Mange in Dogs: Types, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention 2026

Mange is a skin disease in dogs caused by mite infestations that burrow into or live on the skin. The word “mange” conjures images of miserable, hairless stray dogs — and indeed, severe, untreated cases can be devastating. But mange is treatable, and understanding the different types, their causes, and available treatments helps dog owners respond effectively when their pet is affected.

There are two primary types of mange affecting dogs: sarcoptic mange (caused by Sarcoptes scabiei) and demodectic mange (caused by Demodex canis). These two conditions are entirely different in their cause, contagiousness, and treatment approach.

Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies) in Dogs

Sarcoptic mange — also called canine scabies — is caused by the microscopic burrowing mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis. Female mites tunnel into the outer layers of the skin to lay their eggs, and it’s this burrowing, along with the mites’ waste products, that triggers the intense allergic reaction and itching that characterizes sarcoptic mange.

Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious — it spreads rapidly between dogs through direct contact and, to a lesser extent, through contaminated environments. It can also be transmitted to humans and cats, though human infestations are temporary (human scabies is caused by a slightly different variant).

Symptoms of sarcoptic mange include:

• Intense, relentless itching — often the most severe itch a dog owner will ever witness
• Hair loss beginning on the ears, elbows, hocks, and face
• Red, inflamed, crusty skin
• Skin thickening and wrinkling in chronic cases
• Secondary skin infections from self-trauma
• Significant weight loss and debilitation in severe, untreated cases

A classic clinical sign of sarcoptic mange is the “pinnal-pedal reflex”: when you scratch the margin of an affected dog’s ear, the dog will involuntarily start scratching with a hind leg. This reflex is highly suggestive of sarcoptic mange.

Demodectic Mange (Demodex) in Dogs

Demodectic mange is caused by Demodex canis, a cigar-shaped mite that normally lives in small numbers in the hair follicles of healthy dogs. All dogs harbor these mites — they’re a normal part of the skin flora passed from mother to puppy during the first few days of life. Most dogs never have problems because their immune systems keep mite numbers in check.

Demodectic mange develops when the immune system fails to control Demodex populations, allowing mite numbers to explode. This can occur due to genetics (some dogs inherit a predisposition), age (very young puppies or elderly dogs with weakened immunity), or underlying illness or immunosuppressive medications.

Important: demodectic mange is NOT contagious to other dogs or humans. You cannot “catch” demodex from an affected dog because the mites are already present on all dogs and humans at negligible numbers.

Symptoms of demodectic mange include:

• Localized hair loss, often starting around the face, eyes, muzzle, and forelimbs
• Skin redness and mild scaling in affected areas
• Generally less itchy than sarcoptic mange (unless secondary bacterial infection develops)
• Generalized demodectic mange: hair loss over much of the body, secondary infections, swollen lymph nodes, and significant illness in severe cases

Localized demodectic mange (a few small patches) often resolves on its own in puppies as their immune systems mature. Generalized demodectic mange requires aggressive treatment and investigation of underlying immune problems.

Diagnosing Mange in Dogs

Diagnosis is made by your veterinarian. For sarcoptic mange, deep skin scrapings are examined under a microscope to find mites — but because the mites burrow deep and can be sparse, scrapings are often negative even in infected dogs. Many vets diagnose sarcoptic mange clinically (based on symptoms and response to treatment) rather than relying on a positive scraping.

Demodectic mange is diagnosed by skin scrapings that reveal Demodex mites. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be needed to identify mites deep in hair follicles.

Treatment for Mange in Dogs

Treating sarcoptic mange: Multiple effective treatments exist. Modern isoxazoline antiparasitic drugs (Bravecto, NexGard, Simparica, Credelio) — primarily marketed as flea and tick preventatives — are highly effective against sarcoptic mites and often resolve infestations rapidly. Traditional treatments include weekly lime sulfur dips, selamectin (Revolution) spot-on applications, or ivermectin injections or oral medication. All in-contact animals must be treated simultaneously. Bedding, collars, and grooming equipment should be washed and disinfected.

Treating demodectic mange:

• Localized cases in puppies: Often monitored rather than treated aggressively, as many resolve spontaneously
• Generalized cases: Isoxazoline drugs (Bravecto, NexGard, Simparica) have revolutionized treatment of generalized demodectic mange and are now considered the treatment of choice. Traditional treatments include daily oral ivermectin (requires testing for MDR1/ABCB1 gene mutation first) or weekly amitraz dips
• Secondary bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics
• Underlying immunosuppressive conditions must be identified and managed

Prevention of Mange in Dogs

Preventing sarcoptic mange primarily involves limiting contact with potentially infected animals (stray dogs, foxes, rabbits) and using a monthly parasite preventative that provides coverage against mites. Isoxazoline drugs (Bravecto, NexGard, Simparica, Credelio) protect against sarcoptic mange as well as fleas and ticks.

Demodectic mange prevention is more complex since the mites are universally present. Maintaining your dog’s immune health through regular veterinary care, a nutritious diet, appropriate vaccinations, and careful use of immunosuppressive medications helps reduce risk. Responsible breeding practices — not breeding dogs that have had generalized demodectic mange — reduces the incidence in susceptible breeds.