Mange is a parasitic skin disease caused by microscopic mites that can affect dogs and puppies that are strays, neglected, or abused. There are two major forms of mange in dogs, each caused by different mites: Sarcoptic Mange (also known as scabies) and Demodectic Mange (also known as red mange or demodex) . Symptoms of Sarcoptic Mange include hair loss, a reddened rash, and yellowish crusts on the skin in affected areas. The ear margins and elbows are typically affected the most. Symptoms of Demodectic Mange include patches of hair loss and red, scaling skin in localized cases, while in generalized cases, the entire body may be covered with redness, infections, scaling, swelling, and crusts. Often the dog loses most, if not all, hair. Dogs with skin infections often have very red, inflamed skin, which is why demodectic mange is often called "red mange".

To diagnose mange, a veterinarian will take a skin scraping and look for mites under a microscope. If you suspect your dog has mange, it is important to consult a veterinarian and follow their instructions. Only a trained, experienced vet can run the proper diagnostic tests to determine the type and severity of the mange. Depending on the diagnosis, the vet will then prescribe the proper medication to treat the mange.