Our dogs go through a lot, including their skin. Their outdoor adventures bring them a lot of fun, but also some unwanted diseases. One of these is mange.
Mange in dogs is essentially a skin disease caused by the mites that infest the skin. This leads to irritation, hair loss, itching, and many more symptoms. Dogs of all breeds are affected, especially the vulnerable ones.
To help you know more, we’ll talk about mange in dogs, from the types to how it’s prevented.
What Are the Types of Mange in Dogs?
There are several types of mange in dogs, depending on the mite that causes the disease.
Sarcoptic Mange
Sarcoptic mange is caused by microscopic mites called Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites are highly contagious and can easily burrow into a dog's skin. They usually spread through direct contact and can also spread to humans.
For instance, your dog can easily pick up these mites at a park or boarding facility. Indirect transmission is also possible. Dog mites can survive for short periods on surfaces like bedding, collars, or grooming tools.
Symptoms of Sarcoptic Mange
Severe Itching and Scratching. Itching begins suddenly and intensifies as the infestation grows. This itching is particularly severe around the ears, belly, elbows, and armpits, as these are the mites' favorite areas.
Red, Inflamed Skin. The mites burrow into the skin, making dogs scratch it. This leads to redness, inflammation, and swelling.
Hair Loss. Too much scratching leads to noticeable patches of hair loss. This is common in the ears, neck, and base of the tail.
Lesions and Crusts. The skin thickens and develops a crusty appearance with lesions as the disease progresses.
Demodectic Mange
Demodex canis mites naturally live on a dog’s skin and hair follicles. However, in dogs with compromised immune systems, they can cause serious damage and discomfort.
Fortunately, demodectic mange is not contagious. While mild cases may resolve independently, more severe cases can lead to secondary bacterial infections that require treatment. Demodex mites are usually passed from mother dogs to their puppies shortly after birth.
Symptoms of Demodectic Mange
Localized Hair Loss. One of the first signs of demodectic mange in dogs is the presence of round patches of hair loss.
Scaly, Flaky Skin. The areas with hair loss often develop dry, flaky skin. This scaly appearance can spread to other parts of the body if the canine mange worsens.
Red or Inflamed Skin. In advanced and chronic cases, the skin can get red and inflamed. This is why severe demodectic mange is often referred to as "red mange."
Secondary Infections. Damaged skin can easily make way for secondary infections, resulting in pus-filled areas and a foul odor.
Cheyletiellosis Mange
Cheyletiellosis mange, otherwise known as “walking dandruff,” is caused by Cheyletiella mites. The name comes from the characteristic white specks these dog mites create as they move across the skin.
These mites are less common than the other types, but they are highly contagious. They can also spread to humans. Cheyletiella mites live on the surface of the skin rather than burrowing, which makes them easier to spot as they resemble moving flakes of dandruff.
Symptoms of Cheyletiellosis Mange
Excessive Dandruff. The most obvious sign is the appearance of large, white flakes of dandruff on the dog’s coat. These flakes may cluster around the back, shoulders, or neck.
Itching. Affected dogs can experience mild to severe itching.
Visible Mites. In some cases, you can see the mites themselves moving on the skin’s surface. These dog mites are larger than other mange-causing species, making them easier to spot during a close inspection.
Skin Changes. Some can develop red lesions, small bumps, and crusts.
Otodectic Mange
Otodectic mange in dogs, caused by Otodectes cynotis mites, is a type that affects the ears. The mites that cause this disease are often called ear mites, feeding on the dog’s earwax and oils in the ear canals.
This type of mange in dogs is highly contagious. The parasites usually spread through direct contact with an infected pet. Puppies are particularly vulnerable, especially since they can potentially contract these mites from their mother.
Symptoms of Ear Mites
Intense Scratching of the Ears. Dogs with ear mites frequently scratch at their ears or rub their heads against furniture and walls.
Shaking of the Head. Affected dogs may frequently or vigorously shake their heads as a way to remove the mites and alleviate discomfort.
Dark, Waxy Discharge. The ear canal often contains a dark, crumbly discharge resembling coffee grounds. This is a mix of wax, mite debris, and inflammatory material.
Skin Changes. The inner ear may appear red and inflamed. In severe cases, scabs or crusts can develop around the ear openings.
