I wish I had some good news for you. I wish I could tell you that there is just four things you need to do, one product that you need to buy for $19.99, and your pet will never get mange, forever and ever, amen. Yeah, I wish. Unfortunately, I’ve got a bid of bad news (followed by a bit of good news). So, stick with me through this brief article. This is the real deal on mange prevention (or not) and you would do well to read it. First, the bad news.

Sorry, You Can’t Prevent Mange.
There it is. I’ve said it. It’s out. The bad news. You can’t prevent mange. I’m sorry. As much as we’d like to think, try, hope, and sing, we can’t prevent mange. Here’s why. In the first place, demodectic mange is a hereditary thing. There ain’t no way we’re getting that out of the animal’s genes. Not yet anyway. Second, most forms of mange (like the sarcoptic variety) are really, really contagious. Keeping your pet away from possible contagions would be like trying to walk through a department store without getting any germs. It’s going to happen. Germs are everywhere, and some will land on your hapless person. Same with mange. Those little vermin with the sophisticated names (demodex, sarcoptic) are mites who hop and jump hither and yon with no stopping them. So, unless your pet lives 24/7 in a airtight, watertight, super controlled environment, you can’t do anything to ensure that the animal never gets mange. It just might happen.

Okay, that’s enough of the bad news; let’s get on to a more positive side of the story.

You Can Do Some Things to Help Prevent Mange.
All that being said, there are a couple things you can do to lower your pet’s chances of getting mange. It’s nothing especially complex or involved. Just keep your pet away from other infected animals, feed your pet well, head in to the vet’s for regular checkups, and keep your pet clean. The best way to have a healthy mange-free pet is to exercise simple pet care. Just love ‘em and take care of ‘em.

Mange May Not Be Preventable, but Mange is Treatable.
Now, for the best news of all. If, despite all your loving care, your pet does get mange, it’s not the end of the world. Mange is treatable, and you will be able to get the condition reversed, and restore your pet to good health.