Mange in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

If your dog is scratching nonstop, losing patches of fur, or just doesn’t seem like their usual self, mange might be the reason. While the word “mange” might sound old-fashioned or even a little scary, mange in dogs is actually more common than many pet owners realize, and it’s treatable with the right care.

Mange is caused by microscopic mites that burrow into your dog’s skin, triggering intense irritation and hair loss. Some forms are contagious to other pets (and even people), while others stem from underlying health issues. But regardless of the cause, the sooner it’s identified, the better your dog’s chances for a smooth recovery.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: what mange looks like, how it spreads, how to treat mange, and what you can do to help your dog feel comfortable again.

What Is Mange in Dogs?

“Mange” refers to a group of skin conditions caused by microscopic mites that burrow into or live on a dog’s skin. These mites cause intense itchiness, inflammation, hair loss, sores, and secondary infections. Because the mites themselves are tiny and invisible to the naked eye, mange is typically identified based on the characteristic symptoms and confirmed by a veterinarian.

There are different types of mange, and each one affects dogs in slightly different ways. While some forms are contagious, others result from an overgrowth of mites that normally live on the skin. Regardless of the type, early detection and treatment are key to your dog’s comfort and health.

Types of Mange in Dogs

There are two main categories of mange that veterinarians see in dogs:

• Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies) – Caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. These mites burrow into the skin, causing intense itching, redness, and hair loss. Sarcoptic mange in dogs is highly contagious to other dogs and can cause irritation in humans, too.
• Demodectic Mange (Demodex) – Caused by Demodex mites, which normally live in small numbers on a dog’s skin. When the immune system is weakened or immature (as in puppies), these mites can overgrow and cause symptoms. Demodectic mange is not usually considered contagious.

Both types can be uncomfortable and distressing for your dog, but they require different approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of Mange in Dogs

Symptoms can vary depending on the type of mange and how advanced it is, but common signs include:

• Intense Itching and Scratching – Dogs with mange can become extremely itchy, biting or chewing at their skin relentlessly. In sarcoptic mange, the scratching is often severe and persistent.
• Hair Loss – Patches of thinning or missing hair often appear around the face, elbows, legs, or abdomen. Left untreated, hair loss may spread.
• Red, Inflamed Skin – The skin may be red, raw, or irritated from both the mites’ activity and your dog’s scratching.
• Scaly or Crusty Skin – As the condition progresses, the skin can become flaky, scabby, or crusted over.
• Secondary Skin Infections – Constant scratching can break the skin, allowing bacteria to enter and cause painful, oozy infections.
• Thickened Skin – In chronic cases, the skin can become thick or leathery due to repeated irritation.
• Foul Odor – Infected or poorly cared-for mange can lead to unpleasant odors as bacteria and yeast take hold.
• Behavioral Changes – A once relaxed dog might become restless, irritable, or reluctant to be touched due to discomfort.

Often, noticing these symptoms early makes a big difference in how quickly your dog responds to treatment.

How Do Dogs Get Mange?

Mange mites are everywhere in the environment, but not all exposures lead to disease. Common causes of dog mange include:

• Direct Contact – Some types of mange, especially sarcoptic mange, spread through close contact with an infected dog or contaminated bedding. It’s important to note that even dogs with healthy immune systems can pick up mites.
• Immune System Factors – Demodectic mange often occurs when a dog’s immune system is immature (puppies) or compromised (older dogs, chronic illness). In these cases, mites that are normally present in low numbers multiply excessively.
• Environment – Warm, humid environments can support mite survival and make skin irritation worse.
• Stress and Health – Stress, poor nutrition, or other illnesses can weaken immune defenses, making mange more likely to become severe.

Mange isn’t a reflection of good or bad care; it’s a biological condition that can affect any dog, and the earlier you address it, the better the outcome.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Mange in Dogs

When you bring your dog in for an evaluation, the vet will start with a thorough physical examination, including checking your dog’s coat, skin, and overall health. Diagnosis is critical, because treatment for sarcoptic vs. demodectic mange differs, and proper treatment ensures a faster, safer recovery.

Here’s what to expect in the diagnostic process:

1. History and Symptoms Discussion – Your vet will ask about the onset of symptoms, recent contact with other animals, changes in environment, and any home remedies tried.
2. Skin Scraping – A small amount of skin is gently scraped to collect samples. These are examined under a microscope to look for mites or eggs.
3. Tape Test or Adhesive Impressions – Sticky tape may be used to collect mites or skin debris for closer examination.
4. Microscopic Evaluation – Samples are checked for the presence of characteristic mites or signs of secondary infection.
5. Additional Testing – In some cases, your vet may recommend blood tests or cultures to rule out infections or underlying health problems that could affect immune response.

