You Won’t Believe This Mange-Ridden Dog’s Transformation—Watch Her Smile Bloom
Molly had all the love in the world, but not the care she desperately needed. Living on the streets of Bali, Indonesia, this gentle dog was battling a painful case of mange. Her skin was raw and flaky, her fur falling out in patches, and she itched constantly due to parasitic mites. (Watch Video Below)
@littlestepsmatter.bali The transformation of Molly❤️🩹 We discovered Molly roaming in a side street while we were out registering dogs for our sterilization event. Like many other dogs in Bali she suffered from mange. Her skin was very flaky and hurting and her hair began to fall out from the intense itch caused by parasitic mites. Thankfully this painful and common disease is easily treated with effective medication. We helped Molly and gave her dewormer for internal parasites and Bravecto to heal her mange. Next week she is scheduled to be spayed through our program. Judging by her bright smile today, Molly must be feeling so very happy too about her triumphant comeback. During the last two months we have helped her heal we learned that she is a street dog but accepted by the people of the community she surrounds herself with. We will continue to look out for her and ensure that her health and well being are maintained throughout her future. Your support has made this wonderful transformation for Molly possible. With your donation you allow us to improve the lives of dogs like her. Please keep helping us heal many more who are still out there suffering. USD 5 helps to deworm one dog. USD 10 helps to feed one dog for one week. USD 25 helps to treat mange in up to four dogs. USD 50 helps to vaccinate + sterilize one dog. Click the link in our bio to donate or sign up on our medication tier on Patreon for monthly support. From our hearts to yours, thank you so much. We appreciate you.🙏❤️🩹 #bali #dogs #dogrescue #rescuedogs #animalcharity #animalwelfare #foryou #foryourpage #viral #video #trending #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #fyp #xyzbca ♬ Sweet Heat Lightning – Gregory Alan Isakov
At first glance, she looked like she needed to be rescued. But her story was more layered than that. Despite her suffering, Molly was surrounded by a community of people who loved her the best they could. And with medical help from a local animal charity, she finally got the relief she deserved and the chance to heal.
A Chance Encounter That Saved Molly’s Life
While out registering dogs for a sterilization event, the team from Little Steps Matter Bali came across Molly and immediately noticed her heartbreaking skin issues. Despite the condition being painful, the good news was that it is as treatable as it is common in Bali.
So, the charity team decided to get Molly the medical attention she needed, including a dewormer to get rid of internal parasites and Bravecto for treating her mange.
In a video shared on the charity’s TikTok, they revealed that Molly is now feeling much better and is scheduled for her spay surgery through their program. Best of all, she’s visibly happier—her sweet smile is enough to melt the hearts of dog lovers everywhere.
Help More Dogs Like Molly
It took just two months for Molly to go from suffering to thriving, with proper care, love, and a little support. Though she still lives on the streets, she’s now surrounded by people who care deeply for her. And thanks to ongoing check-ins from the rescue team, Molly’s health will continue to be monitored so she can live out her life safely and happily.
Molly’s recovery wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of donors who helped fund her treatment. Now, Little Steps Matter is calling on its supporters once again to help more dogs just like her.
Every contribution makes a real difference. A $10 donation can feed a dog for a week. $25 can treat mange in four dogs. And $50 covers the cost of vaccinations and sterilization for one dog. Click on this link to make your donation.
Pet rescue advocate Rocky Kanaka said it best: “Molly isn’t just a street dog. She’s a survivor with a heart full of love, even after all she’s been through. Dogs like her don’t ask for much, just a chance, and when you give them that, they give you everything in return.”
Dog Mites: What is it?
Dog mites are tiny, pesky parasites—so small you can barely see them—that can live in your dog’s fur, ears, or even burrow into their skin. They’re more common than you might think and can cause a lot of discomfort. According to Purina UK, “There are a number of different types of mites, and they can cause a range of skin conditions, from dry skin to hair loss, skin irritation and intense itchiness, if left untreated.”
Mites on dogs are also the culprits behind mange, a skin condition many dog owners have heard of. The good news? With the right treatment, mites can be dealt with, and your dog can get back to being their happy, tail-wagging self.
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What Health Issues Can Dog Mites Cause?
When a dog has a mite infestation, it often leads to mange, something many pet parents have heard of. The two most common types are sarcoptic mange, which is very itchy and contagious, and demodectic mange, which tends to show up when a dog’s immune system is weakened.
Mites can also cause other uncomfortable conditions like cheyletiellosis (sometimes called “walking dandruff”) and trombiculosis, which comes from harvest mites. And let’s not forget ear mites in dogs. These little pests live in your dog’s ear canals and can cause serious irritation if not treated.
Types of Dog Mites Every Dog Parent Should Know
Several types of mites can affect your dog, and knowing the difference helps you spot problems early.
- Demodex mites in dogs live deep in hair follicles and usually aren’t contagious. Most dogs have a few, but when they overgrow, often in puppies or dogs with weak immune systems, it leads to demodectic mange, causing patchy hair loss.
- Sarcoptes mites in dogs are highly contagious and cause sarcoptic mange, also known as canine scabies. These mites burrow into the skin, causing intense itching, redness, and sores.
- Ear mites in dogs live in the ear canal and resemble a stubborn ear infection.
- Harvest mites in dogs, usually picked up outdoors, cling to feet and legs, especially in late summer.
- Lastly, Cheyletiella mites, or “walking dandruff,” look like flakes but can spread between pets.
Treating Dog Mites
The good news? Most mite infestations are treatable, and your dog can be back to feeling like themselves in no time.
Your vet might recommend a medicated shampoo, a spot-on treatment, or oral medication, depending on the type and severity of the infestation. In some cases, a combination of treatments is needed, and they may need to be used for a few weeks to fully get rid of the mites.
A Bull Terrier owner took to Reddit to ask for advice on treating mites in their dog. One user, u/Emotional-Size-6592, suggested: “Diatomaceous earth. Also, Ivermectin from a feed store: 1cc per 10 lbs of dog, mixed with water in a syringe and squirted into the mouth.”
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How can you tell if your dog has mites?
If your dog is losing hair, scratching constantly, has red or flaky skin, or visible dandruff, mites could be the cause. In some cases, you might even spot the tiny parasites by parting their fur and looking closely.
How do dogs get ear mites?
A veterinarian, Dr. Brittany Kleszynski, states that ear mites in dogs are usually spread through close contact with infected animals, but can also come from contaminated bedding or toys. They’re highly contagious, so multiple pets in a household can be affected. Dogs without regular parasite prevention are more likely to get ear mites at any age.
How to get rid of ear mites in dogs?
The first step in ear mite treatment for dogs is a thorough ear cleaning using an ear cleanser like Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced. For dogs with an infection, vets may recommend TrizULTRA + Keto Flush, an antimicrobial cleanser.
After cleaning, your vet may suggest a spot-on or oral flea and tick preventative like Bravecto or Advantage Multi, which also works as an effective ear mite medicine for dogs, even if not specifically labeled for it. In more severe cases, your vet may prescribe medicated ointments or steroids to ease pain and inflammation.
