Causes of Mange in Dogs

By John Albers

Instructions

Sarcoptic mange

Step 1:
Sarcoptic mange in dogs is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei canis mite. This particular type of mite is a burrower and embeds itself deep within the dog's skin. It can also infect human beings, meaning that the first signs of sarcoptic mange should be treated seriously. The burrowing mites do not cause hair loss, but they do cause dogs to itch to the point where it wears away their fur and scratch themselves bloody. Serious, life-threatening infection tends to result afterward.

Demodectic mange

Step 1:
Demodectic mange in dogs is caused by the Demodex canis mite. This mite is commonly found around the mouth and face of most dogs and lives in the root of the hair follicles. In a normal, healthy dog, the immune system is easily able to keep infestation to a minimum. However if the dog's immune system is impaired by malnutrition, starvation, or is busy fighting off other infections, the mite population quickly explodes. These mites primarily cause hair loss, with only slight redness of the skin and very rarely any itching. Pustules may form around the jaw line, Should the dog sustain a deep cut or laceration, there is a high chance that these mites will infect the wound, and herein lies the real danger of this form of mange.

Cheyletiella

Step 1:
Cheyletiella are a species of mite which cause a form of mange called Cheyletiellosis. This mange type in dogs is characterized by loose, flaky skin and dandruff. This is because they live in the outermost keratin layer of the skin, which promptly sloughs away after it's become infested. While dogs do not seem bothered by this form of mange, it engenders intense itching in humans beings, and so one should always beware of transmission when coming into contact with the skin flakes.

Photo/Video Credit

Caroldermoid/commons.wikimedia.org

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