Mange in Dogs

Contents

• What is Mange

• Demodectic mange

• Sarcoptic Mange

• How mange is treated

• How to prevent mange

What is mange?

Mange is a group of skin conditions caused by mites, tiny parasites that live in your dog’s skin and hair follicles. Different mites cause different forms of mange.

What does mange look like on dogs?

Common signs include hair loss, red or thickened skin, crusts, bumps and secondary skin infections. The level of itchiness experienced by dogs with mange can range from mild to intense depending on which mite is contributing to the disease.

Types of mange

Two common types of mange in dogs are demodectic mange, also called demodicosis, and sarcoptic mange, also called scabies. They can look similar, but their causes and contagiousness are different.

Demodectic mange (demodicosis)

Demodectic mange is caused by an overgrowth of Demodex mites, usually Demodex canis. Small numbers of these mites normally live in a dog’s hair follicles and sebaceous glands without issue, Trouble comes when Demodex mite populations exceed tolerated levels.

Signs of demodectic mange in dogs

Signs depend on whether the condition is localised or generalised. They may include:

• Patchy hair loss, often around the face, front legs or paws

• Red, scaly or thickened skin

• Darkened skin

• Raised bumps or scabs

• Greasy skin or discharge

• Itching, pain or discomfort if a secondary infection develops

How do dogs get demodectic mange?

Puppies usually acquire Demodex mites from their mother through close skin-to-skin contact in the first days of life. These mites are normal residents of canine skin and are not considered contagious between adult dogs or to people. Problems arise when the immune system cannot keep mite numbers under control. Disease is most often seen in puppies with developing immune systems or adult dogs with an underlying condition or treatment the immune system.

Sarcoptic mange (scabies)

Sarcoptic mange is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis. These mites burrow into the outer layer of skin and trigger intense itching. Unlike demodectic mange, sarcoptic mange can affect otherwise healthy dogs, spreads easily between dogs and can cause a temporary itchy rash in people.

Signs of sarcoptic mange in dogs

Signs of scabies may include:

• Intense itching and discomfort

• Hair loss

• Thick yellow crusts or scabs

• Red skin with raised bumps

Signs often begin around the ear margins, elbows, hocks, chest and abdomen and may spread if left untreated. Scratching can also lead to secondary bacterial or yeast infections.

How do dogs get scabies?

Sarcoptic mange spreads mainly through close contact with an infested dog. Dogs may also pick it up from recently contaminated grooming tools, bedding or other shared items. Because signs can take several weeks to appear, a dog can be an asymptomatic carrier of Sarcoptes mites before the infestation is obvious.

What to do if you think your dog has mange

If your dog is itchy, losing fur or showing skin changes, book a consultation with your vet. Allergies, infection, ringworm and other conditions can look similar to mange. Your vet can identify the likely cause and recommend the right treatment to help alleviate your dog’s symptoms.

How is mange diagnosed and treated?

Your vet will examine your dog’s skin and ask how the signs started, whether they have had contact with other animals and whether anyone else in the household is itchy. They may then perform tests to rule in or out mites and other causes of your symptoms. These tests may include:

• Looking for mites on hair plucks or skin scrapings under a microscope

• Testing for bacterial or yeast infections and other skin conditions

• A treatment trial

• A skin biopsy or other tests in severe, persistent, and unusual cases

Treatment of mange depends on the type of mite causing disease and the severity of symptoms. Your vet may recommend:

• Medication to kill mites

• Medication or medicated shampoo to manage secondary infections or inflammation

• An E-collar or body suit to reduce licking and scratching

• Follow-up skin checks or scrapings to monitor recovery

For sarcoptic mange, your vet may also advise treating other pets, temporarily separating affected dogs and washing bedding or shared grooming items. Follow their instructions, as the right approach depends on the treatment and household risk.

Preventing mange in dogs

Some flea and tick products also protect against particular mites, but coverage varies. Do not assume every flea treatment covers mange.

Can cats get mange from dogs?

It’s possible, but not common. Sarcoptic mites prefer dogs but can temporarily infest cats after close contact. Canine Demodex mites do not spread from dogs to cats.

Cats can also develop mange from other mite species, so see a vet if they are itchy or losing fur.

Can humans get mange from dogs?

Sarcoptic mites from dogs can cause an intensely itchy, temporary rash in people. They do not usually survive for long or reproduce on humans. Demodectic mange does not spread from dogs to people. If you develop a persistent or uncomfortable rash, seek medical advice and mention the dog’s diagnosis.

Take your dog off the menu

Keep these microscopic invaders from getting comfortable. Use parasite protection that covers the risks relevant to your dog and speak to your vet about unexplained itching, hair loss or skin changes.

Not sure what your dog’s current product covers? Read our guide to parasite protection products for dogs in Australia or ask your local Petbarn or Greencross Vets team for tailored advice.