What is Mange?

Mange is one of the most common skin disease on dogs. There are several types of mange, sarcoptic, demodectic and cheyletiellosis. Let's focus on the demodectic and sarcoptic mange.

So what is it?

- Demodectic mange is caused by a mite called demodex which lives deep inside hair follicles of our dogs. As a matter of fact, all dogs have the demodex mites but in small numbers. The problem arises when an outbreak occurs especially during puppy stage where immune system is under developed and on older dogs that have weak or compromised immune systems.

Typical signs of demodectic mange are a few localized patches of hair loss where the skin may look normal. Moderate itching may or may not be present. As the outbreak increase, hair loss starts to cover bigger parts of the dog and the itchiness intensifies.

To diagnose the condition, skin scrapings on different areas affected  needs to be performed by your veterinarian and the result/count will indicate how severe the outbreak is.

Due to it's nature, demodectic mange is not contagious to people and other animals. Mild cases often resolve on its own without medical treatment when the dog's immune system copes up and take control of the outbreak. In severe cases though, antibiotics and immune boosting supplements are given, medicated dips are likewise performed for better control of the mites.


- Sarcoptic mange is caused by microscpic mites called sarcoptes scabei mites. It burrows deep inside the skin of it's host that causes severe itchiness. The skin thickens also known as scabies.This type of mange is extremely contagious both on people and other pets. It transferred via direct contact of already infected dogs. It usually starts in the edges of the ears, abdomen, elbows and will spread in the entire body if not treated.

Diagnosis of sarcoptic mange is a bit tricky, skin scraping is just 50% conclusive because the mites are buried deep in the skin. However, treatment is fairly simple for this type of skin disease. Treatment involves a series of shots of Ivermectin, medicated dips of Mitaban also known as Amitraz and some antibiotics to avoid infection of skin wounds caused by severe itching.