Underdog of the Week – Sweetie

Meet Sweetie!

Sweetie came to us from the City of San Antonio’s Animal Care Service with her four puppies. Happy, easy going and loving, Sweetie has an amazing temperament despite the fact she has severe Demodectic mange. Otherwise known as demodex, demodectic mange is caused by microscopic mites that live on most dogs skin. In most cases, a healthy dog is able to handle the small amount of mites that are on their skin but in some cases, like Sweetie’s, the dog’s immune system is weakened, and they can’t fend off the effects of the mites. Stress can also affect the immune system, allowing demodex to take hold and there is no doubt that carrying and caring for her puppies had an impact on Sweetie’s condition.

Sweetie’s mange is so severe that her skin is cracking and bleeding. The mange can also lead to skin infections as well, thanks to the open wounds on her body. Without a doubt, Sweetie is itchy, sore and uncomfortable but is still loving with people and a wonderful mother to her four puppies.  Our medical team is working to make Sweetie more comfortable as she heals and we can’t wait for the day that Sweetie will be healthy, whole, and ready to make a wonderful addition to any family!