Mange in dogs: Symptoms, causes and treatment

What is mange?

Mange is a skin disease in dogs caused by microscopic mites that live on or in the skin. There are two types commonly seen in the UK – sarcoptic mange and demodectic mange – each caused by a different species of mite. Both affect the skin and coat and can look quite similar: typically the skin becomes thickened, crusty and red, with hair loss in the affected areas. Other skin conditions such as allergies can look the same, so a vet will need to examine samples of hair and skin cells under a microscope to confirm whether mites are present and which type.

If you think your dog might have mange, contact your vet. They can prescribe the right, species-specific treatment.

What does mange look like on a dog?

Mange can make a dog feel very itchy. As they scratch, bacteria can get into the skin and cause a secondary infection, which makes the affected areas look even worse and can lead to the kind of sore, irritated patches you’d see with hotspots. Because hair loss is one of the most noticeable signs, mange is sometimes mistaken for other causes of bald patches — another reason to get a proper diagnosis from your vet.

The exact symptoms depend on which type of mange your dog has.

Sarcoptic mange symptoms:

• Extreme itchiness
• Red, inflamed skin, often on the ears, face, elbows and legs
• Crusty, scabby skin
• Hair loss
• Restlessness caused by discomfort

Demodectic mange symptoms:

• Patchy hair loss
• Thickened, wrinkly skin
• Red, crusty patches
• Usually less itchy, unless a secondary infection develops

In the early stages, mange may show as just a few small patches of irritated skin or mild hair loss. If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet as soon as possible. Early treatment makes a big difference.

What causes mange in dogs?

Mange is caused by mite infestations, but the two types behave quite differently, which is why it’s important to get the right diagnosis before starting treatment.

Sarcoptic mange

Sarcoptic mange is caused by a mite species called sarcoptes scabiei. It can be caught from another infected dog, from wildlife such as foxes, or from an environment where an infected animal has recently been. The mites burrow into the skin, which is why signs often appear first around the ears, muzzle and feet, and in severe cases can spread across the whole body.

It’s also important to know that sarcoptic mange can transfer to humans, though infections are usually short-lived as the mites cannot complete their life cycle on people. If your own skin becomes irritated after contact with an affected dog, speak to your GP. You’ll need to keep your dog away from other pets until they show no signs of mange and your vet confirms they’re mite-free, and to wear protective or full-length clothing when handling them – washing your hands and clothes straight afterwards.

Certain flea treatments (but not all) are effective against these mites. Your vet can advise which products are appropriate. Ongoing parasite control is recommended to prevent it recurring.

Demodectic mange

Demodectic mange is caused by a mite species called demodex canis. The Demodex mite lives on the skin of most healthy dogs at a low level without causing any problems – it only becomes an issue when the immune system is weakened, for example by another illness, a medication, or because a puppy’s immune system hasn’t fully developed yet. When this happens, the mites multiply and cause skin problems. It is most commonly passed from a mother dog to her puppies during feeding.

Unlike sarcoptic mange, this mite lives in the hair follicles rather than burrowing into the skin. Demodectic mange does not transfer to humans and is much less contagious to other dogs than sarcoptic mange.

Certain flea treatments are effective against demodex mites. Your vet can advise on the right product and ongoing prevention to stop the numbers building up again.

Is mange contagious?

It depends on the type. Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious — it spreads easily between dogs, to other pets and to people through direct contact or shared bedding. Demodectic mange is much less contagious to other dogs and cannot be passed to humans. Whichever type your dog has, your vet can give you specific advice on preventing it from spreading within your household.

How to treat mange in dogs

Always contact your vet if you think your dog has mange. They’ll examine skin and hair samples under a microscope to confirm which mites are present and prescribe the right, species-specific treatment.

This usually includes:

• Prescription medication to kill the mites – such as spot-on treatments, tablets or injections
• Soothing baths using medicated or antiseptic shampoos to calm the skin while it heals
• Treatment for secondary infections, such as antibiotics, if bacteria have got into the skin
• Ongoing prevention, as some parasite treatments also help guard against mites – ask your vet what they recommend

How long recovery takes depends on the type. Sarcoptic mange usually clears within one to two weeks of starting treatment, while demodectic mange can take several weeks or months, particularly if your dog’s immune system is compromised. Your vet will monitor your dog’s progress and let you know when they’re fully clear.

How to treat puppy mange at home

Mange in puppies should always be diagnosed and treated by a vet — there is no safe or effective substitute for prescription treatment, and puppies can deteriorate quickly if mange is left unaddressed. Your vet will also make sure any medication is suitable for your puppy’s age. However, there is plenty you can do at home to support your puppy’s recovery alongside the treatment your vet prescribes:

• Wash all bedding regularly – mites can survive in fabric, so wash your puppy’s bedding on a hot wash (60°C or above) and do this frequently throughout treatment
• Clean their environment – vacuum and clean any areas where your puppy spends time, including sofas, blankets and crates
• Keep them away from other pets – particularly if sarcoptic mange is suspected, as it can spread to other dogs and to people
• Avoid over-handling affected areas – try to discourage your puppy from scratching, and follow your vet’s guidance on any soothing treatments
• Monitor closely and report changes – if symptoms worsen or new areas become affected, contact your vet promptly

Home care alone will not cure mange — but combined with the right veterinary treatment, it can make a real difference to your puppy’s comfort and recovery time.

Three things you can do today

Check your dog’s skin regularly

Look for red patches, hair loss or signs of itching while grooming or playing. Catching changes early makes treatment easier — our guide on how to health check your dog walks you through what to look for.

Keep up with parasite prevention

Some products that prevent fleas also protect against certain mites. Ask your vet which treatments they recommend for your dog. Register with a vet If you haven’t already, registering with a vet means you can get quick advice and treatment whenever you spot a concerning change in your dog’s skin or behaviour.

Register with a vet

If you haven’t already, registering with a vet means you can get quick advice and treatment whenever you spot a concerning change in your dog’s skin or behaviour.