scabs on skin

Question
QUESTION: We have recently bought an english bulldog puppy, and he is now 14 weeks old.  I have been noticing scabs on his skin lately.  At first I thought that he was judt dirty but upon further inspection I realized that it was little scabs all over his skin.  The scabs are mostly on the part where he has white fur.  I'm not sure if I should take him to the vet or what.  I thought it may have been contributed to me giving him a bath too many times, because I thought that he needed a bath so I have been giving him a bath about 2 times a week.  I use baby shampoo, not puppy shampoo.  Can you help me with this?
ANSWER: Stop the bathing. It's not necessary. However, the scabs could be an indication of demodectic mange. The puppy should go to the vet and have a skin scraping done to rule this out or confirm it. If it is mange, he will need treatment. This should be done asap.

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QUESTION: Thanks.  Is that type of mange contagious to people or other animals?  Is the treatment an antibiotic?  I plan to take him to the vet on Tuesday because I am off of work.  Thanks again!

Kim Gage
ANSWER: No, demodex is not contageous to anyone or anything. The mites live on all dogs. It's the immune system that is the problem, like the sickly child. Until his immune system develops or kicks in, he catches everything coming and going.

The treatment is usually Ivometin given orally or injected under the skin. Avoid the dips if at all possible. They are very toxic expecially on younger puppies. If it is demodex, it may take weeks to get rid of it.

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QUESTION: I really appreciate your answers and your time to answer my questions.  When you say it will take weeks to get rid of, will it take weeks to get rid of the sores or weeks for his skin and fur to start looking normal.  He acts like it itches him.  Is there anything that the vet will give me for that?  And the injection under the skin is it a one time injection or is it something that they get everyday like the oral form.

Answer
First of all, you have to find out for sure that it is demodex. Then follow whatever course of treatment your vet recommends. The puppy itches because the mites burrow in the hair folicles. He will also itch initially with treatment as the mites are dying.  Then it will subside. Your vet may or may not give him something for it. Usually it doesn't last long after treatment begins.

Good luck.