How to Identify Mange on a Dog

Young dogs can be prone to demodectic mange.

Mange is a skin disease that is caused by external parasites. There are two types of mange that commonly affect dogs, and being able to identify both types is essential to your dog's well being. Once you spot these symptoms, take your dog to the veterinarian for treatment.

Instructions

Demodectic Mange

1. Consider the dog's age. Demodectic mange is caused by mites that normally live on dogs, and it usually only affects dogs with developing immune systems. Puppies and dogs that are less than a year old are most likely to pick it up.

2. Check for bald spots. Demodectic mange results in bald patches that might occur on the dog's legs or head, though they also can affect the whole body. The former is known as localized mange, while the latter is referred to as generalized mange.

3. Look underneath the dog's fur. Demodectic mange can result in scabbing and sores due to infection. While the infection can lead to itching, demodectic mange itself typically does not result in itching.

Sarcoptic Mange

1. Watch for itching and restlessness. Sarcoptic mange can cause a dog to scratch frantically at its body or to appear uncomfortable.

2. Look underneath the fur for reddened skin. Sarcoptic mange is also called red mange, and it causes reddened skin as well as sores and scabs.

3. Look for hair loss. Hair loss from sarcoptic mange can affect the dog's entire body, but it is most frequently localized on the ears, face, elbows and legs.

4. Check your own body. While demodectic mange cannot be passed to humans, sarcoptic mange can. On human skin, sarcoptic mange shows up as a series of small bumps that resemble several mosquito bites clustered together.

References

• ASPCA: Mange
• Pawprints & Purrs: Demodectic Mange and Sarcoptic Mange