How Long Does Mange Last on Dogs?
Mild or localized canine mange lasts about 4 to 8 weeks, with proper treatment. In severe cases of sarcoptic mange or generalized mange, this could take several months even with consistent treatment.
How Do Vets Diagnose Mange in Dogs?
Our vets start by checking your dog's symptoms and condition. We'll also evaluate your dog's lifestyle and living conditions.
The main method we use is a skin scraping. We gently scrape the skin with a blade, allowing us to collect mites and eggs. The samples we obtain are then placed under a microscope to identify the main species causing your dog’s mange.
We may also pluck your dog’s hair from the root to check for mites living within the hair follicles. In some cases, our vets may do laboratory tests, including blood tests and a biopsy. These are done as needed.
How Do You Treat Mange in Dogs?
Treatment essentially involves medications, bathing, and home care.
Medications
Topical Treatments. Spot-on treatments and ointments are applied to the shoulder blades, preventing dogs from licking them.
Oral Medications. Oral medications work systemically, targeting mites throughout the body.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications. These help reduce itching and inflammation, but are used when needed only, as they may suppress the immune system further.
Antibiotics or Antifungals. For secondary infections, we’ll use these medications.
Baths and Dips
Medicated baths and dips are often recommended to support treatments and promote skin health.
Lime Sulfur Dips. Lime sulfur dips effectively kill and eliminate dog mites while soothing irritated skin. However, they do possess a strong and foul odor that may temporarily stain the coat.
Medicated Shampoos. Medicated shampoos can help cleanse the skin, remove debris from the coat, and treat secondary infections.
Home Cleaning
To support your dog’s recovery at home, treating the environment will be helpful. Dog mites can survive on different surfaces for long periods of time, posing a risk.
Be sure to wash all bedding, toys, and pillows in hot water. Dry them thoroughly. Also, vacuum carpets, rugs, and mats, as they may harbor mites. For solid surfaces, you can use a pet-safe disinfectant to clean these areas.
Is There a Natural Cure for Mange in Dogs?
There's no natural cure. However, you can use a few remedies that can complement medications. One example is coconut oil. We recommend checking in with us first before using this on your dog.
Vet Tips: How to Prevent Dog Mites
The ways to prevent mites also prevent other parasites from interfering with your dog’s health and happiness. Here are a few tips:
Use Regular Parasite Preventives
Along with monthly flea and tick preventive treatments, we recommend including mite preventives as well. These are generally easy to apply, available in topical or oral forms.
Keep Your Dog’s Space Clean
Cleaning your home is an effective way to get rid of mites and prevent them from causing mange in dogs. By having a regular cleaning routine, mites have difficulty surviving and thriving.
Bathe Your Dog Regularly
Regular grooming is essential for a dog’s health, especially when it comes to canine mange. Use gentle and medicated shampoos to keep your dog’s skin healthy and safe from mites.
“Helping your dog is not just about treating its skin, it’s about restoring comfort and happiness.”
- Dr. Soheyl Simaei
Final Thoughts
Mange in dogs is a serious issue that can get in the way of our best friends’ health and happiness. Fortunately, there are proven ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent. All we have to do is start now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if a dog has mange?
Common signs of canine mange include skin irritation, inflammation, itching, hair loss, redness, sores, and crusty skin. You might also notice your dog’s behavior shift to a much more irritated and stressed personality.
Can a dog recover from mange on its own?
Mild cases of demodectic mange can sometimes go away on their own as the immune system strengthens. However, other types of mange will require medical treatment.
Should I bathe a dog with mange?
Yes, bathing a dog with mange can help with recovery and relieve discomfort. Medicated shampoos can soothe the skin and are good complements to the main treatment options.
Is it okay to pet a dog with mange?
It depends, but you should always exercise caution. Some types of mange are contagious to humans, including sarcoptic mange. If your dog has a type that can spread to humans, it’s best to avoid contact and wear gloves when bathing them.
How long does mange take to heal?
Generally, dogs with mange can recover within 4 to 8 weeks with consistent treatment. In severe cases, this can take months.
Share
Latest Blogs
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Worried about your pet?
We’re here for urgent care, wellness checks, or anything in between.
