How to Cure Mange in Dogs - Identifying Mange

Mange is a skin disease caused by mites that affects many animals. In dogs, it is caused by one of three microscopic mites: Cheyletiella, Demodex, or Sarcoptes. Each one causes a different type of mange, with each presenting with similar yet varying degrees of symptoms. Because mange treatments vary by type and severity, it is essential to take your dog to a veterinarian if you suspect that he has mange. Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam, take samples of the mange, prescribe medications, and administer treatments. Keep reading to learn more about how to cure mange.

1. Bring your dog to the vet. If you suspect that your dog has mange, the first thing you should do is take him to the veterinarian. Treatments vary for the different types of mange and some medications can be toxic, so it is best to obtain an accurate diagnosis from a veterinarian who can advise you on the right course of treatment.[1]
- The process for diagnosing mange will vary from case to case. In some instances, the vet will be able to take a skin scraping from the affected area and analyze it under the microscope to look for mites or eggs.
- In situations where the mites are buried within the dog's skin -- such as in demodectic pododermatitis -- the vet may have to perform a deep biopsy to confirm the presence of mange.
- The vet will also perform a physical exam and take your pet's general health and history into account when making a diagnosis.

2. Look for symptoms of demodectic mange. Demodectic mange is characterized by thinning patches of hair that can scab over. They can be localized in one area or spread throughout the body. Demodectic mange is not contagious and cannot be transferred to humans.
- Demodectic mange -- also known as demodex or "red mange" -- is caused by mites that are transferred from mother to puppy during the first few days of life. These mites are present in all dogs and usually won't cause any problems.
- Mange occurs when mite populations proliferate in dogs with underdeveloped immune systems -- like puppies under the age of 18 months, older dogs and dogs with compromised immune systems.
- When the mites are concentrated in one or two isolated patches on the skin, this is known as localized demodectic mange, which presents as bald scaly patches, usually on the dog's face. Localized demodectic mange is most common in puppies and will usually clear up on its own with no need for treatment.
- When the mange is present in large patches or all over the dog's body, this is known as generalized demodectic mange. This type of mange produces bald, scaly patches of skin, which can be very itchy. When the dog scratches, sores can form which are susceptible to unpleasant-smelling bacterial infections. Generalized demodectic mange is most common in dogs with compromised immune systems and will require treatment.
- The most resistant form of demodectic mange is known as demodectic pododermatitis, which occurs only in the feet and is accompanied by bacterial infection. This type of mange is difficult to diagnose and treat.[2]

3. Look for symptoms of sarcoptic mange. Sarcoptic mange symptoms are similar to those of a flea infestation, and involve excessive biting and scratching at the skin, thinning of the hair and hair loss and open sores.
- Sarcoptic mange -- also known as canine scabies -- is caused by microscopic mites that are easily transferred from host to host, including humans (where it causes a red bumpy rash, similar to mosquito bites).
- In dogs, symptoms of sarcoptic mange usually develop about one week following exposure. The dog may become restless and start scratching frantically, before scaly, bald patches start appearing on its face, elbows, ears and legs.
- If the mange is not treated immediately, it may spread all over the dog's body and become more resistant to treatment.[3]

4. Look for symptoms of cheyletiella mange. Cheyletiella mange is caused by large, white mites which live on the surface of the skin and is characterized by a red bumpy rash and scaly, flaky skin in the hair along the dog's neck and spine.
- This type of mange is also known as "walking dandruff." The mites themselves that look like flakes of dandruff, so the "walking dandruff" is the mites moving around.
- Cheyletiella mange is highly contagious to other dogs (especially puppies) and can cause intense itching (although sometimes itching is completely absent). It is usually passed from puppy to puppy as a result of mite infestations in straw and animal bedding in pet shops and kennels.
- Cheyletiella mange can also be passed on to humans, causing an itchy, bumpy red rash on the arms, trunk and buttocks. However, the symptoms should disappear once the puppy has been treated, as the mites can't survive without a host for more than 10 days.
- However, as the use of straw in animal bedding is becoming less common and the use of flea-control preparations had risen, instances of cheyletiella mange are becoming less and less frequent.[4]