Universal Symptoms
One or more of these symptoms apply to all mange types:
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, especially the Demodectic variety, is frequently misdiagnosed. Sarcoptic, Demodectic and Cheyletiella mange mites are difficult to detect and have symptoms that resemble each other and other health problems. When treatment for the misdiagnosed condition fails or worsens the problem, owners often have to figure things out on their own.
Of course a positive skin scraping is the best indicator. If this is the case, knowing the symptoms listed below will help you develop your treatment plan.
Next Step:
Consider the symptoms for the 3 types of canine mange below. If your dog has any ‘red flag’ symptoms or indicators (shown in red below) that’s a pretty strong indicator you’ve found the culprit.
Demodectic Symptoms & Indicators
- One or more from Universal Symptoms above
- Itching worse at night
- Itching returns after steroids wear off
- Paw problems
- Greasy coat
- Musty or yeasty odor
- Yeast infection (current or prior)
- Ear problems
- Secondary bacterial skin infection
- Blackheads or acne-like bumps
- No evidence of contagion among other pets
- Lethargy, loss of appetite
- Recent stress, immuno-suppressive, steroids medications or antibiotics
- Known immune system problems
- Juvenile under 3 or senior over 8
- Family or prior history of Demodex
- Current or prior conditions such as Cushing’s, thyroid, cancer, Parvo, etc.
- Allergy treatments didn’t work or last
- Does this sound like your dog? Click here for more information on Demodex.
Demodectic Mange
Sarcoptic Symptoms & Indicators
- One or more from Universal Symptoms above
- Itching increases in warm conditions
- Pustules with yellow crusts
- Visible small bite or track marks
- Recent exposure to an animal carrying Sarcoptic mites. (Includes visiting an environment where an infected animal has recently been.)
- Recent exposure to a human with Scabies. (Includes visiting an environment where an infected person has recently been.)
- Nearby animals or humans exhibit similar symptoms
- Positive response to the Pedal-Pinna test
Here’s a video of one being performed. - Allergy or other treatments didn’t work
Sound familiar? Click here for more information on Sarcoptic mange.
Sarcoptic Mange
Dark track marks are sometimes visible with a magnifying glass.
Cheyletiella Symptoms & Indicators
- One or more from Universal Symptoms above
- Unkempt-looking coat
- Scales or dandruff-like flecks
- Recent exposure to an animal carrying Cheyletiella mites. Exposure includes visiting an environment where an infected animal has recently been
- Recent exposure to a human with Cheyletiellosis. Exposure includes visiting an environment where an infected person has recently been
- Nearby animals or humans exhibit similar symptoms
- Mites may be visible
- Moving flakes or dandruff on the skin
- Multiple red, itchy bites/bumps
- Sneezing if in nose
- People in your home itch
Sound familiar? Click here for more information on Cheyletiellosis.
Cheyletiella Mange