What is Mange in Dogs?
Mange is a skin disease caused by microscopic mites that burrow into a dog’s skin. There are two main types of mange mites that affect dogs: sarcoptic mange and demodectic mange. Sarcoptic mange is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite while demodectic mange is caused by the Demodex canis mite [1]. There is also a third type called cheyletiella mange caused by Cheyletiella mites.
Sarcoptic mange causes severe itching, redness, and hair loss. The mites burrow under the skin and lay their eggs, causing irritation and allergic reactions. Demodectic mange usually causes hair loss, scaly skin, and sometimes itching. Cheyletiella mange leads to dandruff, itchiness, and hair loss typically focused on the back of the dog. All types of mange are highly contagious between dogs.
Common symptoms of mange include:
– Intense itchiness and scratching
– Hair loss and bald patches
– Redness, scabbing, and crusting of the skin
– Scaling, flaking, or thickening of skin
Causes of Mange
Mange in dogs is caused by microscopic mites that burrow into the skin and cause irritation. There are two main types of mange mites that affect dogs:
Demodectic mange is caused by the Demodex mite, which lives in hair follicles. Puppies often get demodectic mange from their mother in the first few weeks of life when their immune systems are still developing. Demodex mites only cause problems when a dog’s immunity is low. Demodectic Mange in Dogs – VCA Animal Hospitals
Sarcoptic mange is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, which burrows and tunnels in the skin. Dogs can get sarcoptic mange from contact with infected animals. The mites easily spread between dogs. Mange on Dog – Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment
In addition to mites, there are other factors that can make a dog prone to developing mange:
- Weakened immune system – Dogs with weaker immunity are more susceptible to mange mites.
- Hereditary factors – Some dog breeds seem more genetically prone to mange.
Can a Dirty House Lead to Mange?
There is no direct evidence that a dirty house causes mange in dogs. However, unsanitary conditions can increase the risk and allow mange mites to thrive (Source). Mange is caused by parasitic mites that live on dogs’ skin. A dirty environment provides an ideal habitat for these mites to multiply and spread.
Mange mites like Demodex caninos thrive in warm, humid, dark environments. A dirty home with little ventilation, piles of clutter, and poor sanitation can mimic these ideal mite conditions. The mites can then easily spread between dogs who share bedding, toys, and living spaces (Source).
While unsanitary housing does not directly cause mange, it allows mites to proliferate. Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene can help control mites and reduce the chances of mange developing or worsening. But mange often depends more on the dog’s immune health rather than just environmental factors.
Maintaining a Clean Home
Keeping your home clean is an important way to prevent and manage mange in dogs. A dirty environment can harbor mites, bacteria, and allergens that can exacerbate mange symptoms. Here are some tips for maintaining a clean home with dogs:
Regular vacuuming is crucial for managing mites and reducing allergens. Invest in a high-quality vacuum cleaner designed for homes with pets that has strong suction to remove hair and dander (source). Vacuum floors, furniture, pet beds, and other surfaces frequently.
Wash your dog’s bedding at least once a week in hot water to kill any mites or eggs (source). Replace bedding regularly.
Bathe dogs regularly, such as once a month, to control mites and skin infections associated with mange. Use a dog-safe shampoo and lukewarm water (source).
Disinfect hard surfaces like floors and counters with pet-safe cleaners to kill mites. Focus on areas your dog frequents. Bleach solutions may be effective but check with your vet (source).
With diligent cleaning habits, you can maintain a sanitary home environment that promotes your dog’s health and reduces mange risks.
Treating Mange
There are several treatment options available for dogs with mange depending on the type and severity. Medicated dips and shampoos containing ingredients like amitraz, lime sulfur, or selenium sulfide are often used to kill mites on the skin and coat. These dips and shampoos need to be administered frequently, sometimes weekly, for several weeks to fully clear the mange infection.
Oral medications may also be prescribed, most commonly milbemycin oxime or ivermectin. These help kill mites from the inside out. Antibiotics like doxycycline may be given as well if the skin is infected from mange-related lesions and scratching. Treatments usually need to be continued for 4-8 weeks and sometimes longer for severe infections.
No single treatment is 100% effective on its own so combination therapy with both topical and systemic medication is often required. All family pets should be treated at the same time to prevent re-infection. Even after treatment, rechecks and repeat skin scrapings are done to confirm the mites are fully eliminated before stopping medication.
