Author: DogsBlogSS Team
⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for consulting a veterinarian.
mange in dogs
According to PetMD,Mange — it’s one of those words that can strike fear in any dog owner’s heart. But what exactly is it? In simple terms, mange is a skin disease in dogs caused by tiny mites that live on or in their skin.
What is mange in dogs and what causes it?
According to PetMD, Mange occurs when certain mites multiply too much under a dog’s skin or in their hair follicles. There are mainly two types of mange to be aware of — those caused by mites from genus Sarcoptes and those caused by mites from genus Demodex.
- According to PetMD, With a healthy, well-balanced immune system and good skin care, these mites often live peacefully on dogs without causing problems.
- According to American Kennel Club, But if something weakens that balance — like a puppy’s immature immune system, illness, stress, or neglect — the mites may overgrow and lead to mange.
How do dogs get mange? (Is it genetic, environmental, or from other animals?)
It depends on the type of mange:
- According to PetMD,For Demodectic Mange (also called “demodex” or “red mange”), the mites often live naturally on healthy dogs in small numbers. Puppies might pick them up from their mother at birth, when they are nursing.
- According to PetMD,For Sarcoptic Mange (also known as scabies), infection typically happens via direct contact — with another dog, a wild animal, or a contaminated environment (like bedding, crates, or shared spaces).
So it’s not strictly genetic (though immune-system strength — which can be influenced by genetics or health status — matters). It can be environmental, or linked to close contact with other animals.
What is the difference between Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies) and Demodectic Mange (Demodex)?
This distinction is crucial: the two types differ in cause, how contagious they are, and what risk they pose.
- According to PetMD,Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies): Caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites burrow into the skin and cause severe irritation. It is highly contagious — among dogs, other pets, and even to humans.
- According to PetMD,Demodectic Mange (Demodex): Caused by mites like Demodex canis, D. injai, or D. cornei. These mites are normally present on dogs, living in hair follicles, usually harmless. Mange only develops when the dog’s immune system fails to keep their numbers in check. This type is generally not contagious to other pets or humans.
In short: Sarcoptic = contagious, often external; Demodectic = usually internal, tied to immunity, not contagious.
Signs and Identification: Does My Dog Have It?
Once you know what mange is, the next step is to recognize it. What should you look for?
What are the first signs and symptoms of mange? (Redness, itching, smell, hair loss)
The earliest warning signs often include:
- According to PetMD and American Kennel Club ,Intense itching and scratching, sometimes so persistent the dog seems restless.
- According to PetMD,Patchy hair loss (alopecia), sometimes progressing to larger bald areas.
- According to PetMD,Redness and inflammation, possibly accompanied by raised bumps (papules) and open sores from scratching.
- According to Petful,In many cases, secondary skin infections can occur, which may cause odor, pustules, or crusty skin.
According to PetMD,Besides visible skin problems, some dogs may also show behavioral or health changes — less energy, lower appetite, or even weight loss as discomfort builds.
What does mange look like on a dog’s skin? (Crusty patches, sores, specific locations like ears or elbows)
When mange becomes visible:
- According to PetMD and American Kennel Club,You may see crusty, scabby, or thickened skin, especially on parts of the body where fur is thinner or skin is more exposed — common spots include ears, elbows, ankles (hocks), armpits, belly, and chest.
- According to PetMD,Patches might start small — tiny spots or isolated areas — but can expand and merge, covering larger areas or even the whole body over time, especially if untreated.
- According to Petful,The affected skin may develop a “moth-eaten” appearance, with hair falling out in clumps or areas looking very thin.
- According to Petful,Sometimes, there may be a distinct odor. Some pet parents describe a “mousy” smell when mange is advanced — likely because of secondary infections and skin damage.
How can I tell the difference between mange, allergies, or a fungal infection?
This is a common and important question — because skin problems in dogs often look similar.
- With allergies, itching and redness often come along with scratching but may be more generalized and less “patchy bald” than mange; often there’s no crusty scabs or thickened skin.
- Fungal infections (like ringworm) also cause hair loss and redness, but tend to create circular patches, sometimes with flaking or “ring-like” lesions. Mange often results in more random, uneven patches, and frequently leads to crusts or thickened skin from scratching.
- If you see raised bumps, crusts, severe itching, and progressive hair loss, especially around typical mange spots (ears, elbows, chest), it leans more toward mange than a simple allergy.
- According to PetMD,Importantly: only a vet can confirm — usually by doing a skin scraping or hair plucking (looking for mites under a microscope).