Dog Mange Treatment

Treating mange focuses on killing the mites, soothing your dog’s skin, and preventing secondary infections. Your vet will design a treatment plan based on the type of mange and your dog’s overall health. Here are common approaches:

• Topical Medications – Medicated dips, shampoos, or spot‑on treatments specifically prescribed by your veterinarian help eliminate mites and soothe irritated skin.
• Oral or Injectable Medications – Depending on severity, vets may prescribe oral antiparasitic drugs or injectable treatments that kill mites systemically.
• Antibiotics or Antifungals – These may be necessary if your dog has developed a secondary bacterial or yeast infection due to scratching and broken skin.
• Anti‑itch Relief – Anti‑inflammatory medications or antihistamines may be used to reduce itching and make your dog more comfortable while mites are being cleared.
• Environmental Cleaning – Washing bedding, vacuuming floors and furniture, and treating other pets (if advised) helps prevent re‑infestation.
• Supportive Skin Care – Gentle, soothing shampoos, oatmeal baths, or moisturizers may be used to reduce irritation and promote healing.

Some pet owners wonder how to treat mange in dogs at home, but at‑home remedies alone are rarely sufficient and can sometimes delay proper treatment. Always talk to your vet before trying at‑home products.

Recovery and Management of Mange in Dogs

Recovery begins as soon as treatment starts, reducing the mite population and relieving inflammation. Most dogs begin to feel noticeably better within days to weeks, but complete resolution can take several weeks to months, depending on how advanced the condition was at diagnosis.

During recovery:

• Follow the Treatment Plan Closely. Administer all medications as directed and complete the full course, even if your dog looks better sooner.
• Keep the Environment Clean. Regularly wash bedding, toys, and any fabric your dog contacts often. Clean floors and furniture to reduce lingering mites.
• Monitor for Recurrence. Pay attention to any return of itching or hair loss, and contact your vet if symptoms reappear.
• Treat Other Pets if Necessary. In cases of sarcoptic mange, other dogs in the household may need preventive or diagnostic attention to avoid spread.
• Support Overall Health. Good nutrition, stress management, and regular wellness care all help your dog’s immune system stay strong.

Treating skin conditions isn’t just about killing mites, it’s about restoring comfort, confidence, and quality of life.

How To Prevent Mange in Dogs

You can’t always prevent every case of mange, but healthy routines can reduce the chances of mites becoming a problem. Consider these steps:

• Routine Parasite Control – Use vet‑recommended flea and mite preventatives year‑round.
• Regular Grooming – Brushing and bathing (with gentle, veterinarian‑approved products) keeps the coat clean and helps you notice early issues.
• Healthy Diet – A balanced diet supports immune function and skin health.
• Avoid Known Infestations – If you know other dogs in your area have sarcoptic mange or mites, minimize direct contact until they are treated.
• Stress Reduction – Stable routines and enrichment help keep stress low, supporting immune strength.
• Prompt Veterinary Care – Early attention at the first sign of itching or hair loss often prevents more serious skin problems.

Need Veterinary Assistance? Find an UrgentVet Near You!

If your dog is scratching, losing hair, or showing signs of skin discomfort, don’t wait. UrgentVet offers compassionate, timely veterinary urgent care services for skin conditions and other non‑emergency concerns, with walk‑in appointments and knowledgeable teams ready to help. Your dog’s comfort and health are our priority – visit your nearest UrgentVet clinic location today.

Mange in Dogs FAQs

Is mange contagious?

Yes, sarcoptic mange in dogs is highly contagious to other dogs and can even cause mild irritation in humans. Demodectic mange is typically not contagious among healthy adult dogs.

Is it OK to touch a dog with mange?

While gentle contact won’t harm you, it’s best to wear gloves and wash your hands promptly after touching an affected pet to prevent mite transfer, especially with sarcoptic mange.

Can mange kill a dog?

In extreme, untreated cases, severe mange can lead to significant infection, weight loss, and systemic illness. With early treatment, however, most dogs recover fully.

What does early‑stage mange in dogs look like?

In the early stages, mange may cause patchy hair loss, mild redness, or persistent itching, often around the ears, elbows, face, or belly. These subtle signs are worth discussing with your vet before they escalate.

Photo Credit: Todorean-Gabriel / Shutterstock