Mange is a skin disease caused by mites that affects many kinds of animals, including dogs and humans. There are two major forms of mange in dogs, each caused by different mites:

• Sarcoptic Mange: Also known as canine scabies, this disease is caused by a circular-shaped, eight-legged mite called the Sarcoptes scabiei. This form of mange is highly contagious and can be transmitted from dog to dog and can pass from dogs to humans, although it doesn’t thrive on non-canine hosts. Female mites burrow into the skin to lay their eggs. The eggs hatch in about three weeks, and the young feed on the host’s skin. Symptoms of Sarcoptic Mange include severe itching, hair loss, and self-inflicted superficial or deep wounds.

• Demodectic Mange: This type of mange is caused by a parasitic mite (Demodex canis or Demodex injal) that lives in the hair follicles of dogs. All normal dogs (and many humans) have a few of these mites on their skin. As long as the bodys immune system is functioning properly, these mites cause no harm. Demodectic mange most often occurs when a dog has an immature immune system, allowing the number of skin mites to increase rapidly. This disease occurs primarily in dogs less than 12 to 18 months of age. As the dog matures, its immune system also matures. Demodectic mange, sometimes just called ‘Demodex’ or ‘red mange’, is the most common form of mange in dogs. Symptoms of Demodectic Mange include hair loss, redness, and scaly skin.

Mange can be treated with appropriate therapy, and most dogs with mange can expect a full recovery. However, chronic cases are typically due to an underlying systemic illness or secondary infections. Mange is fatal when dogs receive the wrong therapy, or their underlying medical conditions are not managed correctly.