Because symptoms overlap, trying to self-diagnose can delay proper treatment — and that can make things worse.
Risks and Transmission: Is It Contagious?
Many pet owners’ biggest concern: “Could I catch this? Could it spread to other pets or family members?”
Is mange contagious to humans? (Can I catch it from my dog?)
According to PetMD,It depends. If your dog has Sarcoptic Mange (scabies), there’s a risk: those mites can transfer to humans, causing itchy bumps or temporary rash. That said, these mites cannot complete their full life cycle on human skin, so they usually die off after a while.
According to PetMD,On the other hand, if your dog has Demodectic Mange, the mites involved are normally present on dogs — and they are not considered a human risk.
Is mange contagious to other dogs or cats in the household?
Again, it depends on the type:
- According to According to PetMD and American Kennel Club,For Sarcoptic Mange: yes, it’s very contagious. Close contact, shared bedding or crates, or even items like collars and toys can spread the mites among dogs — and potentially to other pets like cats.
- According to PetMD,For Demodectic Mange: generally no — because the mites are usually part of the dog’s natural skin ecosystem, and overgrowth is tied to that individual dog’s immune system rather than exposure.
Do I need to quarantine my dog if they have mange?
According to PetMD,If your dog has Sarcoptic Mange, it’s strongly recommended to isolate them from other pets and even minimize close contact with humans until a vet confirms the mites are gone — and until the environment (bedding, crates, toys, etc.) has been cleaned thoroughly.
According to PetMD,With Demodectic Mange, strict isolation isn’t typically necessary — but you still want to follow your vet’s advice, especially if there are other pets that might be vulnerable.
how to treat mange in dogs?
When it comes to mange, many owners just want relief for their dog — and they want it fast. Let’s walk through the options.
What are the most effective veterinary treatments for mange? (Oral medications, dips, spot-ons)
According to PetMD,For both major types of mange, treatments typically involve destroying the mites and managing skin inflammation or infections. According to vets cited by resources like PetMD:
- According to PetMD,Topical treatments and medicated dips or shampoos — These help clean the skin and kill mites. In some cases, vets use dips like lime-sulfur dips for scabies, or medicated shampoos for demodex or sarcoptic mange.
- According to PetMD,Oral or spot-on antiparasitic medications — These include drugs like ivermectin, milbemycin, doramectin, or newer systemic medications (depending on the dog’s health, breed, and type of mange).
- According to PetMD, If there are secondary skin infections (bacterial or yeast), antibiotics or anti-itch/anti-inflammatory medications may also be prescribed.
- According to PetMD,,Sometimes, an “Elizabethan collar” (cone) or protective suit is recommended so your dog doesn’t scratch and worsen the wounds while being treated.
According to PetMD,It’s worth noting that, especially with scabies, treatment isn’t optional — because the mites are contagious and can spread fast.
Do I need a prescription, or are there over-the-counter treatments that actually work?
According to PetMD,Most effective mange treatments require prescription-strength medications — either topical dips, systemic antiparasitics, or both.
According to Petful,Over-the-counter shampoos or home remedies may offer temporary relief (soothing itch, cleaning skin), but they do not reliably kill the mites themselves, so they shouldn’t be relied upon as sole treatment.
How much does it typically cost to treat mange?
According to Great Pet Care, treating moderate to severe mange (diagnosis, medications, vet visits) can cost between roughly $250 to $500.
According to Petful,In terms of time and effort, treatment can be intensive — sometimes involving repeated dips, regular vet visits, and follow-up testing (like skin scrapings) until mites are fully eliminated.
how to treat mange in dogs at home & Myths
Lots of dog owners search for “natural cures” online — and you’ll see many suggestions such as apple cider vinegar baths, coconut oil, or even more bizarre solutions like motor oil. Problem is: many of these ideas come from anecdotal stories on forums or social media — not from vet science.
Are there safe home remedies for mange? (Apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, etc.)
Some gentle home-based approaches might help with comfort — especially if your dog’s skin is irritated, but only as a supplementary aid, not a cure. For instance:
- According to Veterinary Care at Your Fingertips,Using gentle, oatmeal-based shampoos to calm itchiness and soothe irritated skin.
- According to Veterinary Care at Your Fingertips,If the skin isn’t broken, applying diluted apple cider vinegar or a mild oil (like olive oil) — some pet owners report temporary relief of itchiness or discomfort. But this does not kill the mites.
One pet owner on Reddit put it frankly:
“Mange is a specific skin condition caused by mites in the skin … there are many non-medical groups that benefit from advertising what people sometimes call snake oil (fake treatments).”
