How Dogs Contract Mange: Transmission Routes and Risk Factors

Your dog’s constant scratching might indicate more than just fleas—it could be mange, a skin disease caused by microscopic mites that affects many canines worldwide. Understanding how dogs get mange is essential for any pet owner concerned about their companion’s health. Mange occurs through specific transmission pathways, and knowing these routes can help you protect your dog from this preventable condition.

Understanding Mite Transmission: Demodectic vs. Sarcoptic

Dogs can contract mange through two distinct types of mites, each with different transmission patterns and severity levels. All dogs naturally carry demodectic mites on their skin. However, puppies born with underdeveloped immune systems struggle to control mite populations, making them particularly vulnerable to demodectic mange—the most common form. This type is not contagious to other dogs or humans, meaning it develops as an internal imbalance rather than through external transmission.

Sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies, follows a completely different transmission route. Dogs acquire sarcoptic mange through direct contact with the sarcoptes scabiei mite, typically from infected animals or contaminated environments. Unlike demodectic mange, sarcoptic mange spreads easily between dogs and can even temporarily affect humans who have close contact with infected animals. According to Dr. Mondrian Contreras, D.V.M., owner and veterinarian at Carol Stream Animal Hospital in Illinois, dogs living in areas with large fox populations face higher exposure risk, as foxes commonly carry these mites. The disease also spreads rapidly in crowded conditions such as puppy mills, animal shelters, and boarding facilities where dogs are in close proximity.

Why Your Dog Gets Mange: Key Risk Factors and Vulnerable Populations

Several factors determine whether your dog will develop mange after exposure to mites. The primary factor is immune system strength. Puppies under 12 to 18 months old represent the highest-risk group for demodectic mange because their immune systems haven’t fully matured. When an infected mother passes mites to her litter, the puppies’ weakened immunity cannot suppress the mite population, resulting in mange development.

Sarcoptic mange shows different risk patterns. Stray dogs and unvaccinated animals without preventative medication face the greatest risk, but any dog can contract scabies through exposure. Dogs in shelters, boarding facilities, or other congregate settings experience elevated transmission rates. Young and elderly dogs with compromised immune systems are particularly susceptible, though dogs of any age can develop this condition when exposed to the mite.

Recognizing Mange Symptoms: Early Warning Signs

Identifying mange in its early stages gives your dog the best chance for quick recovery. Early-stage sarcoptic mange typically shows as persistent scratching and skin redness with some hair loss. Demodectic mange in early stages may present without severe itching but still displays redness and gradual hair loss. As Dr. Contreras notes, affected dogs “are just rubbing themselves raw because they’re so itchy,” which can quickly worsen if treatment doesn’t begin promptly.

Watch for these warning signs:

• Intense itching and scratching behavior
• Biting at the skin and self-trauma
• Hair loss (alopecia) in patches or widespread areas
• Red, inflamed skin
• Scabs and crusty formations
• Skin lesions and open sores
• Yellow crusts and discharge
• Blackheads or comedones (particularly in demodectic mange)
• Bacterial or yeast infections

Advanced-stage mange brings more severe complications. The skin becomes severely thickened, particularly on the paws (hyperkeratosis), and lymph nodes become inflamed. Dogs may lose significant weight, become lethargic, and experience widespread hair loss. Without treatment, bacterial and yeast infections can develop, potentially becoming life-threatening.

Diagnosing and Testing for Mange in Dogs

Veterinarians use several diagnostic methods to confirm mange and identify which type your dog has. The most common approach involves microscopic examination of skin cells and scales. For demodectic mange, the vet looks for abnormally high numbers of mites; if overpopulation is confirmed, demodectic mange is diagnosed. Sarcoptic mange diagnosis is more challenging since sarcoptic mites burrow deep beneath the skin surface, while demodectic mites remain in hair follicles. Vets typically perform a skin scrape test, though mites may not always be visible under microscopy. In these cases, diagnosis relies on clinical signs and symptoms combined with the dog’s response to initial treatment.

Treatment Options and Managing Mange in Dogs

The good news is that both types of mange respond well to treatment. Veterinarians typically prescribe topical or oral medications, sometimes combining both approaches. Anti-itch medications provide relief while the primary treatment works. For demodectic mange, ivermectin is a commonly prescribed oral medication, though it’s not suitable for herding breeds due to sensitivity. Alternative oral medications are available if ivermectin isn’t appropriate for your dog.

Sarcoptic mange treatment requires additional precautions. All bedding, blankets, toys, and other items your dog used while infected should be discarded or thoroughly sanitized, as mites can survive on these surfaces and reinfect your dog.

Treatment costs vary depending on disease severity and complications. Most owners can expect to pay between $350 and $1,000 on average, with costs potentially higher if your dog develops secondary bacterial or yeast infections requiring separate treatment.

Prevention Strategies: How to Protect Your Dog

Mange is entirely preventable through the use of flea and tick-preventative medications. Many of these medications contain isoxazoline compounds, which effectively prevent both mite infestations. Discuss preventative options with your veterinarian, particularly if your dog has risk factors such as contact with stray animals, frequent shelter exposure, or living in areas with large wild animal populations.

Regular veterinary checkups catch early signs before they progress. Maintaining your dog’s overall health through proper nutrition strengthens the immune system’s ability to resist mite overpopulation. If you suspect your dog has mange, seek veterinary attention immediately—early intervention prevents complications and speeds recovery.

Understanding Treatment Costs and Insurance Coverage

Pet insurance typically covers mange as long as it’s not classified as a pre-existing condition at the time of policy enrollment. Review your policy details to confirm coverage before your dog develops symptoms. Even with insurance support, understanding typical treatment ranges helps you prepare financially for potential care needs.

Mange is most common in puppies and younger dogs, but older dogs with weakened immune systems also remain vulnerable. Regardless of your dog’s age, prompt recognition and treatment prevent serious complications and ensure your companion’s quick return to health.