What is Mange In Dogs - Symptoms & Treatment

Dogs, like humans, can experience various skin conditions, ranging from mild allergies to more severe diseases. Mange is one of the most serious skin diseases in dogs and requires prompt veterinary attention. This inflammatory condition is caused by an infestation of microscopic mites, specifically of the Demodex genus. These mites can inhabit the hair follicles and skin, leading to significant health issues if left untreated.

When mites overpopulate a dog's skin, they can cause severe inflammation, skin lesions, genetic disorders, immune system complications, and hair loss. The type and severity of mange symptoms often depends on the specific mite species involved.

Types of Mange and Symptoms

There are two different kinds of Mange:

1. Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies): 

Caused by Sarcoptic scabiei mites. 

Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious to other dogs and can even be transmitted to humans (though usually temporary). 

Symptoms include intense itching, crusty skin lesions, hair loss, and skin redness. 

2. Demodectic Mange

Caused by Demodex mites, which are naturally present on all dogs' skin. While it’s less contagious than sarcoptic mange, it needs to be addressed by your veterinarian.

There are two types of demodectic mange:

Localized Mange: This type affects small, specific areas of the dog’s body, commonly the face. Puppies are most susceptible to localized demodectic mange, and the majority of cases resolve on their own without medical intervention.

Generalized Mange: This more severe form can spread across large areas of the dog’s body or even cover it entirely. Generalized mange often leads to secondary bacterial infections, causing intense itching, redness, scaling, and a foul odor. Lesions may also develop, exacerbating the discomfort. Immediate veterinary care is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Some of the symptoms include the following:

• Intense itching 

• Hair loss 

• Redness and inflammation of the skin

• Skin crusting and scaling

• Skin thickening

• Scratching and biting at the skin

• Dandruff

Another challenging type is demodectic pododermatitis, which is confined to the feet. This form is particularly tough to treat as it often involves bacterial infections in the affected

Diagnosing Mange

Veterinarians typically use skin scrapings to diagnose mange in dogs. In some cases, plucking hairs for microscopic examination can help identify the specific type of mite causing the issue. If symptoms suggest other underlying conditions, urine tests or additional diagnostics may be performed to rule out metabolic disorders or bacterial infections in hair follicles.

Causes of Mange

The exact causes of mange in dogs are not fully understood. However, genetic factors and immune system deficiencies appear to play a significant role. Dogs with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop mange.

Stress and poor living conditions can also contribute to the onset of mange. Dogs that are malnourished or live in overcrowded, unsanitary environments are at higher risk. Additionally, certain breeds may have a genetic predisposition to mange due to their skin and coat characteristics.

 If a mother dog has mange, it’s advisable to spay her to prevent passing the condition to future litters.

Treatment Options

Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam and may scrape skin samples to examine under a microscope for mites. Your vet might use a wood’s lamp which is a special light can be used to help identify certain types of mange.

Treatment for mange depends on the severity and type of the condition:

Localized Mange: In most cases, this form resolves on its own without requiring extensive treatment. Approximately 90% of localized mange cases disappear spontaneously.

Generalized Mange: Severe cases may require long-term medications, including oral, injectable, or topical treatments. Lime-sulfur dips are a common method for alleviating symptoms, though they often come with side effects such as restlessness, tremors, appetite loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and reduced body temperature. It’s essential to have your veterinarian monitor your dog throughout treatment to manage any adverse reactions.

Other treatment options include medicated shampoos and dips. These treatments are chemical-based and may cause side effects, so they should be used under veterinary supervision.

Natural Remedies for Mild Cases

If mange is not severe, natural remedies may help alleviate symptoms and support recovery.

These include:

Dietary Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins can reduce itching, improve skin health, and boost the immune system.

Tea Tree Shampoo: Use shampoos free of oatmeal, as oatmeal can exacerbate skin issues.

Lyme-Sulfur Dip: This all-natural treatment can relieve mange but has an unpleasant odor.

Topical Applications: Natural oils such as garlic, Neem, and lavender can soothe irritated skin and aid healing.

Regardless of the treatment method, follow-up care with your veterinarian is critical. Skin scrapings should be performed regularly to monitor progress and confirm the reduction of mites. For chronic or severe cases, ongoing medication may be necessary.

Preventing Mange

Prevention is key to reducing the risk of mange. Maintain your dog’s overall health with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and annual veterinary checkups. Early intervention is crucial if you notice skin sensitivity, excessive itching, or other concerning symptoms.

Regular brushing and bathing you dog can help remove loose skin and reduce the risk of infestation.

Since the immune system in puppies matures between 12 and 18 months, young dogs may experience relapses of mange during this time. Prompt treatment of relapses can prevent more serious complications.

Keep your dog away from other dogs with known mange infections.  

If you suspect your dog has Mange, it is important to consult your veterinarian immediately. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical or effective management and preventing complications.