Understanding Mange in Dogs: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment

Understanding Mange in Dogs: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment

Published Date

Published Date

December 4, 2024

December 4, 2024

Last Updated

Last Updated

June 26, 2025

June 26, 2025

Understanding Mange in Dogs: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment
Understanding Mange in Dogs: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment
Understanding Mange in Dogs: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment

Mange is a skin condition caused by mites that infest a dog’s skin, causing irritation, itching, and hair loss. It can affect any type of dog breed, but those with weakened immune systems, such as puppies, seniors, and dogs with certain health issues, will suffer the most. 

To help you know more, we’ll talk about mange in dogs, from the types to how it’s prevented. 

What are the Common Types of Mange in Dogs?

Canine mange comes in many forms, with sarcoptic and demodectic being the two common ones. 

Sarcoptic Mange

Sarcoptic mange is caused by microscopic mites called Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites are highly contagious, easily burrowing 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 burrowing mites and persistent scratching can lead to redness and inflammation. This can also lead to swelling and open sores, which can be prone to skin infections.

  • Hair Loss. Due to excessive scratching, dogs often develop noticeable patches of hair loss. These are commonly found on the ears, neck, and base of the tail. 

  • Crusting and Scaling. As the infestation progresses, the skin can become thick and develop a crusty appearance. Scabs and flaky skin are common as well.

  • Discomfort. Dogs with sarcoptic mange often appear restless or stressed due to the constant discomfort. This can affect their routines. 

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. These patches often appear on the face, mouth, and muzzle. 

  • 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 more advanced cases, the skin becomes red and irritated, sometimes swollen or shiny in appearance. 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. 

Although less common, it can occur in dogs of any age or breed and is highly contagious, spreading to other pets and even 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. Dogs with Cheyletiella mites can be seen scratching or itching at times. 

  • 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.

  • Redness and Inflammation. The areas affected by these mites can appear red and inflamed, a clear sign of irritation. 

Otodectic Mange

Otodectic mange, caused by Otodectes cynotis mites, primarily affects the ears. These mites, often called ear mites, feed on the wax and oils inside a dog’s ear canal, causing discomfort and inflammation as they go.

They 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. Frequent and vigorous head shaking is another common sign as dogs try to dislodge the mites or alleviate the 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.

  • Redness and Swelling. The inner ear may appear red and inflamed. In severe cases, scabs or crusts can develop around the ear openings.

Is your dog having trouble with mange?

Is your dog having trouble with mange?

Let's help them right away.

Let's help them right away.

How Do Vets Diagnose Mange in Dogs?

How Do Vets Diagnose Mange in Dogs?

A physical assessment is usually how we start diagnosing your dog and its symptoms. We’ll look into the skin and check for any of the common signs, as well as any significant events in your dog’s lifestyle and living situation. 

For the diagnostic tests, we typically use the skin scraping method. Here, our vets use a scalpel or a blade to scrape the surface of the affected area to collect a sample. This sample will be examined under a microscope to check for dog mites or their eggs. 

In other cases, we can also include blood tests and stool samples, which help us identify any associated health concerns. These tests can aid us in assessing your dog’s overall health and rule out other types of parasites. 

How Do You Cure Mange on a Dog?

The treatment process for dog mange is usually straightforward, requiring medicines and medicated baths. Here’s a general overview of how we cure mange in a dog:

Medications

Medications help kill mites, ease the irritation, and prevent further infection. 

  • Topical Treatments. Topical treatments for mange in dogs, ​such as ointments and spot-on treatments, are designed to eliminate the mites. These treatments are usually placed on the dog’s shoulder blades to prevent them from licking the ointment. 

  • Oral Medications. Oral medications work systemically, targeting mites throughout the body. 

  • Anti-Inflammatory Medications. Corticosteroids help reduce itching and inflammation. However, these are used cautiously, especially in dogs with demodectic mange, as they can suppress the immune system further.

  • Antibiotics or Antifungals. If any secondary infections from bacteria or fungi arise, these medications may be required to address these complications.

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 since they might have mites. For solid surfaces, you can use a pet-safe disinfectant to clean these areas. 

Is There a Natural Cure for Mange in Dogs​?

While there isn’t a natural cure for mange in dogs, there are several home remedies that can be used in conjunction with your dog’s treatments. 

Popular choices include apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, and honey. These are not effective at dealing with a severe mange infestation, but they are good at relieving the symptoms and providing soothing comfort. 

How Long Does Mange Last on Dogs?

Generally, mild or localized canine mange lasts for a few weeks and months. In more severe cases, such as generalized mange, affected dogs can be expected to recover in several months after consistent treatment. 

Vet Tips: How to Prevent Dog Mites

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:

  1. 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. 

  1. 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. 

  1. 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. 

  1. Boost Your Dog’s Nutrition

A strong immune system helps keep mites away, especially Demodex. You can do this by improving your dog’s diet. Start by providing high-quality food without artificial fillers and additives. 

“Helping your dog is not just about treating its skin, it’s about restoring comfort and happiness.”

- Dr. Paulina Czerska

Final Thoughts

Canine mange is a challenging problem to deal with. Fortunately, there are several proven ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent it. With consistent care, affected dogs can eventually go back to their happy and healthy selves. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you tell if a dog has mange?

How can you tell if a dog has mange?

How can you tell if a dog has mange?

How can you tell if a dog has mange?

Can mange go away on its own?

Can mange go away on its own?

Can mange go away on its own?

Can mange go away on its own?

Should I bathe a dog with mange?

Should I bathe a dog with mange?

Should I bathe a dog with mange?

Should I bathe a dog with mange?

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