Mange in dogs

Ever noticed your dog scratching like crazy and wondered what’s going on? The answer could be mange!

In this blog, we’re diving into the question: what is mange? We’ll take a closer look at this irritating skin issue, including the different types of mange in dogs, mange treatment for dogs and tips to help reduce the risk of future infections. Let’s get started!

What is mange in dogs?

Mange describes a skin condition caused by mites. Mange in dogs is commonly caused by one of two canine skin mites. The scientific names for these tiny mites are Sarcoptes scabiei and Demodex canis. Sarcoptes mites on dogs will cause sarcoptic mange, while demodex mites cause demodectic mange. More on this later.

What does mange look like on a dog?

Mange can vary in appearance depending on the type of mange mite present and the severity.

It’s a particularly noticeable problem in many stray dogs, whose condition has been left untreated for a long time. It can lead to widespread hair loss, skin pigmentation and sores. However, most owners notice an issue in their pets long before the problem progresses this far.

Signs of mange in dogs

Depending on the type of mange mite infection and how advanced it is, dogs with mange may have some or all of the following symptoms.

Hair loss (alopecia) – this could just be patchy or very small areas in early-stage mange
Itchy skin (pruritus) – dogs with sarcoptic mange have particularly itchy skin, especially around their ears and legs
Crusty skin or scabs – skin crusts may be noticed as the disease progresses
Red, inflamed skin – secondary skin infections are common, with bacteria and yeast contributing to skin inflammation
Changes in energy levels – many dogs with advancing mange can be lethargic
Other skin changes – if the disease is left untreated, darkening of the skin and skin thickening may be noted

What causes mange in dogs?

There are two main causes for mange in dogs:

Sarcoptes mites – Sarcoptes scabiei are microscopic mites that burrow under the skin, causing intense itchiness, hair loss and skin crusting. These mites are highly contagious and are commonly spread from infected dogs and wildlife. Sarcoptic mites can’t complete their life cycle on people, but they can cause severe itchiness. You should speak to your doctor if you become affected.

Demodex mites – Demodectic mange is caused by a tiny mite that lives in the hair follicles of dogs. This parasite is found in low levels in healthy dogs (as well as many humans!) and doesn’t cause an issue. But in animals with a lowered immune system, numbers can multiply. Signs can be localised, generalised or cause pododermatitis (severe foot infection).

This type of mite is most common in dogs under 18 months of age, because their immune system hasn’t fully developed. We also see it more often in certain breeds than others due to genetic immune system differences. If an adult dog is suffering from demodectic mange, it usually means there is an issue with their immune system, often because of illness, malnutrition or old age.

This means that, unlike sarcoptic mange, demodectic mange is not contagious between dogs. Puppies will get demodex mites from their mother within days of being born, so all dogs already have this mite, but often their immune system can handle it.

Mange treatment for dogs

Diagnosis of mange in dogs

Mange can appear similar to other issues, such as dog skin allergies or ringworm, so a vet needs to examine your dog. Canine skin mites are microscopic, so samples from the skin and hair plucks will need to be looked at under a microscope. Demodex appears as an elongated ‘cigar-shaped mite’, whereas Sarcoptes is rounded with longer legs. Sometimes, repeat samples are needed if the mites are not found the first time.

Mange treatment

Treatment is usually an anti-parasite product. Your vet will be able to recommend an appropriate prescription tablet or spot-on that’s effective against mites. This usually needs to be given at regular intervals over a period to ensure all the mites are killed.

Sometimes other treatments are also required, such as medicated dips or shampoos, drugs to reduce itchiness and antibiotics for secondary skin infections.

In cases of sarcoptic mange, it’s important to keep your dog away from other dogs while they’re contagious. Dogs in unavoidable close contact in your household must also be treated. You should also practice good hygiene at home by washing your pet's bedding, brushes and soft toys regularly.

Treatment for mites is usually straightforward, and most dogs recover well. However, relapses can occur, especially if your dog has a weakened immune system in the case of demodectic mange, or if they get reinfected from the environment or wildlife in the case of sarcoptic mange.

Treating mange in puppies

Treatment for puppies is usually the same as for adult dogs.

As we mentioned, all dogs carry demodex mites from a young age. This doesn’t mean they specifically require treatment, however. Treatment is only needed if they start showing clinical symptoms of mange.

How to prevent mange in dogs

Sarcoptic mange:

Regularly use veterinary-approved flea products, which also have a good effect against mites
Avoid areas where there are large fox populations, as they can be carriers of these mites
Avoid contact with infected dogs

Demodectic mange:

Low levels of this mite are normal and won’t cause issues. Demodectic mange is also more common in some younger dogs than others due to their breed and genetic disposition to the condition, e.g. Pugs, Bull dogs and Shar Peis
A regular veterinary-approved flea product, which is effective against demodex, will help reduce the chances of any issues
Supporting the immune system of your dog with a good quality diet, regular vaccinations and seeking help for any medical complaints can help to guard against problems, especially in adult dogs

Summary

Mange treatment for dogs is similar for both types of mites; an effective vet-approved anti-parasite treatment. Signs of mange in dogs can appear similar to other skin conditions, so it is always important to speak to your vet for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan first.

Dr Rebecca MacMillan BVetMed BSAVA PGCertSAM MRCVS

Dr Rebecca MacMillan is a practising small animal vet who has worked in a variety of settings since her graduation in 2009., As well as treating a wealth of clinical cases over the years, she has experience in leadership and practice management. She has followed her interest in small animal medicine, gaining a postgraduate certificate in this subject which helps with both her patients and writing work.