Mange in dogs and cats: symptoms, treatment and prevention

Summary

What is mange?

Mange describes skin disease associated with particular mite infestations or excessive mite populations. It is not another name for Demodex alone.

Different mites live in different places. Some burrow into the outer skin layers, some live in hair follicles, and others remain closer to the skin surface.

The type of mite determines how the condition develops and whether other animals need treatment. A pet does not need to be neglected or have a weak immune system to develop a contagious mite infestation.

Main types of mange

Other mites, including ear mites and Cheyletiella (“walking dandruff”), can also cause skin or ear disease. They require their own diagnosis and treatment plan.

Sarcoptic mange in dogs

Sarcoptic mange is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites. It can affect dogs of any breed or age, including otherwise healthy dogs.

The mites burrow into the outer skin layers and trigger inflammation and intense itching. Affected dogs may scratch, rub or chew themselves, damaging the skin and allowing secondary infections to develop.

Commonly affected areas include the ear margins, elbows, hocks, chest and underside of the body. Disease can become more widespread.

Transmission usually involves contact with an affected animal, but contaminated bedding and equipment can also contribute. Contact with affected wildlife, including foxes, is another possible source.

Demodectic mange in dogs

Demodex mites normally occur in small numbers on dogs. Puppies acquire them through close contact with their mother early in life.

Demodectic mange develops when the mites multiply excessively. It may cause:

• Localised disease: Small areas of hair loss, often around the face or front legs
• Generalised disease: More extensive hair loss and inflammation, sometimes involving the paws.

Unlike sarcoptic mange, demodectic mange is not always very itchy. Itching and discomfort may become more noticeable if bacterial infection develops.

Young dogs can develop demodicosis while their immune system is still maturing. When generalised disease first appears in an adult dog, the vet may investigate underlying illness or medication-related immune suppression.

Mange and related mite conditions in cats

Notoedric mange

Notoedric mange is caused by Notoedres cati. It can produce severe itching, hair loss and crusting, particularly around the ears, face and neck, and may spread over the body.

Because it is highly contagious, other cats in contact with an affected cat may need treatment even if they appear well.

Feline demodicosis

Cats can develop demodicosis from different Demodex species.

Demodex cati lives in hair follicles and can cause hair loss, scaling and inflammation. An underlying health problem may be relevant, particularly with widespread disease.

Demodex gatoi lives closer to the skin surface and can spread between cats. It may cause itching and excessive grooming, sometimes resembling an allergy. Cats can remove mites while grooming, making diagnosis more difficult.

This is why the general statement “Demodex is not contagious” needs a species-specific qualification.

Symptoms of mange in dogs and cats

Signs may include:

• Patchy or widespread hair loss
• Scratching, rubbing, chewing or excessive grooming
• Red, inflamed or scaly skin
• Crusts, scabs or small bumps
• Thickened or darkened skin in longstanding cases
• Painful sores, discharge or an unpleasant smell if secondary infection develops
• Inflamed paws or discomfort when walking in some cases.

The severity of itching varies. A pet with demodectic mange may initially have hair loss with little itching, while sarcoptic and notoedric mange are often intensely itchy.

Dark ear debris and head shaking can indicate ear mites or another ear problem. They do not identify the type of mange.

These signs can also occur with ringworm, fleas, allergies and other skin conditions.

When should you see a vet?

Arrange an examination for unexplained hair loss, persistent itching, crusting or sores.

Seek prompt care if your pet has widespread painful skin changes, pus or discharge, severe discomfort, reduced appetite or lethargy. Tell the clinic if other pets or people in the household are also itchy, as this may help identify a contagious condition.

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How is mange diagnosed?

Your vet will examine the skin and ask about symptoms, parasite treatments, contact with other animals, medications and general health.

Depending on the suspected mite, investigations may include:

• Superficial or deep skin scrapings examined under a microscope
• Hair plucks or adhesive-tape samples
• Ear examination and samples if ear mites are suspected
• Skin cytology to look for bacterial or yeast infection
• Tests for other skin diseases or an underlying health problem.

A negative scraping does not rule out every mite infestation. Sarcoptic mites and Demodex gatoi, for example, can be difficult to find. Your vet may recommend repeat sampling or a monitored treatment trial.

Rubbing an ear and seeing whether a dog scratches is not a reliable stand-alone diagnosis.

Treatment for mange

Medication to control the mites

Treatment may involve an oral or spot-on parasite medicine, or another veterinary-prescribed treatment. The choice depends on the mite, your pet’s species, age, weight and medical history.

Some modern flea and tick medicines also treat particular mites, but not every parasite product treats every type of mange.

Do not substitute products or change the treatment schedule without veterinary advice.

Treating associated skin problems

Some pets also need treatment for bacterial infection, inflammation or pain. Antibiotics are used when appropriate for bacterial infection; they do not kill mange mites.

Medicated bathing or local clipping may be helpful in selected cases, but routine whole-body clipping and forcibly removing crusts are not appropriate instructions for every pet.

If an underlying illness is contributing to demodicosis, managing that illness is part of treatment.

Follow-up and recovery

Improvement in the coat does not necessarily mean treatment is complete. Follow-up examinations and repeat skin samples may be needed, particularly for generalised demodicosis.

