What to Know About Mange in Dogs

Posted by By Mukesh Pathak 3 Min Read
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What to Know About Mange in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Mange is a skin condition in dogs caused by various types of mites, leading to intense itching, hair loss, and skin infections. Understanding mange is crucial for effective treatment and prevention. This guide will explore the different types of mange, their causes, symptoms, and how to manage and prevent this condition.

What Is Mange?

Mange is a term used to describe skin infections caused by parasitic mites. There are two primary types of mange in dogs:

  1. Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies): Caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, this highly contagious type affects the skin’s surface and can spread quickly to other animals and humans.
  2. Demodectic Mange (Demodicosis): Caused by the Demodex mites, this type is less contagious and typically occurs when a dog’s immune system is compromised. It is often seen in puppies or dogs with underlying health issues.

Causes of Mange

Mange is caused by different types of mites:

  1. Sarcoptic Mange: This type is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, which burrows into the skin and causes severe itching and inflammation.
  2. Demodectic Mange: This type is caused by the Demodex canis mite, which lives in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. It usually becomes problematic when the dog’s immune system is weakened.
  3. Other Factors: Poor nutrition, stress, and environmental factors can contribute to the development of mange by compromising the dog’s immune system.

Symptoms of Mange

The symptoms of mange can vary depending on the type but generally include:

  1. Intense Itching: Both types of mange cause severe itching and discomfort, leading dogs to scratch, bite, or chew at their skin.
  2. Hair Loss: Affected areas may show patches of hair loss. In Sarcoptic mange, hair loss often starts around the ears, elbows, and abdomen. In Demodectic mange, hair loss is usually more localized and can occur anywhere on the body.
  3. Redness and Inflammation: The skin may become red, inflamed, and develop secondary infections due to constant scratching.
  4. Scabs and Crusts: Particularly in Sarcoptic mange, the skin can develop scabs and crusts as the mites cause severe irritation.
  5. Odor: Secondary bacterial infections can lead to a foul smell emanating from the affected areas.
  6. Thickened Skin: In chronic cases of Demodectic mange, the skin may become thickened and rough.