Mange in dogs: what is it and how is it treated?

What is mange in dogs?

Mange is a highly contagious skin condition which is caused by tiny mites burrowing and laying eggs under your dog’s skin. It causes severe itching and painful skin irritation, which can lead to more serious issues like bacterial infections. Mange can affect specific areas or can affect their whole body.

There are two types of mite that can cause mange in dogs – the sarcoptic mite and the demodectic mite. 
Sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies, is very contagious and can be passed between dogs, as well as occasionally to cats and in some cases, to humans. It is known to cause extremely itchy and irritated skin.

Demodectic mange, also known as red mange, is most commonly passed from a mother to her puppies while nursing, but isn’t considered contagious to other dogs, pets or people. Demodectic mange is rarely itchy, but causes patches of skin loss, often around the face.

Key points

• Mange is caused by skin mites
• Early signs of mange include extreme itching, inflamed skin, hair loss, and sores
• In severe cases, it can lead to lethargy, weight loss, and loss of appetite
• It comes in two forms: sarcoptic mange (highly contagious) and demodectic mange (not contagious)
• Sarcoptic mange spreads easily through direct contact with infected dogs or contaminated bedding and brushes
• Treatment may include topical treatments, medications for secondary infections, and ongoing maintenance

How do dogs get mange?

Dogs can easily get sarcoptic mange from direct contact with an infected dog. They can also catch it from areas or items infested with mites, like beds or grooming tools. As some mites can also infect cats, you should check all pets in your home for signs of mange.

What does mange look like on a dog?

Early stage signs of mange to look out for include:

• Sudden, extreme itching - dogs may scratch their skin with their paws but can also rub against the floor/furniture or lick and chew excessively at their skin
• Inflamed (red) patches of skin
• Hair loss
• Sores with thick yellow crusts or blood
• Patches of thickened skin
• Trouble sleeping (as the mites are most active during the night)

In more severe cases of mange, you might notice signs of:

• Lethargy
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Lack of appetite 
• Weight loss

Will a dog’s mange go away by itself without treatment?

Your dog should be seen by a vet if they’re showing signs of mange. Without treatment, the mites can keep multiplying, causing your dog more discomfort. Delaying treatment could also lead to more serious health problems.

On a more positive note, dogs can usually be cured of mange if they receive appropriate treatment and any underlying issues are addressed. 

When to see a vet

It's best to get in touch with your vet as soon as you suspect your dog has mange or any other uncomfortable skin condition. The earlier they start treatment the sooner they can stop the infestation, ease your dog’s discomfort, and prevent further complications.

Mange treatment for dogs

The plan your vet suggests for treating your dog's mange will depend on the severity of their condition and their symptoms. It will typically include:

Treating skin problems: Easing pain or discomfort caused by itchiness or skin irritation, for example giving anti-inflammatory and pain medication, or dressing wounds.

Killing mites: Topical treatments like spot-on solution or tablets might be used to control and eventually get rid of the infestation. Most treatments only target adult mites, so treatments may need to be repeated to catch the mite eggs and larvae as they develop into adults.

Treating secondary infections: Prescribing medication to treat issues caused by the infestation, such as bacterial infections.

Ongoing maintenance: Your vet may want to see your dog more than once over the course of the treatment, to check that they are free of mites and that their skin is healing. They may also give advice on how to keep your dog’s coat and skin in best condition going forward.

Check for underlying problems: whereas sarcoptic mange can infect any dog, demodectic mange usually only affects adult dogs if they are immunocompromised, so your vet may suggest checking them over for any underlying health conditions. 

Is mange painful for dogs?

The itchiness caused by mange will not only make your dog extremely uncomfortable but the irritation and sores as a result of constant scratching will be painful for them. Not to mention if the sores become infected it can lead to even more serious complications. That’s why it’s worth getting in touch with your vet when you spot the earliest signs of mange.

Which dogs are most at risk of mange?

Sarcoptic mange can affect male and female dogs of any breed and age. Some studies have found that young dogs are most often affected; however, older dogs and those with weak immune systems are also at risk.
Demodectic mange is most common in puppies and young dogs, but can also affect adult dogs with immune problems or underlying health conditions. One study from the Royal Veterinary College identified breeds with increased risk of demodectic mange as adults as Shar Peis, Shih Tzus, West Highland White Terriers, Boxers and Border Terriers.

Can humans get mange from a dog?

Some types of mange can be passed from dogs to humans and cause skin irritation, but this is unusual, and the mites don’t usually live long afterwards. Your vet can give you advice on how to prevent catching mange from your dog.

Dealing with mange in puppies

Puppies with mange will display many of the same signs as older dogs, but they are more susceptible to other issues due to their less developed immune systems. So, while you should take any dog with mange symptoms to see a vet quickly, this is even more important for puppies and dogs with weakened immune systems.

Preventing mange

Keeping your dog’s flea and tick medication up to date and regularly grooming them to spot any new skin problems are the best ways to avoid mange. Frequent cleaning and disinfecting of their bedding and grooming tools is also a good habit to avoid any future infestations.
 

Need help and advice on mange in dogs?

For expert advice on how to treat mange in dogs, contact your local vet.

Find your nearest vet using our Find a Vet page, or speak to a vet online using Online Vets.

Sources

MSD Manual - Mite Infestation (Mange, Acariasis, Scabies) in Dogs
Royal Veterinary College - Study into the top dog breeds affected with demodicosis
PubMed - Investigation into risk factors of sarcoptic mange in dogs
Cornell University - Sarcoptic mange (scabies)
AVMA - External Parasites