Preventing Mange
There are several steps dog owners can take to help prevent mange in their pets:
Keep dogs well-groomed. Regular brushing and bathing can remove mites before they take hold and begin burrowing into the skin. Be sure to dispose of brushes and combs that may harbor mites after each grooming session. According to WagWalking, keeping your dog’s bedding, toys, and collar clean is also important for mange prevention.
Check for parasites. Ask your vet to periodically inspect your dog’s skin and coat for any signs of mites or skin irritation. Catching an infestation early makes treatment easier. Nexgard recommends checking dogs who spend time outdoors hunting or swimming, as they have a higher risk of encountering parasites.
Boost immune health. Dogs with stronger immune systems are less susceptible to mange. Feed a high-quality diet, use nutritional supplements if needed, and minimize stress to support your dog’s defenses against parasites and infections.
Isolate infected dogs. If one dog in a home gets mange, isolate them from other dogs and pets. Thoroughly clean any shared bedding, bowls, collars etc. to prevent spreading mites between animals. Once treated, the dog should no longer pose a contagion risk.
Mange Risk Factors
Certain dogs are at higher risk of developing mange than others due to factors that make them more susceptible. According to the AKC[1], the following dogs are most at risk:
- Young dogs under 18 months old, as their immune systems are still developing
- Senior dogs over age 7, as their immune systems may be declining
- Sick or immunocompromised dogs with conditions like Cushing’s disease or cancer
- Dogs in close contact with infected dogs, through activities like grooming, boarding, or breeding
Mange mites easily spread between dogs in close contact. So dogs that live together or interact often at places like dog parks are at higher risk of transmitting mange between each other if one dog is infected.
Overall, any dog with a weakened or underdeveloped immune system is most prone to developing mange. Close contact with infected dogs also facilitates the spread of mange mites.
[1] https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/mange-what-you-need-to-know/
When to See a Vet
Mange can be extremely uncomfortable for dogs with persistent itching and hair loss. See your vet promptly if you notice the following signs of mange:
- Extreme or persistent itchiness and scratching leading to hair loss
- Red, irritated skin
- Thick yellow crusts or scaly patches on the skin
- Skin infections
Your vet can take skin scrapings or do a visual exam to diagnose mange. Early treatment is important to relieve discomfort and prevent the infection from worsening. According to the American Kennel Club, mild cases of mange often clear up with proper treatment in 4-8 weeks. More severe cases make take up to 4-5 months to fully resolve.
VCA Animal Hospitals notes that dogs with weak immune systems may be more susceptible to mange. Puppies under a year old, senior dogs, and dogs with other health conditions should be evaluated promptly if mange symptoms arise.
With treatment, the prognosis for dogs with mange is good. Your vet will likely prescribe oral or topical medications to kill the mites along with antibiotics for any secondary infections. Be sure to follow your vet’s instructions carefully and complete the full course of treatment.
Outlook for Dogs with Mange
The prognosis for dogs with mange is generally positive with prompt veterinary treatment. Most cases of localized mange resolve within 4-8 weeks when treated properly. Even generalized mange tends to respond well when treated, according to VCA Hospitals.
However, the outlook worsens if mange goes untreated. Demodectic mange especially can become chronic and lead to secondary skin infections. Sarcoptic mange also progressively worsens without treatment. So early intervention is important for the best prognosis.
Certain dogs may be at higher risk of complications from mange. Puppies, elderly dogs, and those with weakened immune systems tend to develop more stubborn cases. These dogs may require longer treatment courses and have a higher likelihood of relapse down the road, according to PetMD. But with attentive care from a veterinarian, even high-risk dogs can fully recover.
Key Takeaways
Mange in dogs is caused by microscopic mites that burrow into the skin and hair follicles, not by dirty home conditions. However, maintaining good sanitation and hygiene can help prevent the spread of mange between dogs.
Mange is very treatable with medications prescribed by a veterinarian, frequent bathing, and topical treatments. At the first signs of hair loss, skin irritation, or excessive scratching, it’s important to take your dog to the vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.
With prompt veterinary care and by following treatment instructions carefully, most dogs fully recover from mange. Left untreated, mange can worsen and cause serious illness. Prevention involves keeping dogs clean and parasite-free.