This captures the important point — what “sounds natural” and hopeful may not only fail — but delay proper treatment.
Is it safe to use motor oil to treat mange? (Important: This is a common but dangerous myth often searched)
No. Using motor oil (or any petroleum-based or harsh chemical) is very dangerous — for your dog’s skin, overall health, and likely ineffective at dealing with mites. These are myths that circulate online but lack any scientific support.
According to Petful,Veterinarians almost universally caution against DIY chemical treatments outside prescribed medications or vet-recommended dips.
Does sulfur dip help with mange, and how do I use it?
According to PetMD,Yes — for certain types, like sarcoptic mange — a lime-sulfur dip can be part of an effective treatment plan, when used under veterinary supervision.
According to PetMD,But it requires careful handling (protective gear, correct dilution, following vet instructions), and it may not address secondary infections or immune-related issues. That’s why many vets combine dips with systemic medications and skin-care follow-up.
Recovery and Prognosis: What to Expect
If you treat mange properly and in time, there’s good hope. But it’s not always immediate — and a few factors affect how smoothly recovery goes.
How long does it take for a dog to recover from mange?
- According to PetMD,For mild or localized Demodectic Mange, some cases may resolve spontaneously within a couple of months, especially if the dog is young and otherwise healthy.
- According to PetMD,For more serious or generalized cases — either demodex or sarcoptic — full recovery (mite elimination, skin healing, hair regrowth) may take several weeks to a few months. It depends on severity, whether there are secondary infections, and how well the dog responds to treatment.
- According to PetMD,Many vets continue miticidal (mite-killing) therapy until two consecutive skin scrapings come back negative — which ensures the mites are truly gone.
Will my dog’s hair grow back after mange treatment?
According to PetMD,Yes — in many cases. Once the mites are removed and the skin begins to heal, fur often starts regenerating.
According to Petful,However, if the mange was severe or prolonged — or if there were repeated infections or underlying immune issues — hair regrowth might be slower, patchy, or require long-term skin care.
Can mange be fatal if left untreated?
According to PetMD,Unfortunately, yes — especially in severe or neglectful cases. Prolonged scratching and open sores can lead to secondary bacterial or yeast infections, poor general health (weight loss, stress), and even systemic illness.
According to PetMD,For instance, a vet source notes that untreated generalized demodex (or scabies) “can be fatal in dogs who receive inappropriate therapy or whose underlying medical conditions are not well managed.”
Prevention
They say prevention is better than cure — and that’s especially true for mange.
How can I prevent my dog from getting mange in the future?
- Keep your dog’s immune system strong: good nutrition, regular vet check-ups, prompt care for other illnesses. A healthy dog is less likely to develop demodectic mange.
- Maintain clean living conditions — especially bedding, crates, toys, collars, and anything your dog contacts. This helps prevent sarcoptic mite exposure or re-infestation.
- Avoid letting your dog mix with unknown or stray animals — especially if you’re in a high-risk area, or during periods when mites may be more common (shelters, crowded kennels, etc.).
- According to PetMD,Use regular parasite prevention (flea, tick, mite preventatives) as recommended by your vet. Some of these help reduce the risk of mite infestations.
Does regular flea and tick medication prevent mange?
According to PetMD and American Kennel Club,Yes — to some extent. Many of the same preventatives used for fleas and ticks also help control mites. Keeping up with such preventative treatments can lower the risk of mange, especially sarcoptic mange.
Additionally, keeping up with routine vet visits — especially for puppies or older dogs — ensures early detection of potential skin issues before they spiral into full-blown mange.
Final Thoughts
Mange can be a scary diagnosis — but it’s not a hopeless one. With the right care, prompt veterinary treatment, and a little bit of patience, many dogs go on to heal fully and leave the itching and discomfort behind.
If I were you and my dog showed even minor signs — some scratching, small hairless patches, or crusty skin — I’d call the vet immediately. Because early detection makes a huge difference. Once the mites are gone and the skin starts healing, you’ll likely see soft fur growing back, a wagging tail returning, and a much happier pup.
Taking good care of their overall health, keeping their environment clean, and monitoring for unusual skin changes — that’s the best prevention. And when things go wrong, a vet is your dog’s best friend.
Notice : The DogsBlogSS editorial team is dedicated to providing accurate, research-based information about dog health, behavior, and care. All our articles are fact-checked using trusted veterinary sources such as VCA Hospitals, Merck Vet Manual, and the AKC.
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