good question. Once your pet has experienced the ravages of something as nasty as mange, is it possible that they will ever recover? Thankfully, yes…and no.

Recovery from Mange Does Happen
Despite an awful case of mange, most pets will completely recover. The thin fur will grow back. The red patches will fade away. The sores will heal. Once the mange is gone, your pet will regain is pre-mange appearance, and you will breathe a sigh of relief.

Recovery from Mange Takes Time
Don’t be in too much of a rush, though. Recovering from mange takes time, and the most time-consuming part of the processing is the regrowth of fur. You may have to wait up to four months after the mange has healed, in order to see your pet fully recovered. In some cases, it could even take longer.

Mange Sometimes Leaves Scars
In the most devastating cases of mange, some scars will persist. In a case of mange in which scratching, biting, and deep lesions have occurred, no amount of healing can completely erase the scars. In most varieties of animals, hair will cover scar wounds, and they may be imperceptible.

The best way to help your pet completely recover from mange, is to give your pet the loving care and attention that it needs. Catch the mange in time, treat the mange well, and your pet will recover safely.