Skin scrapes are important in diagnosing mange. This has caused some people to ask, “Should the vet take a skin scrape every time my pet comes in for a checkup? Presumably, if this were the case, the doctor would be able to catch nasty skin conditions before they got too bad. Is it a good idea for your pet to get a skin scrape every so often?

First of all, let’s talk about health checkups.
One thing is certain: you should be taking your pet in for regular health checkups. Like every other living being, your pet is susceptible to disease and harmful medical conditions. It is important that you have your pet inspected by a professional at least once a year. Your pet’s health should be one of your primary concerns as you care for him.

Next, let’s talk about skin scrapes and health checkups.
Back to our original question. Should you ask for a skin scraping every time you take your pet in for a health checkup? The simple answer is no. First of all, a skin scraping is intended to confirm the presence of a suspected condition. Mange nearly always provides visual cues. A skin scraping merely verifies the visual diagnosis. Second, a skin scrape is no fun, so why do it if there is no motivating cause. A skin scraping should only be performed when you suspect that your pet has a skin condition.

Finally, let’s talk about being on the lookout for mange.
Even though the skin scrape isn’t necessary for every health checkup, you should always be on the lookout for signs of mange. Every now and then, visually inspect your pet’s entire body. Look carefully for signs of mange on the face, around the legs, and in the ears. If your pet develops mange, you want to be the first to know. If you suspect mange, immediately take your pet in for a diagnosis by the vet, and…you guessed it, a skin scrape.