Mange in dogs is caused by microscopic parasitic mites that invade the skin, leading to irritation, itching, hair loss, and inflammation. There are two primary types of mange in dogs, each caused by different mites:
- Sarcoptic mange (scabies) is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. These mites burrow just under the skin surface, causing intense itching and inflammation. Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious between dogs and can also be transmitted to humans and other animals. It spreads through direct contact or shared bedding
- Demodectic mange (red mange) is caused by Demodex mites (Demodex canis or Demodex injai) that live in hair follicles. These mites are normally present in small numbers on healthy dogs without causing problems. However, when a dog's immune system is weakened or immature (such as in puppies or immunocompromised adults), the mites multiply excessively, leading to mange. Demodectic mange is not contagious between dogs or to humans and is often linked to genetic predisposition or immune suppression
Other less common mite infestations related to mange include ear mites (otodectic mange) and walking dandruff (cheyletiellosis), which also cause skin irritation but differ in mite species and transmission
. In summary, mange in dogs is caused by infestation with specific types of mites, primarily Sarcoptes scabiei for sarcoptic mange and Demodex species for demodectic mange, with the former being contagious and the latter related to immune status
