Symptoms and Treatment of Mange in Dogs

Dog mange is a highly contagious skin condition that’s caused by mites and normally results in hair loss and itching. The term ‘mange’ is derived from the French word ‘Mangeue’, meaning “to eat or itch”.

There are different types of mange in dogs, caused by different kinds of mites, some of which can affect humans. While some forms are highly contagious, others develop when a dog's immune system struggles to keep naturally occurring mites under control.

In this guide, we’ll explain the symptoms of mange in dogs, the different types of dog mange and treatment options available.

What Is Mange on Dogs?

Mange is a skin disease, which is some itchy business! There are two main types of mange that can affect dogs: sarcoptic and demodectic.

What Causes Mange in Dogs?

Mange develops when microscopic mites live on or within a dog's skin.

The cause depends on the type of mange:

• Sarcoptic mange is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites - usually caught from another infected animal
• Demodectic mange is caused by Demodex canis mites - more commonly linked to an immature or weakened immune system

Early Signs of Mange in Dogs

The early stages of mange in dogs can be mistaken for allergies, flea infestations or dry skin because the mites can’t be seen by the naked eye. The same symptoms can be seen with other skin conditions and parasites.

Early signs of dog mange may include:

• Increased scratching
• Small patches of hair loss
• Red or irritated skin
• Excessive licking
• Rubbing against furniture
• Small scabs developing on the ears, face or legs

Different Types of Mange in Dogs

Sarcoptic Mange in Dogs

Sarcoptic mange, also known as canine scabies, is one of the most common mange on dogs and is highly contagious.

How is Sarcoptic Mange in Dogs Caused?

It’s caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites, which burrow beneath the skin to lay eggs. The eggs hatch into larvae within 3-10 days of being laid, and then move about feeding on the skin as they grow into adult mites.

How is Sarcoptic Mange in Dogs Spread?

Adult sarcoptic mites live for 3-4 weeks and can transfer between dogs through direct contact or on items like bedding. They can also be found on foxes, so they may be transferred to your dog if they venture into a fox den.

Sarcoptic mites can be transferred to humans, causing skin irritation, but this will be short-lived as they're unable to complete their life cycle on humans.

Symptoms of Sarcoptic Mange in Dogs

Symptoms of sarcoptic mange include:

• Hair loss
• Redness
• Inflammation
• Scabs or crusty skin.

Mites prefer hairless areas, so are drawn to the insides of the ears, belly and armpits. As the mites burrow into the skin and begin laying eggs, it causes irritation for the dog, and they’ll scratch and bite the affected areas.

If left untreated, mange can cause deep skin infections and swollen lymph nodes.

What to Do If Your Dog Has Sarcoptic Mange?

If your dog has sarcoptic mange, ensure they are treated so the condition doesn’t worsen.

To reduce the risk of catching mites if your dog is infested, keep them off your furniture, avoid close contact with them and wash their bedding and soft toys regularly. To avoid passing the mites onto other dogs, avoid close contact with other dogs and keep your dog on a lead during walks.

How to Prevent Your Dog from Getting Sarcoptic Mange?

The best way to prevent your dog from getting Sarcoptic mange is to regularly apply flea treatment, as it’s also effective against the mange mites. Also, avoid areas where there’s a high population of foxes.

Demodectic Mange in Dogs

Demodectic mange, also known as red mange, is caused by Demodex canis mites, which live in the dog’s hair follicles.

How is Demodectic Mange in Dogs Caused?

A few demodectic mites are present on most dogs, but the number is kept under control if the dog has a healthy immune system.

Demodectic mange only affects dogs with a compromised or immature immune system, as the mites are then able to rapidly increase. It mostly affects dogs under 18 months when the mites are passed from mother to puppy.

How is Demodectic Mange in Dogs Spread?

All puppies receive the mites from their mother, but only those with underdeveloped immune systems will be affected by mange. Older dogs that have a weakened immune system due to illness, medication, or malnutrition are also susceptible.

Demodectic mange and mites are not contagious to other animals or humans. Mites can be passed on to other dogs, but the condition will only affect those with compromised immune systems.

Symptoms of Demodectic Mange in Dogs

The main symptom of demodectic mange is hair loss, usually starting around the face. The disease may be localised (just a few patches of hair loss) or generalised (many areas of hair loss). Dogs are unlikely to find it itchy unless there’s a secondary infection, which can also cause a smell. There’s also a condition known as Demodectic pododermatitis, where only the paws are affected by the disease.

What to Do If Your Dog Has Demodectic Mange?

In most cases of mange, as the dog ages and their immune system matures, their body will be able to fight the condition without any medication. However, a dog with an immune deficiency will require treatment.

How to Prevent Your Dog from Getting Demodectic Mange?

As all dogs have some Demodex canis mites living on them, the best prevention for Demodectic mange developing is to keep your dog fit and healthy through exercise, a high-quality diet, a clean environment and regular vet health checks.

How To Diagnose Mange in Dogs?

Dog mange is difficult to diagnose through tests but have obvious symptoms such as hair loss and itching. Skin scrapings can be taken to examine under a microscope, but the mites can be difficult to collect, especially sarcoptic mites, as they burrow deep into the skin. Blood tests can be done too, but they’re not very reliable. Most cases of mange are diagnosed and treated based on the symptoms – mostly hair loss and itching.

Treatment for Mange in Dogs

Treating a dog with mange is relatively easy, but it does require a trip to the vet.

Treating Sarcoptic Mange in Dogs

Sarcoptic mange can be treated with oral medication, a spot-on or shampoo to kill the mites. Your dog may need two or three treatments to make sure all the mange mites have been killed. They’re usually spaced 2-3 weeks apart to allow any eggs to hatch.

Your vet may also prescribe a steroid cream and antibiotics if your dog has any open sores. You’ll also need to wash any bedding, brushes, toys, or soft furnishings that your dog has access to, just in case there are any mites living on them.

Treating Demodectic Mange in Dogs

Demodectic mange that isn’t related to an immune deficiency can be treated with creams or left to resolve on its own. Usually, a puppy’s immune system matures as it ages and is then able to fight off the mange and prevent further mite infestation. Older dogs that develop the disease are harder to treat but can be managed with ongoing treatment. Medication for any secondary infections may also be prescribed.

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