What Does Mange on a Dog Look Like?

The four varieties of skin disease known as mange are caused by four different species of mites. Dogs experience pain and a high level of skin irritation when infected with any type of mange. At least one visit to the vet is required to treat any forms of mange. Ignoring it, even if the skin condition appears to be mild, will only result in making the condition worse.

Demodectic Mange

Dry skin, scratching and hair loss are symptoms of demodectic mange. This type of mange affects mainly puppies, as their immune systems are still maturing, and they do not yet have the natural ability to fight the disease. Although the symptoms may appear mild, treatment is required to prevent the condition from worsening. Severe demodectic mange appears as crusty and flaking skin, uncontrolled scratching and loss of strength and energy. Most puppies will not contract demodectic mange once they reach 6 months of age.

Sarcoptic Mange

Commonly referred to as scabies, sarcoptic mange is the most serious and difficult mange to eradicate. The Sarcoptes canis mite nestles under the dog's skin to lay their eggs, resulting in discoloration, swollen skin, loss of hair, itching and secretion of pus. Although the Sarcoptes canis is the smallest of the mites, the disease is enduring and can result in a bacterial infection if not treated promptly. The cure involves multiple treatments by a veterinarian.

Cheyletiella Mange

This type of mange appears as white, dandruff-like flakes on the dog's skin. The red mites that cause cheyletiella are large enough to be seen crawling on the dog's neck and back. While cheyletiella mange is not as threatening as sarcoptic mange to your dog's health, it will not heal without proper medical treatment. In most cases, your veterinarian will prescribe a medicinal shampoo containing an insecticide, along with a recommended a regimen for its use.

Ear Mange

Ear mites live in the dog's outer ear canal. They feed off the natural discharge from the animal's ear. You can identify ear mange by the sticky, black matter that seeps from the dog's ears. Ear mange can be treated easily by regularly administering eardrops prescribed by a veterinarian, then wiping the substance from the outer ear with a tissue or cotton ball. Left untreated, ear mange can progress to the point of causing hearing loss.

Preventive Care

Examine your dog's skin and ears weekly for any irregularities or suspicious formations or substances. Frequent bathing can cause dry skin for some dogs and is not recommended.

Feeding your dog a high-quality dog food for good nutrition and providing regular visits to the vet for thorough exams, tests for common diseases and vaccinations are the best methods of keeping your canine pal healthy and free from disease.

References

• Mange
• Dog Owner's Guide: Mange
• Mange in Dogs: How Worse Can It Get?

Resources

• Learn more about mange
• Sarcoptic mange in dogs