If your dog has been diagnosed with mange, it can be difficult to understand how the disease was contracted, as well as the treatment options available. Here at Pawsome Vets, we want you to be as informed as possible so that you can truly understand your dog’s condition.  

Let’s take a look at mange in more detail, exploring the symptoms, treatment options and the road to recovery!  

Read also: Pancreatitis In Dogs & Cats  

What Is Mange In Dogs?

Mange is a skin disease in dogs that is caused by microscopic mites. These mites can live on either the surface of the skin, or within the different layers of the skin.  

Their presence can cause skin inflammation, irritation, hair loss and secondary skin infections. 

In the UK, mange can also infect wildlife, with the most common being foxes. It is highly contagious and can quickly spread between both wild animals and household pets. 

What Causes Mange in Dogs?

There are two different types of mange that can be seen in dogs. These include: 

  • Sarcoptic Mange: Also referred to as scabies, sarcoptic mange is highly contagious and can quickly spread between dogs. Scabies can also be passed to humans, so it is important to act as quickly as possible. 
  • Demodectic Mange: This type of mange is caused by an overgrowth of skin mites called demodex. These are naturally occurring mites on mammals (yes, even on humans!) but an overpopulation can cause health problems. Demodectic mange is not usually contagious.

Mange occurs when either type of skin mite multiplies and gets out of control quickly. The type of mange can depend whether the condition is contagious, as well as the severity of symptoms. 

What Are The Symptoms of Mange in Dogs?

There are a variety of different symptoms that can occur due to mange in dogs. Depending on the type of mange, there can be more specific symptoms, but many are similar. 

  1. Intense itching: Seen in both types of mange, but particularly sarcoptic mange, severe and intense itching can occur. You may see your dog constantly scratching and biting at their skin that can often get worse in the evening. 
  2. Alopecia (hair loss): Common hair loss sites include the ears, elbows, stomach, chest and legs and can be patchy or widespread across the body. In cases of demodectic cases, hair loss can start around the face. 
  3. Scabs and crusting skin: Thick scabs and crusts can occur on the skin, especially on the elbows, hocks and ears. Skin can look rough and sore in appearance. 
  4. Red skin appearance: Patches of sore, red skin can occur in patches or across the entire body. The skin often looks bright red, irritated and hot to the touch. 
  5. Thick skin: The skin can look thick and tough, not smooth and soft like normal. It is often hyperpigmented and leathery in appearance. 
  6. Discomfort: Dogs with mange are usually restless and unsettled due to persistent itching. 
  7. Infections: As a result of mange, dogs can contract secondary skin infections. This can cause a bad smell, discharge and greasy skin. Bacterial or yeast infections are the most common.  

How To Treat Mange In Dogs

Whilst this all may sound pretty scary, the good news is that mange is completely treatable in dogs. The treatment can vary depending on the type of mange, but the main goal is to eradicate the mites, treat the skin inflammation and manage any infection. 

  • Sarcoptic Mange Treatment: If we diagnose your dog with sarcoptic mange, it is important that all dogs within the same household are treated. This is because sarcoptic mange is highly contagious.We may prescribe parasiticide medication to use regularly in order to kill the mites causing the mange. Repeated doses are often recommended to ensure the mites are killed and reduces the mange reoccurring in the future.  
  • Demodectic Mange Treatment: With demodectic mange usually being localised to one dog, treatment of other animals is unlikely. Similar to sarcoptic mange, parasiticides are usually prescribed in order to treat the overproduction of mites. 
  • Treatment of skin infections: If mange has caused a skin infection, antibiotics and antifungals may be prescribed in order to help the skin to repair. In many cases, medicated shampoos may be prescribed to aid with skin healing. 

How Is Mange Diagnosed?

Mange can be diagnosed by using a combination of clinical signs and skin testing. Rest assured our Pawsome team will be able to diagnose and prescribe the appropriate treatment.  

Our skilled team of veterinary surgeons will be able to perform a clinical exam and observe the symptoms that are present. Different types of symptoms usually identify whether it is sarcoptic or demodectic mange present. 

Skin scrapes: Our team may carry out a procedure called skin scraping. This is where a blade is used to scrape the skin to be able to collect samples from the different layers. The scrapings are then observed under a microscope to identify what mites are present.  

Hair plucks: Hair can be removed from your pet and observed under the microscope. This can reveal whether there are mites present within the hair follicles.  

Tape strips: Tape may be placed onto the skin to remove the top surface. This collects any debris, mites and skin cells helping to support further diagnosis. 

Can Dogs Be Cured From Mange?

Yes, with a quick diagnosis and treatment, dogs can be cured from mange. Recovery from mange depends on the type of mange and severity, but many dogs do very well. 

Following treatment and depending on the severity of the disease, many dogs are fully recovered after 4 – 12 weeks.  

Final Thoughts

Mange can be worrying for any owner, especially when your dog seems unhappy. However, our Pawsome team will be able to diagnose and treat the condition quickly and effectively. 

Early diagnosis makes a big difference, so it’s important that if you notice any symptoms that you contact us on 01623 203529.  

At Pawsome Vets, we’re committed to helping your dog feel like their normal selves as quickly as possible. 

FAQs

Can mange come back in dogs? 

Yes, mange can come back in dogs. We recommend treating your pet with monthly parasiticides to reduce the risk of mites.   

Psst… we have a handy pay monthly plan for this! 

Can mange spread to cats? 

Yes, mange can spread to cats, but this depends on what type of mange is originally present. Sarcoptic mange can occasionally spread to cats, but it is unlikely that demodectic mange would affect them.  

Can mange in dogs affect humans? 

Sarcoptic mange can affect humans as it is considered zoonotic (transmissible between animals and people). The mites cannot complete their life cycle on humans, but you may need to visit a GP.