Treatment can take weeks to months, depending on the mite, severity and response. Continue for the period your vet recommends.

Important treatment safety for cats

Never apply a dog-only parasite product to a cat. Some dog products containing permethrin can cause life-threatening poisoning in cats, including through contact with a recently treated dog.

Ask your vet to check the safety of parasite treatments for every species in a mixed-pet household.

Do other pets need treatment?

This depends on the diagnosis.

For contagious conditions such as sarcoptic mange, notoedric mange and Demodex gatoi, your vet may recommend treating contact animals even before they show signs. Temporary separation and cleaning shared items may also be necessary.

For canine demodectic mange, healthy contact dogs generally do not need treatment simply because they live with the affected dog.

Until the cause is established, ask your vet about contact with other pets, grooming appointments, boarding and visits to shared animal spaces.

Can mange spread to people?

Certain animal mites, including those responsible for sarcoptic and notoedric mange, can cause an itchy rash in people following contact.

Animal-associated mites generally do not establish the same ongoing infestation in people as human scabies, but symptoms still warrant medical advice. Tell your doctor about the affected pet and arrange veterinary treatment to address the source.

Canine Demodex mites do not spread to people.

Can mange be prevented?

Risk reduction depends on the mite involved. Helpful measures include:

• Using veterinary-recommended parasite protection appropriate to your pet
• Checking which mites a product actually treats or controls
• Avoiding contact with animals known to have contagious mange
• Following advice about treating contact pets
• Washing bedding and cleaning shared grooming equipment when recommended
• Investigating recurrent skin problems rather than repeatedly changing treatments.

Demodectic mange is not simply a hygiene problem. It can occur despite good care, and generalised disease may reflect an underlying susceptibility.

Dogs affected by generalised demodicosis should not be bred without discussing the implications with their vet.

What does mange treatment cost?

Costs depend on the diagnosis, the extent of skin disease and whether other animals need treatment.

An estimate may include the consultation, skin sampling, mite treatment, medication for secondary infection and repeat examinations. Generalised demodicosis or investigation of an underlying illness can require a longer course of care.

Ask your vet for an individual estimate rather than relying on a single advertised price for “mange treatment”.

Because it is difficult to predict the costs of veterinary care, it can help to have measures in place to help prepare for the unexpected. Pet insurance can help by covering a portion of the eligible vet bill if the unexpected does happen.

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In a nutshell

Mange includes several mite conditions, and they do not all behave the same way. Some spread readily between animals, while canine demodectic mange generally does not.

Unexplained hair loss, persistent itching or crusted skin needs veterinary assessment. Identifying the mite helps your vet choose effective treatment, decide whether other pets need care and advise on precautions for people.

With appropriate treatment and follow-up, many pets recover well. Use species-safe medicines and complete the recommended treatment even when the skin starts looking better.

Sources

“Mange in Dogs and Cats”, MSD Veterinary Manual, updated May 2025. https://www.msdvetmanual.com/integumentary-system/mange/mange-in-dogs-and-cats. Accessed 29 October 2026.

“Sarcoptic Mite”, Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC). https://capcvet.org/guidelines/sarcoptic-mite/. Accessed 29 October 2026.

“Demodex spp.”, Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC). https://capcvet.org/guidelines/demodex. Accessed 29 October 2026.

“Notoedric Mite”, Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC). https://capcvet.org/guidelines/notoedric-mite/. Accessed 29 October 2026.

“Diagnosis and treatment of demodicosis in dogs and cats: Summary of clinical consensus guidelines”, World Association for Veterinary Dermatology, 2020. https://wavd.org/wp-content/uploads/summary-of-clinical-consensus-guidelines-demodicosis.pdf. Accessed 29 October 2026.

“Demodicosis (Demodectic Mange) in Dogs”, VCA Animal Hospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/mange-demodectic-in-dogs. Accessed 29 October 2026.

“Sarcoptic Mange in Dogs”, VCA Animal Hospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/mange-sarcoptic-in-dogs. Accessed 29 October 2026.

“Notoedres cati”, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan. https://wcvm.usask.ca/learnaboutparasites/parasites/notoedres-cati.php. Accessed 29 October 2026.

“Guidelines for the control of ectoparasites of dogs and cats in the tropics”, Tropical Council for Companion Animal Parasites (TroCCAP), first edition, 1 January 2022. https://www.troccap.com/2017press/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/TroCCAP-Canine-Feline-Ecto-Guidelines-English-v1.pdf. Accessed 29 October 2026.

“Ectoparasiticides for dogs and cats – specific requirements”, Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). https://www.apvma.gov.au/registrations-and-permits/labelling-codes/veterinary-labelling-code/specific-labelling-requirements-veterinary-chemical-products/ectoparasiticides-dogs-cats. Accessed 29 October 2026.

“Nose-to-Tail Cover”, Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance. https://bowwowinsurance.com.au/cover-options/. Accessed 29 October 2026.

“Nose-to-Tail Cover Product Disclosure Statement”, Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance, 6 November 2024. https://bowwowinsurance.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Bow-Wow-Meow_Nose-to-Tail-Cover-PDS_03A_bwm11_06112024.pdf. Accessed 29 October 2026.