Dogs get mange through infestation by microscopic mites that live on or under their skin. There are two primary types of mange in dogs, each caused by different mites and transmitted differently:
- Demodectic mange is caused by Demodex mites, which normally live in small numbers in all dogs’ hair follicles. Puppies typically acquire these mites from their mothers shortly after birth. This type of mange occurs when the mites overpopulate, often due to a weakened immune system, but it is not contagious between dogs or to humans
- Sarcoptic mange (also called canine scabies) is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites. These mites burrow into the dog’s skin to lay eggs, causing intense itching and skin irritation. Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious and spreads primarily through direct contact between dogs, such as playing together or sharing bedding. It can also be transmitted to humans, though symptoms in people are usually milder and short-lived because the mites cannot complete their life cycle on humans
In summary, dogs get mange either from mites passed from their mother at a young age (demodectic mange) or through close contact with infected dogs or contaminated environments (sarcoptic mange). Maintaining good hygiene and isolating infected dogs can help prevent the spread of mange
