Mange is a skin condition in dogs caused by microscopic mites that live in the hair follicles. An overpopulation of these mites, or a sensitivity to them, leads to hair loss, itching, and skin irritation. Mange is most commonly found in dogs and other canines, though it can occur in other domestic and wild animals. Both detection and treatment can be difficult, and mange generally requires a visit with your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and care.
There are two main types of mange that affect pit bulls: demodectic mange and sarcoptic mange. Each type is caused by a different mite and has characteristic symptoms, so identifying which type your dog has is the first step toward getting them the right care.
Demodectic Mange (Red Mange)
Demodicosis, also called demodectic mange, demodex or red mange, is caused by a sensitivity to and overpopulation of mites. Mites live in the hair follicle of every dog. Localized mange often resolves on its own. Please monitor and visit your vet if the condition worsens.
These Demodex mites are normal inhabitants of dog skin. In most dogs they live in small numbers in the hair follicles, particularly around the face, and never cause problems. Mange develops when the dog’s immune system cannot keep the mite population in check, allowing the mites to reproduce rapidly. Young puppies with still-developing immune systems, dogs under intense stress, and dogs with impaired immunity or poor nutrition are the most likely to develop symptoms.
Demodectic mange is usually passed from mother to nursing puppies during the first few days of life. This early transmission is normal and is exactly why the mites are considered normal skin inhabitants. It is generally not contagious between adult dogs, other animals, or people, because the mites are specific to their canine hosts.
Localized demodectic mange shows up as small patches of hair loss, most often on the face around the eyes or at the corners of the mouth, and on the forelimbs and paws. There is usually little itching, but you may see redness, scaling, or small pustules on the skin. Small patches often improve on their own as a young dog’s immune system matures, although veterinary treatment is still recommended.
The generalized form is more serious. Hair loss spreads in patches across the body and may be accompanied by crusting, soreness, enlarged lymph nodes, and deep skin infections caused by bacteria invading the damaged skin. Dogs with the generalized form need ongoing veterinary care, and their treatment progress is typically followed with repeat skin scrapings.
Some breeds appear more prone to demodectic mange as young dogs, and there is strong evidence that the predisposition is inherited. Pit bull type dogs are among the breeds noted for increased risk, including the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. Dogs that develop the juvenile form should not be bred, and your vet can advise on what to watch for.
Diagnosis of demodectic mange is usually made with deep skin scrapings taken from several areas and examined under a microscope. Because Demodex is a normal resident of dog skin, simply finding a mite or two is not enough to diagnose the disease. It is the abnormally high number of mites that matters. Vets may also use repeat scrapings over time to check whether treatment is reducing the mite population.
Bathe your dog with a medicated dog shampoo. It allows for easier skin penetration to open and flush the hair follicles. It also has natural moisturizing agents that hydrate the skin and coat.
Medicated baths and shampoos are commonly part of demodectic mange care, and cases with secondary bacterial infection may need antibiotics and other treatments prescribed by your vet. Your veterinarian will decide on the right approach based on whether the case is localized or generalized, how old your dog is, and whether infection is present. Always follow your vet’s treatment plan rather than trying home remedies on your own.
Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies)
Sarcoptic mange or scabies in dogs is a generalized mange. Sarcoptic mange is contagious, and most dogs catch the disease by direct contact with another dog.
This type is caused by the burrowing mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Unlike Demodex, sarcoptic mites dig into and through the skin, which triggers intense itching and crusting that can quickly become infected from the dog’s scratching and biting. It is highly contagious between dogs, and the same mite family can temporarily irritate human skin and can also infest cats, pigs, horses, and sheep.
One of the hallmarks of sarcoptic mange is relentless itching. Hair loss and crusting frequently appear first on the ear margins and the elbows, and later on the hocks, belly, and chest. The dog’s frantic scratching causes raw patches, scabs, and secondary skin infections, and dogs with long-standing cases are often in poor overall condition.
This type of mange is more serious. This would typically involve a skin-scraping from your vet along with an oral and/or topical prescription medication.
Because these mites are usually present in low numbers and are often removed by the dog chewing at its own skin, they can be hard to find even with careful skin scrapings. Vets therefore often diagnose sarcoptic mange based on the clinical picture. One useful clue is the pedal-pinna reflex: gently scratching the edge of the dog’s ear triggers a scratching motion of the hind leg in the large majority of sarcoptic mange cases. In some regions a blood test may also be available to support the diagnosis.
Care for sarcoptic mange focuses on eliminating the mites and stopping the spread. Affected dogs should be kept away from other dogs, bedding and resting areas should be thoroughly cleaned, and any dogs that have been in contact with a diagnosed case should be evaluated and treated as well. Your vet may prescribe parasiticidal treatment appropriate for your dog, along with care for any secondary skin infection.
Demodectic vs. Sarcoptic Mange: How to Tell Them Apart
The two types differ in a few key ways. Demodectic mange is generally not contagious (except from mother to pup) and often causes little itching in its mild form, showing as patchy hair loss on the face and legs of young or immune-weakened dogs. Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious to other dogs, causes severe itching, and typically starts with crusty lesions on the ear margins, elbows, and hocks.
Age and pattern are useful clues: demodectic mange most often appears in young dogs and dogs with weakened immune defenses, while sarcoptic mange can strike dogs of any age and usually announces itself with intense, unrelenting scratching. That said, only your vet can confirm the diagnosis. The symptoms overlap enough that skin scrapings and clinical judgment are needed.
When to See a Vet
See your veterinarian promptly if the hair loss is spreading, the itching is getting worse, or sores are developing. Open sores, oozing, foul odor, swelling, or signs of infection mean the skin’s barrier is compromised and the condition needs professional care. Also schedule a visit if a localized patch has not improved after a couple of weeks, if your dog seems painful or lethargic, or if other pets in the home start showing similar symptoms. Similar symptoms in housemates may point to the contagious sarcoptic form.
What NOT to Do
Well-meaning home remedies can make mange much worse. Never apply bleach, motor oil, kerosene, or other harsh chemicals to your dog’s skin. These cause burns and poisoning and will not cure mange. Do not give your dog human medications or leftover pet medications without veterinary guidance, as the wrong drug or dose can be dangerous, especially for certain breeds. And do not assume the problem will fix itself if it is spreading or worsening. Waiting allows secondary infection to take hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mange contagious to people? Demodectic mange is generally not contagious to people. Sarcoptic mange mites can burrow into human skin and cause temporary itching and rash, but they cannot complete their life cycle on people the way they do on dogs, so the irritation usually resolves once the dog is treated and contact is limited.
Can mange come back after treatment? It can, especially demodectic mange in dogs with ongoing immune weakness. That is why vets often schedule follow-up skin scrapings and why treating any underlying health issues matters. Sarcoptic mange generally resolves once the mites are eliminated and re-exposure is prevented.
How long does treatment take? It varies. Mild localized demodectic cases in puppies sometimes resolve within weeks, while generalized cases can take months of veterinary care with periodic rechecks. Sarcoptic mange treatment length depends on the severity and the treatment your vet prescribes. Your vet will confirm progress with repeat examinations.
Not sure what kind of mange it is, or if it’s getting worse? You can ask a veterinarian online about your pit bull’s symptoms.
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This article is for general education only and is not veterinary advice. Skin conditions can have many causes, and mange requires a proper diagnosis by a veterinarian. If your pit bull shows signs of skin disease, please consult your veterinarian before starting any treatment.