Mange In Puppies – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Have you ever wondered what causes mange and how it can affect your puppy? Read on to find out more about the causes, symptoms and treatment of mange in puppies.

What causes mange in puppies?

Mange in puppies is caused by tiny external parasites called mites. Puppy skin mites and ear mites can lead to severe irritation of the skin or ears which can significantly impact your puppy’s quality of life.

Types of mange in puppies

There are three different types of mites responsible for mange in puppies:

Demodectic mange is caused by Demodex mites on puppies
Sarcoptic mange in puppies is caused by Sarcoptes mites
Otodectic mange is caused by ear mites (Otodectes cynotis)

Symptoms of mange in puppies

The symptoms or signs of mange in puppies will vary depending on the type of mite involved:

Sarcoptic mange can lead to intense itchiness, hair loss and secondary skin infections.
Demodectic mange can lead to hair loss, thickening of the skin and secondary skin infections.
Otodectic mange can lead to scratching around ears and head, shaking of the head, a dark discharge from the ears and unpleasant odour from the ears.

The early signs of mange in puppies can be difficult to differentiate from other skin conditions. You should consult with your vet if you notice any signs of skin disease.

Puppy mange treatment

Thankfully, there are highly effective treatments available to treat mange in puppies.

Sarcoptic mange: Two consecutive monthly treatments of NexGard^® for Dogs or NexGard SPECTRA^® for Dogs are recommended.
Demodectic mange: Treatment with NexGard for Dogs or NexGard SPECTRA for Dogs should be continued monthly until your vet confirms the absence of mites on two consecutive monthly skin scrapings.
Ear mites: A single dose of NexGard for Dogs or NexGard SPECTRA for Dogs is highly effective against ear mite infestations in dogs.

Giving your puppy NexGard SPECTRA for Dogs monthly protects them against mites, as well as fleas, ticks, heartworm and intestinal worms. It provides the most complete parasite protection, all in one tasty chew.

FAQs

How long does mange last in puppies?
For sarcoptic mange, two consecutive monthly treatments of NexGard for Dogs or NexGard SPECTRA for Dogs are recommended. For demodectic mange, treatment with NexGard for Dogs or NexGard SPECTRA for Dogs should be continued monthly until your vet confirms the absence of mites on two consecutive monthly skin scrapings. For ear mites, a single dose of NexGard for Dogs or NexGard SPECTRA for Dogs is highly effective. If untreated, a puppy can be persistently affected by mange.

Is puppy mange contagious to humans?
The dog variety of the Sarcoptes mite can be transmitted from affected puppies or dogs to people. This can cause a temporary dermatitis with intensely itchy skin lesions that can last for several weeks. Demodex mites and ear mites do not transmit from dogs to people.
What is the early stage of mange in puppies?
Depending on which type of mite is involved, the early signs of mange may include itchiness, hair loss or ear irritation. Early-stage mange in dogs can be difficult to differentiate from other skin conditions. You should consult with your vet if you notice any signs of skin disease.