Dec 4, 2024
Mange is a skin condition brought by tiny mites that make their way into a dog’s skin. This leads to irritation, itching, and often hair loss. While it sounds alarming, mange is a treatable condition with the right care and attention.
Mange can affect dogs of all breeds and ages, but puppies, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems are more at risk. However, with prompt diagnosis and proper treatment, most dogs recover fully from mange and return to their happy, tail-wagging selves.
Types of Mange in Dogs
Mange comes in two primary forms in dogs: sarcoptic mange and demodectic mange. While mites cause both types, they differ in how they develop, spread, and affect dogs. However, there are also other types of mange that are not as common as the first two, but can still be concerning.
Sarcoptic Mange
Sarcoptic mange is caused by microscopic mites called Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites burrow into a dog’s skin, causing intense itching and irritation. Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious and can easily spread through direct contact.
Dogs with sarcoptic mange often scratch excessively, leading to redness, scabs, and hair loss, especially around the ears, elbows, and belly. This mange can also spread to humans, causing temporary skin irritation, so prompt treatment is essential.
How Dogs Contract Sarcoptic Mange
These mites spread easily through direct contact with an infected dog or animal. For instance, your dog might pick up these mites at a park or boarding facility or even from a fox or other wildlife.
Indirect transmission is also possible. Mites can survive for short periods on surfaces like bedding, collars, or grooming tools. If a dog comes into contact with these contaminated items, they can become infested.
Symptoms of Sarcoptic Mange
Severe Itching and Scratching
The hallmark of sarcoptic mange is relentless itching, which begins suddenly and intensifies as the infestation grows. Dogs will often scratch themselves raw, causing open sores and creating a risk of secondary infections. 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 constant scratching lead to widespread redness and irritation. Over time, the skin becomes inflamed, swollen, and may develop pustules.
Patchy Hair Loss
Scratching and irritation often result in noticeable bald patches. These are most commonly found in areas like the ears, elbows, and ankles but can spread across the body if untreated.
Crusting and Scaling
As the infestation progresses, the skin can become thickened and crusty. Scabs and flaky skin are common, especially in areas where the scratching has caused injury.
Behavioral Changes
Dogs with sarcoptic mange often appear restless, agitated, or lethargic due to the constant discomfort. Their quality of life can decline rapidly if the condition is not addressed.
Demodectic Mange
Demodex canis mites are the cause of demodectic mange. These mites naturally live on a dog’s skin and hair follicles. However, in dogs with compromised immune systems, this type of mange can be dangerous.
Thankfully, demodectic mange is not contagious. It often appears as patchy hair loss and scaly skin, particularly on the face, paws, and legs. While mild cases may resolve independently, more severe cases can lead to secondary bacterial infections that require treatment.
How Dogs Contract Demodectic Mange
Demodex mites are usually passed from mother dogs to their puppies shortly after birth. These mites are naturally present in nearly all dogs and typically coexist harmlessly within the hair follicles and skin.
Symptoms of Demodectic Mange
While these mites are harmless under normal conditions, they can overpopulate when a dog’s immune system is compromised, leading to the following symptoms:
Localized Hair Loss
The first sign of demodectic mange is often small, round patches of hair loss. These patches frequently appear on the face, especially around the eyes, mouth, and muzzle, giving the dog a patchy or moth-eaten look.
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 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."
Cheyletiellosis Mange
Cheyletiellosis mange, otherwise known as “walking dandruff,” is caused by Cheyletiella mites. The name comes from the characteristic white specks these mites create as they move across a dog’s 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.
How Dogs Contract Cheyletiellosis Mange
The mange is highly contagious and can spread through contact with infected animals. Dogs can pick up these mites from other pets or shared environments, like boarding facilities and shelters.
Unlike sarcoptic mites, 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 Cheyletiollosis
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.
Mild Itching
Dogs with Cheyletiella mites might not scratch a lot, but there is a chance that they might get allergic reactions, which can cause mild scratching.
