Mange in Dogs: Essential Facts Every Pet Owner Should Know

What is Mange in Dogs?

Mange is a common skin disease in dogs caused by microscopic parasites called mites that live on the skin and hair follicles. The word ‘mange’ derives from the Old French ‘mangeue,’ meaning ‘to eat or chew,’ which aptly describes how these parasites affect your dog’s skin. While some mites naturally live on dogs without causing problems, certain species or overpopulation of these parasites can lead to severe skin irritation, inflammation, hair loss, and intense itching.

Two primary types of mange affect dogs: demodectic mange (also called demodicosis or red mange) and sarcoptic mange (commonly known as scabies). Each type is caused by different mite species and presents with distinct symptoms and treatment requirements. Understanding the differences between these types is crucial for proper diagnosis and effective treatment.

Types of Mange in Dogs

Demodectic Mange

Demodectic mange is caused by the Demodex canis mite, a cigar-shaped parasite that naturally lives in the hair follicles of most dogs. These mites are typically harmless and present in small numbers on healthy dogs. Puppies acquire these mites from their mother during nursing in the first few days of life, making them a normal part of the dog’s skin fauna.

In most cases, a dog’s immune system keeps the mite population under control. However, when a dog has an immature or compromised immune system, these mites can multiply rapidly, leading to demodicosis. This explains why puppies with underdeveloped immune systems and older dogs with weakened immunity are particularly susceptible.

Demodectic mange can manifest in three forms:

• Localized demodicosis: Characterized by patchy hair loss in small, isolated areas, typically on the face, around the eyes, or on the front legs. This form is common in puppies and often resolves on its own as the immune system matures.
• Generalized demodicosis: A more severe form involving large areas of the body or multiple body regions. This form may indicate an underlying health issue affecting the immune system.
• Demodectic pododermatitis: A particularly stubborn form that affects the paws, causing inflammation between the toes and paw pads.

Unlike sarcoptic mange, demodectic mange is not considered contagious to other dogs or humans. However, because there may be a genetic component to immune system susceptibility, dogs with generalized demodicosis should not be bred.

Sarcoptic Mange

Sarcoptic mange, or scabies, is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, a highly contagious parasite that burrows into the skin. Unlike Demodex mites, Sarcoptes mites are not normal inhabitants of a dog’s skin. The female mites burrow into the skin to lay eggs, which hatch and mature into adult mites that continue the cycle.

This form of mange is highly contagious and can spread quickly between dogs through direct contact or shared bedding, collars, harnesses, or other items. Sarcoptic mange can also temporarily affect humans, causing an itchy rash, though the mites cannot complete their life cycle on human hosts.

Sarcoptic mange tends to first appear on areas with thin hair, such as the ear flaps, elbows, and belly, but can spread to the entire body if left untreated. The intense itching caused by these mites often leads dogs to scratch excessively, causing self-trauma to the skin and creating opportunities for secondary bacterial infections.

Symptoms of Mange in Dogs

Signs of Demodectic Mange

The symptoms of demodectic mange can vary based on whether it’s localized or generalized, but typically include:

• Hair loss, often starting around the face, muzzle, or eyes
• Reddened, scaly skin
• Mild to moderate itching (though some dogs may not show itching)
• Secondary bacterial infections in some cases, leading to pustules or crusty skin
• Swollen or red paws if pododermatitis is present

Signs of Sarcoptic Mange

Sarcoptic mange typically causes more intense symptoms, including:

• Severe, persistent itching and scratching
• Rash and redness, often starting on the ears, elbows, abdomen, and chest
• Hair loss due to excessive scratching and biting
• Thick, yellowed crusts on the skin
• Skin thickening and wrinkling as the condition progresses
• Weight loss or decreased appetite in severe cases
• Lymph node enlargement
• Secondary infections from self-trauma

The intense itching associated with sarcoptic mange often causes dogs significant discomfort, leading to restlessness, irritability, and decreased quality of life. Dogs with sarcoptic mange may scratch so intensely that they cause self-inflicted wounds, which can become infected without proper treatment.

Diagnosis of Mange

If you suspect your dog has mange, prompt veterinary attention is crucial. Diagnosing mange typically involves several steps:

Clinical Examination

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination, paying special attention to the affected areas of skin. They’ll look for characteristic patterns of hair loss, skin inflammation, and other symptoms that might suggest mange.

Skin Scrapings

The primary diagnostic tool for mange is skin scraping. The veterinarian will gently scrape the affected skin areas to collect samples of skin cells and potential parasites. These samples are then examined under a microscope to identify the specific mites causing the condition.

For demodectic mange, the mites are usually easy to find in skin scrapings. However, sarcoptic mites burrow deep into the skin and may be more difficult to locate. Sometimes, multiple skin scrapings from different areas are necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Additional Diagnostic Tests

In some cases, especially when skin scrapings are negative but mange is still suspected, your veterinarian may recommend:

• Trial treatment: Sometimes, a presumptive diagnosis is made based on symptoms, and treatment is initiated to see if the dog improves.
• Skin biopsy: In difficult cases, a small piece of skin may be removed for microscopic examination.
• Blood tests: These may be performed to check for underlying health issues, especially in cases of generalized demodectic mange.

