Universal Symptoms
Common symptoms seen in all mange types (one or more may apply):
Itching • Dry skin • Hair loss • Redness • Bumps or bites • Scabs or flakes • Irritation or inflammation • Thickened skin • Lesions • Crusts • Skin discoloration
Mange Symptom Checker
Mange mites are difficult to detect. Mange skin scrape tests fail to detect mites 80% of the time. That doesn’t mean the dog doesn’t have mange. It means that none were found! (And weirdly, if mites are found, occasionally the wrong mite is named.)
Without a positive diagnosis, mange is rarely a suspect. You’d be surprised how many owners have to solve the mystery on their own.
It’s important to know what type of mange you’re dealing with
Chemicals are one-size fits all treatments that are used to same way in every situation. (And then they only kill mites.) Our natural mange treatments are of course safer, but are also more effective and faster. The way we use Mite Avenge is different for each kind of mite. That super-focused treatment is one of the reasons Mite Avenge is more effective.
So what kind of mite does my dog have?
Sarcoptic Mange – also called Canine Scabies
Demodectic Mange – also called Red Mange, Demodicosis, Demodex, or Puppy Mange
Cheyletiella – also called Chyletielllosis or Walking Dandruff
Of course a positive diagnosis is the best indicator but if you’re not sure, our Symptom Checker can help. Let’s try to hone in on the best way to help your dog!
Consider the symptoms for the three types of canine mange below. If your dog has 3 or more red flag symptoms or indicators (shown in red below) that’s a strong indicator you’ve found the culprit. Orange text indicates a suspicious symptom (almost red).
Demodectic Symptoms & Indicators
- No evidence of contagion among other pets
- Musty or yeasty odor
- Yeast infection (current or prior)
- Known immune system problems
- Blackheads or acne-like bumps
- Family or prior history of Demodex
- Juvenile under 3 or senior over 8
- Paw problems
- Ear problems
- Secondary bacterial skin infection
- Current or prior conditions such as Cushing’s, thyroid, cancer, Parvo, etc.
- Allergy treatments didn’t work or last
Demodectic Mange
- Recent stress, immuno-suppressive, steroids medications or antibiotics
- Dog is a predisposed breed
- Itching worse at night
- Itching returns after steroids wear off
- Greasy coat
- Lethargy, loss of appetite
Does this sound like your dog?
Sarcoptic Symptoms & Indicators
- Nearby animals or people itch or exhibit similar symptoms
- Visible small bite or track marks
- Recent direct exposure to people or animals carrying Sarcoptic mites
- Recent indirect environmental exposure from visiting an where people or animals infected with Sarcoptic mites has been
- Pustules with yellow crusts
- Positive response to the Pedal-Pinna test
Here’s a video of one being performed - Allergy or other treatments didn’t work
- Itching increases in warm conditions
Sarcoptic Mange
Dark track marks are sometimes visible with a magnifying glass.
Does this sound like your dog?
Cheyletiella Symptoms & Indicators
- Nearby animals or people itch or exhibit similar symptoms
- Moving flakes or dandruff on the skin
- Recent direct exposure to people or animals (especially. rabbits) carrying Cheyletiella mites
- Recent indirect environmental exposure from visiting an where people or animals (especially. rabbits) infected with Cheyletiella mites has been
- Visible tiny yellowish mites on top of skin
- Heavy scales or dandruff-like flecks
Cheyletiella Mange
- Unkempt-looking coat
- Multiple red, itchy bites/bumps
- Sneezing if in nose
