Mange in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Guide

Mange is a common but concerning skin condition in dogs caused by microscopic mites. When these tiny parasites infest your dog’s skin, they can cause a range of uncomfortable and sometimes severe symptoms. Understanding mange – its types, symptoms, causes, and treatments – is essential for any dog owner to ensure their furry companion receives prompt and proper care.

This comprehensive guide will help you recognize mange in its early stages, understand how it’s transmitted, and learn about the most effective treatment options available. With proper knowledge and veterinary care, most dogs with mange can fully recover and return to their happy, healthy selves.

What is Mange in Dogs?

Mange is a skin disease caused by different species of tiny mites that live on the skin or within hair follicles of dogs. These parasites, closely related to ticks, belong to the Arachnida family. While some mites naturally occur on a dog’s skin in small numbers without causing issues, problems arise when these populations grow out of control or when new, more aggressive mites are introduced.

There are two primary types of mange that affect dogs, each caused by different mites and presenting with somewhat different symptoms:

• Sarcoptic Mange (also known as scabies): Caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite
• Demodectic Mange (also called demodicosis or red mange): Caused by the Demodex canis mite

Understanding which type of mange your dog has is crucial as the treatment approaches may differ significantly.

Types of Mange in Dogs

Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies)

Sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious skin condition caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. These mites burrow into the skin, causing intense itching and irritation. Sarcoptic mange is particularly concerning because it’s zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans, though the mites cannot complete their life cycle on human hosts.

The mites responsible for sarcoptic mange prefer areas with less hair, such as the ears, elbows, and belly. They cause extreme discomfort and, if left untreated, can lead to secondary skin infections due to constant scratching.

Demodectic Mange

Unlike sarcoptic mange, demodectic mange is not typically contagious between dogs or to humans. The Demodex mites that cause this condition are actually normal residents of a dog’s skin and hair follicles. These cigar-shaped mites are passed from mother to puppy during nursing, and most dogs live with small numbers of them without any issues.

Problems arise when a dog’s immune system is compromised or underdeveloped, allowing the mite population to grow unchecked. This is why demodectic mange is most commonly seen in puppies with immature immune systems, older dogs with weakened immunity, or dogs with underlying health conditions.

Symptoms of Mange in Dogs

The symptoms of mange can vary depending on the type of mite causing the infestation and the severity of the condition. Being able to identify these signs early can help ensure your dog receives prompt treatment.

Common Symptoms of Sarcoptic Mange

• Intense itching and scratching
• Hair loss, particularly on the ears, elbows, abdomen, and chest
• Red, inflamed skin
• Crusty, scaly patches
• Skin sores and scabs from excessive scratching
• Secondary skin infections
• Thickened skin in chronic cases
• Swollen lymph nodes in severe cases

Common Symptoms of Demodectic Mange

• Hair loss, often starting around the face, especially the eyes and mouth
• Scaly, red patches of skin
• Mild to moderate itching (less severe than with sarcoptic mange)
• Patches of thinning hair or bald spots
• Raised bumps (papules) most commonly on the chest
• Secondary bacterial infections, which may cause pustules or crusty skin

It’s important to note that severe itching and uncomfortable skin issues associated with mange may also cause behavioral changes in your dog, including:

• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy or depression

Puppies with mange will experience the same symptoms as adult dogs and should be seen by a veterinarian immediately, as their immune systems are not fully developed and the condition can worsen rapidly.

How Do Dogs Get Mange?

Sarcoptic Mange Transmission

Sarcoptic mites are highly contagious and are often transmitted through direct contact between dogs. Common sources of infection include:

• Contact with infected dogs in shelters, boarding facilities, dog parks, or other places with high numbers of dogs
• Sharing bedding, collars, harnesses, or grooming tools with infected dogs
• Brief contact with infected wild animals, such as foxes or coyotes

It’s important to understand that sarcoptic mites do not survive for long periods in the environment and need a host to continue their life cycle. These mites are particularly attracted to oils (lipids) on a dog’s skin. While poor hygiene doesn’t directly cause scabies, it can exacerbate the condition, especially in dogs with compromised immune systems.

Demodectic Mange Transmission

Demodectic mange has a very different transmission pattern compared to sarcoptic mange:

• Demodex mites are normal residents of a dog’s skin
• They are typically passed from mother to puppy during the first few days of life
• These mites only cause problems when they multiply excessively due to immune system issues
• Demodectic mange is not considered contagious between adult dogs

Factors that may trigger demodectic mange include:

• Immature immune system (in puppies)
• Genetic predisposition
• Stress
• Malnutrition
• Underlying diseases that suppress the immune system
• Certain medications, such as steroids

Diagnosis of Mange in Dogs

If you suspect your dog has mange, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Veterinarians typically diagnose mange through the following methods:

Skin Scraping

The most common diagnostic method involves gently scraping the affected skin with a blade and examining the collected material under a microscope to identify the presence and type of mites. Multiple skin scrapings may be necessary as mites can sometimes be difficult to find, especially in the case of sarcoptic mange where the mites burrow deep into the skin.