Treatment Options for Mange

Treatment approaches vary depending on the type of mange and the severity of the infection. Early intervention typically leads to better outcomes.

Treating Demodectic Mange

For localized demodectic mange in young, otherwise healthy dogs, treatment may include:

• Monitoring for spontaneous resolution, as many cases in puppies resolve on their own
• Topical medications applied directly to affected areas
• Medicated shampoos to soothe the skin and reduce mite populations

For generalized demodectic mange or persistent cases:

• Oral or injectable medications such as isoxazoline class drugs (e.g., fluralaner, afoxolaner)
• Ivermectin (though this must be used cautiously in certain breeds)
• Regular skin scrapings to monitor treatment progress
• Treatment of any secondary bacterial infections with antibiotics
• Identifying and addressing any underlying health conditions

Treating Sarcoptic Mange

Because sarcoptic mange is highly contagious, treatment is typically more aggressive and includes:

• Oral or injectable medications to kill the mites
• Medicated baths with prescribed shampoos
• Anti-inflammatory medications or antihistamines to reduce itching and inflammation
• Antibiotics if secondary bacterial infections are present
• Treatment of all dogs in the household, even if they’re not showing symptoms
• Cleaning or replacing bedding, collars, harnesses, and other items that may harbor mites

Treatment for mange typically continues until skin scrapings show no evidence of mites and clinical signs have resolved – often for 4-6 weeks or longer. Follow-up visits are crucial to ensure the infestation has been fully eliminated.

Prevention and Management

Preventing Sarcoptic Mange

Since sarcoptic mange is contagious, prevention focuses on avoiding exposure:

• Keep your dog away from animals showing signs of skin disease
• Use caution at dog parks, groomers, boarding facilities, and other places where dogs congregate
• Promptly isolate and treat affected dogs to prevent spread to other pets
• Some monthly parasite preventatives also help protect against sarcoptic mange mites

Managing Demodectic Mange Risk

Since demodectic mange often relates to immune function, focus on:

• Maintaining good overall health through proper nutrition and regular veterinary care
• Promptly addressing any potential immune-compromising conditions
• Not breeding dogs with a history of generalized demodectic mange, as there may be a genetic predisposition
• Special attention to puppies and senior dogs, who are more vulnerable due to immune system development or decline

Long-term Outlook

The prognosis for dogs with mange depends on several factors, including the type of mange, the dog’s age and overall health, and how quickly treatment begins.

Demodectic Mange Prognosis

Localized demodectic mange in puppies often resolves spontaneously as the immune system matures. For adult dogs with generalized demodicosis, the outlook depends largely on any underlying conditions. When these are successfully managed, the prognosis is generally good, though some dogs may require ongoing monitoring or intermittent treatment.

Sarcoptic Mange Prognosis

With prompt and appropriate treatment, the prognosis for sarcoptic mange is excellent. Most cases respond well to treatment, though the itching may persist for some time after the mites have been eliminated. In severe or chronic cases, skin damage may take longer to heal completely.

In both types of mange, secondary skin infections can complicate treatment and recovery, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and comprehensive care.

When to See a Veterinarian

You should consult your veterinarian if your dog shows any of these signs:

• Unexplained hair loss, especially if accompanied by redness or scaling
• Persistent scratching, licking, or biting at the skin
• Visible skin irritation, rashes, or lesions
• Changes in skin appearance, such as thickening or crusting
• Behaviors indicating discomfort, such as restlessness or irritability
• Contact with another animal known to have mange

Early diagnosis and treatment not only increase the chances of a quick recovery but also reduce the risk of complications and transmission to other pets or humans in the case of sarcoptic mange.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can humans get mange from dogs?

A: Humans can temporarily contract sarcoptic mange (scabies) from infected dogs, causing an itchy rash. However, the mites cannot complete their life cycle on human skin and will die off without treatment. Demodectic mange is not transmissible to humans.

Q: How long does it take to treat mange in dogs?

A: Treatment duration varies based on the type and severity of mange. Localized demodectic mange in puppies may resolve in a few weeks, while generalized cases or sarcoptic mange typically require 4-8 weeks of treatment. Some severe or chronic cases may need longer treatment periods.

Q: Can mange come back after treatment?

A: Yes, recurrence is possible, especially with demodectic mange if there are underlying immune issues. Sarcoptic mange can recur if the dog is re-exposed to infected animals or environments. Follow-up veterinary visits are important to confirm complete resolution.

Q: Are certain dog breeds more susceptible to mange?

A: Some breeds appear more predisposed to demodectic mange, including Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, and Staffordshire Terriers. However, any dog can develop mange under the right circumstances.

Q: Can I treat mange at home without seeing a vet?

A: No, proper diagnosis and prescription medications are essential for effectively treating mange. Home remedies are generally ineffective and may delay proper treatment, allowing the condition to worsen and causing unnecessary suffering for your pet.

Author

medha deb

 

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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