Visible Mites
In some cases, you can see the mites themselves moving on the skin’s surface. These mites are larger than other mange-causing species, making them easier to spot during a close inspection.
Otodectic Mange
Otodectic mange, caused by Otodectes cynotis mites, primarily affects the ears. These types of mites feed on the wax and oils inside a dog’s ear canal, causing discomfort and inflammation.
How Dogs Contract Ear Mites
Otodectic mange, caused by Otodectes cynotis mites, spreads through direct contact with an infested pet. These mites are more commonly seen in cats but can affect dogs, particularly those in multi-pet households. Puppies are especially vulnerable due to their close proximity to littermates during early development.
Once inside the ear canal, the mites feed on wax and oils, causing irritation and inflammation. If this is left untreated, the infestation can spread to the dog’s head and neck.
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. This behavior is a response to the irritation from the mites in the ear canal.
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, and in severe cases, scabs or crusts can develop around the ear openings.
Diagnosing Mange in Dogs
Before we treat your dog’s mange, we must first determine the type of mange present. Using some of these methods, we can accurately diagnose mange in your dogs.
Veterinary Examination
The diagnostic process starts with a complete physical examination of your dog. Our vets will closely inspect your dog’s skin for signs of mange, such as redness, scabs, hair loss, or scaling. They may also ask about your dog’s medical history, recent interactions with other animals, and any changes in behavior or environment that could indicate exposure to mites.
Skin Scrapings
Skin scraping is the most common diagnostic test for mange. Using a scalpel or blade, the veterinarian gently scrapes the surface of the skin in affected areas to collect a sample. This sample is then examined under a microscope to look for mites or their eggs.
Treating Mange in Dogs
Treatment will follow after we know what the situation is. Each treatment process will depend on your dog’s condition and the type of mange present. Here’s a general overview of how we treat your dog’s mange:
Medications
Medications are the cornerstone of mange treatment, helping to kill mites and reduce inflammation caused by their activity.
Topical Treatments
Prescription-strength creams, ointments, or spot-on treatments are often used to kill mites directly on the skin. Products containing ingredients like selamectin are effective against sarcoptic and otodectic mange.
Oral Medications
Oral treatments are commonly prescribed for sarcoptic and demodectic mange. These medications work systemically, targeting mites throughout the body.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Corticosteroids are one of the most popular options to reduce itching and inflammation, though 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, additional medications may be required to address these complications.
Baths and Dips
Medicated baths or dips are often used in conjunction with other treatments, especially for sarcoptic and demodectic mange.
Lime Sulfur Dips
Lime sulfur dips are effective at killing mites and soothing irritated skin. While highly effective, these treatments have a strong odor and may temporarily stain the dog’s coat.
Medicated Shampoos
Medicated shampoos can help cleanse the skin, remove debris, and treat secondary infections. They work by keeping your dog’s coat clean while also being particularly useful for dogs with crusty lesions or severe scaling.
Environmental Cleaning
For contagious forms of mange, such as sarcoptic mange, walking dandruff, or otodectic mange, treating the environment is just as important as treating the dog. Mites can survive on surfaces for short periods, posing a risk of re-infestation.
Cleaning Bedding and Toys
Wash all bedding, blankets, and toys in hot water and dry them on high heat. Discard items that cannot be thoroughly cleaned.
Vacuuming
Vacuum carpets, furniture, and floors frequently to remove mites and debris. Dispose of vacuum bags immediately after cleaning.
Disinfecting Surfaces
Use pet-safe disinfectants to clean kennels, crates, and other areas your dog frequently uses.
Treating Other Pets
If you have multiple pets, consult us about treating them as a precaution, even if they don’t show symptoms. This is especially important for sarcoptic mange, walking dandruff, and otodectic mange, which are highly contagious.
Conclusion
Mange in dogs can be a troubling condition, but with the right knowledge and care, it’s both manageable and treatable. Each type of mange can bring problems that require a tailored approach to treatment and diligent follow-up care. With our help, we’ll bring your dog’s shiny and beautiful coat back to life.