Clinical Signs and History

Your vet will also consider your dog’s symptoms, medical history, and potential exposure to infected animals. In some cases, especially with sarcoptic mange, a diagnosis might be made based on clinical signs alone, particularly if skin scrapings are negative but symptoms are highly suggestive.

Response to Treatment

In cases where mites are not detected but mange is still suspected, your veterinarian might recommend a trial treatment. Improvement after treatment can help confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of Mange in Dogs

The treatment approach for mange depends on the type of mite causing the infestation, the severity of the condition, and your dog’s overall health. Most treatment plans include a combination of the following:

Medications

• Antiparasitic medications: These may be oral, injectable, or topical and work to kill the mites. Common options include ivermectin, milbemycin, selamectin, moxidectin, and fluralaner.
• Antibiotics: If secondary bacterial infections have developed, antibiotics may be prescribed.
• Anti-inflammatory medications: These can help reduce itching and inflammation, providing relief while the antiparasitic medications work to eliminate the mites.

Topical Treatments

• Medicated shampoos and dips: These contain ingredients that kill mites and soothe irritated skin.
• Lime-sulfur dips: These can be effective against both types of mange but have a strong odor and can temporarily discolor light-colored fur.
• Medicated ointments or creams: These may be applied directly to affected areas to kill mites and reduce inflammation.

Environmental Management

For sarcoptic mange, which is contagious, it’s important to:

• Wash your dog’s bedding, collars, and harnesses
• Clean and disinfect any grooming tools
• Vacuum areas where your dog spends time
• Consider treating other pets in the household, even if they’re not showing symptoms

Supportive Care

Supporting your dog’s overall health can help speed recovery:

• Providing a nutritious diet to boost immune function
• Ensuring adequate rest
• Using Elizabethan collars (cone) if necessary to prevent excessive scratching
• Maintaining good hygiene

Recovery and Prognosis

With proper treatment, most dogs recover completely from mange. The timeline for recovery varies depending on the type of mange and its severity:

• Sarcoptic mange: Improvement is often seen within days of starting treatment, with complete recovery typically taking 4-6 weeks.
• Localized demodectic mange: In puppies or young dogs with small, isolated patches, this often resolves on its own or with minimal treatment within 6-8 weeks.
• Generalized demodectic mange: This more severe form may take months of treatment, and in some cases, may require lifelong management.

Follow-up skin scrapings are usually recommended to ensure all mites have been eliminated before discontinuing treatment. It’s important to complete the full course of treatment prescribed by your veterinarian, even if symptoms improve, to prevent recurrence.

Prevention of Mange in Dogs

While not all cases of mange can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:

• Keep your dog’s living environment clean
• Provide a balanced diet to support immune function
• Schedule regular veterinary check-ups
• Avoid contact with stray or infected animals
• Consider preventive parasite control medications that may offer some protection against mites
• Promptly address any skin issues or changes in your dog’s coat

For dogs with a history of demodectic mange, avoiding stress and maintaining overall health is particularly important to prevent recurrence.

When to See a Veterinarian

Seek veterinary care if you notice any of the following in your dog:

• Persistent scratching or itching
• Hair loss, especially if accompanied by red, irritated skin
• Crusty, scaly patches on the skin
• Changes in behavior due to skin discomfort
• Any symptoms that persist for more than a few days

Early intervention is key to preventing the spread of sarcoptic mange to other pets or family members and to minimizing your dog’s discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can humans catch mange from dogs?

A: Humans can contract sarcoptic mange (scabies) from infected dogs, but the mites cannot complete their life cycle on human skin and will die within a few days. Demodectic mange is not transmissible to humans.

Q: How long does it take for a dog to recover from mange?

A: Recovery time varies depending on the type and severity of mange. Mild cases may resolve within weeks, while more severe or generalized cases can take months of treatment.

Q: Can mange go away on its own?

A: Localized demodectic mange in young, healthy dogs may sometimes resolve without treatment as their immune system matures. However, sarcoptic mange and generalized demodectic mange almost always require veterinary treatment.

Q: Are certain dog breeds more susceptible to mange?

A: Some breeds appear to have a genetic predisposition to developing demodectic mange, including Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, Boxers, and German Shepherds. However, any dog can develop mange under the right circumstances.

Q: What happens if mange is left untreated?

A: Untreated mange can lead to severe skin infections, extensive hair loss, and in extreme cases, can be life-threatening due to secondary infections or compromised immune function. Additionally, untreated sarcoptic mange can spread to other pets and people.

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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