People once believed that mange was a highly contagious and disfiguring skin disease that an affected dog could transmit through contact. This is a myth. Caused by a microscopic mite, mange symptoms often look like flea bite reactions. There are three varieties of mange: demodectic, cheyletiella, and sarcoptic.

The first signs of mange appear as red cone-shaped bumps on the head, usually on the edges of the ears, or the groin or armpits. Red spots appear as female mites burrow into the skin, which exudes serum. When this dries it crusts and scabs over. Scratching at the infected area spreads it, causing the hair to fall out. A secondary bacterial infection develops and produces a foul odor.

Preventing Mange

Similar to flea and tick infestations, mange needs a weak immune system to thrive. Stressed and undernourished puppies and young dogs are usually the victims. Without any intervention, many mild cases of mange will clear up in time, but more severe infections need some assistance.

Traditional mange treatment applies strong insecticides to the affected skin areas. These toxic chemicals must be repeated, but unless the immune system is strengthened, the mites will return.

Demodectic or Red Mange

Caused by a microscopic mite located in the hair follicles, demodectic or red mange is the most common form of mange.

Demodectic mites are a normal inhabitant of the skin fauna in small numbers. They are passed from the mother to the pup very early in life, and a healthy immune system will keep the parasite in check, preventing any disease. If the immune system is compromised for any reason, the mites can start to proliferate and cause skin disease. It is very uncommon for this mite to be transferred from one dog to another, apart from the mother to pup.

The skin disease presents as either a localized infection or a body-wide systemic infection. Local infection usually appears as a scaly bald patch, often on the face, and usually affects puppies early in life. Generalized demodex is much more severe and can cause hair loss over the entire body with scaly and thickened skin. It can affect either puppies or adults and usually indicates a deeper problem related to the immune system.

Cheyletiella Mange

Known as walking dandruff because it is dry and flaky, these mites usually show up on puppies. They look like a row of dandruff that appears to be traveling down the middle of the back. The motion is caused by mites moving beneath the scaly layer of the skin. This skin disease is highly contagious, can be transmitted to other dogs or people, and can cause intense itching.

Sarcoptic Mange

The sarcoptic mange mite causes intense itching with a red rash on the edges of the ears, elbows, and hocks, or ankles. To diagnose this type of mange, the veterinarian scrapes off a bit of the affected area and examines it under a microscope.

Although the mites may be difficult to locate, many veterinarians suggest treating the condition if the dog is scratching and has scaly skin. In severe cases of sarcoptic mange, your veterinarian may suggest a topical prescription medication, a medicated bath to remove scales, clipping for long-haired dogs, and either a Lime Sulfur dip treatment or an oral drug therapy for very extreme cases. The veterinarian should consider the animal's overall health and look for signs of immune deficiency or hypersensitivity. He may prescribe Chinese herbs and supplements such as fish oil and vitamin E.