It Mite Be Mange: Photos, Causes, Symptoms + Treatment

The two forms of mange are caused by two different species of microscopic mites.

Demodectic Mange

Demodectic mange (or demodicosis) is caused by an overpopulation of Demodex canis mites that normally inhabit the hair follicles of nearly all dogs. This tends to occur when:

• The immune system is weak (in puppies and senior adults) and cannot regulate the mite population like normal, healthy dogs
• The immune system is suppressed or compromised due to a severe systemic infection or debilitating disease such as cancer, hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease, or diabetes mellitus

Lastly, there is strong evidence that demodectic mange is genetically inherited, and it is recommended that dogs with demodicosis should not be bred.

Sarcoptic Mange

Sarcoptic mange, or scabies, is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites that feed on skin and hair. Scabies is highly contagious, and acquired via:

• Contact with another animal carrying the parasites, such as other dogs, foxes, coyotes, or even humans.
• Contact with bedding, loose fur, fabrics, or other articles that the carrier animal has laid on or brushed against

Mange comes in two forms, both of which exhibit similar symptoms:

Demodectic mange:

• Patches of spreading hair loss (alopecia), typically beginning on the face
• Redness, acariasis (rash), with scaling skin
• Swelling, infections, crusts
• Itching is common, but may not be severe

Sarcoptic mange (scabies):

• Extreme itching
• Spreading hair loss
• Redness, rash, infection
• Scabs and darkened areas (hyperpigmentation)
• Yellow crusts and skin thickening/hardening (lichenification)
• Itching, pain, and sensitivity

It is worth noting that mange is not terribly common, and other skin conditions can exhibit similar symptoms, such as:

• Allergy (atopic) dermatitis
• Ringworm
• Yeast dermatitis
• Pyoderma (bacterial infection)

Some can, yes - though it is an off-label use.

Many prescription flea and tick products from brands such as NexGard®, Bravecto®, Simparica®, and Interceptor® contain ingredients that are effective at killing and repelling mange mites, such as:

• Selamectin
• Moxidectin-imidacloprid
• Fluralaner
• Milbemycin oxime (Interceptor®)
• Afoxolaner

Sarcoptic mange (scabies) is HIGHLY contagious in dogs, and can be spread easily between dogs and humans.

Demodectic mange, on the other hand, is not considered contagious among dogs.

Demodectic mange can cause mild to moderate itching - sometimes none at all, depending on the case.

Sarcoptic mange (scabies), on the other hand, is extremely itchy.

Localized forms of demodectic mange - that is, small random patches - can be left untreated and natural recovery happens frequently as the dog's immune system corrects the overpopulation of mites.

Generalized (all over the body) demodex mange will require treatment. Because it is so uncommon in healthy adult dogs, veterinarians will also see if there is an underlying condition or disease that has led to the demodicosis.

Scabies (sarcoptic mange), will not go away and should be treated by a veterinarian immediately to prevent spread and save the dog (and you) from a lot of itching and misery.

We do know that Lavengel® can be extremely useful in relieving the itch and irritation caused by mange, helping the skin to heal, and aiding in fur regrowth.

However, we have not conducted the research to test its efficacy against the mange mites themselves.

We have two confirmed testimonies in which Lavengel® was used on mange - both found in more detail in above sections.

One (Mistro) involved applying our gel to highly itchy scabs and lesions caused by demodex mange. In Mistro's case, it was noted that Lavengel® helped stop the intense irritation and helped his skin heal and fur grow back so quickly that his vet was astonished.

The other (Gunner) involved applying our gel to a case of scabies on his paws, feet, and legs. His owner noted that from the very first time Lavengel® was applied, he settled down, left the lesions alone, and was able to sleep. She also noticed that it reduced the overall redness of the affected skin.

So yes, Lavengel® can help with mange.

But, it should be noted that in both instances, Lavengel® was used in conjunction with treatment prescribed by the vet.

Mange is caused by two different species of parasitic mites, whereas yeast infections are caused by a fungus (Malassezia pachydermatitis). Yeast and mange require very different forms of treatment. You can get a lot more info on the two types of mange on our Yeast Resource Page.

Since both types of conditions - in their severe forms - can result in hair loss, severe itching, hyperpigmentation (dark coloring), and scaly skin, these two conditions are often confused. In fact, a severe mange mite infestation can lead to secondary pyoderma and yeast infections.

It should be noted that, in general, mange is rather uncommon, and occurs much less frequently than yeast dermatitis.

Ringworm and demodectic mange can sometimes be confused because they both tend to exhibit spreading patches of hair loss (alopecia), especially around the face. Both diseases feed on hair follicles and can exhibit mild itching or none at all.

Some of the key differences between ringworm and demodectic mange:

• Ringworm is a fungus; mange is caused by parasitic mites
• Ringworm is extremely contagious to humans and other animal species, whereas demodectic mange is not
• Ringworm can affect any dog; demodex mange tends to only affect dogs with weak or compromised immune systems
• Ringworm will cause hair follicles to glow bright green under a Wood's lamp; mange will not
• While both involve skin and hair cytology in diagnosing, ringworm requires a fungal culture to properly diagnose and monitor treatment progress

Yes and no.

Scabies (sarcoptic mange) can be spread easily between dogs and humans.

Unlike in dogs, the mites cannot complete their life cycle in humans, so they will eventually die. However, they will bring about extreme itching for several days, and it is recommended that people who contract scabies consult a doctor.

Demodectic mange in dogs, however, cannot be spread to humans.

Sarcoptic mange (scabies) mites can barely be seen with the naked eye at 0.2-0.6mm long. They may resemble tiny black dots on the skin, and can easily be confused with dirt.

Demodectic mites are semi-transparent and too small to be seen with the naked eye.

It is possible for dogs to die from sarcoptic mange (scabies), though it is extremely unlikely. The mange itself would not be considered the probable direct cause of death.

It is more likely for a fatal systemic infection to develop because of, or in addition to, a generalized (covering the body) case of the disease.

Dogs that reach this state are typically neglected and suffering from malnutrition, infection, emaciation, and other underlying disease that overpowers the immune system.