demodectic mange in dogs and cats

Demodectic mange may require months of treatment, be subject to relapse, and need multiple treatments.

Demodectic mange is caused by an overgrowth of parasitic skin mites that naturally live deep inside pet hair follicles. An infestation means a breakdown of the healthy immune system that usually keeps these mites in check.

The truth about demodectic mange

Demodectic and sarcoptic mange are both skin diseases, but they are caused by different mites and require different treatments.

What is demodectic mange?

Demodectic mange is a skin disease caused by the overgrowth of tiny mites, or Demodex, that are normally present on pet skin. These mites live in hair follicles and are so small they’re invisible to the naked eye.

All pets and people have skin mites that are typically kept in check by a healthy immune system. If your pet’s immune system is immature or compromised by disease, malnutrition, or other health issues, the mite population can overgrow and cause mange.

Demodectic mange is sometimes called “red mange” because it can create thick, red, balding skin sores. These areas are often on a pet’s face and may be itchy for your pet.

Demodectic mange is caused by the mite Demodex canis in dogs and Demodex cati in cats.

How pets get demodectic mange

Demodectic mange only occurs when a pet’s immune system is unable to keep Demodex mites within a normal range. This is why mange is often seen in puppies whose immune systems are not yet mature and older dogs when their immune systems are depressed.

An adult immunocompromised pet may often have other underlying health issues in addition to demodectic mange. Treating this underlying cause is just as important as treating their skin condition.

The term “mangy” may be used to describe a pet with a run-down appearance and sores, but sores aren’t always caused by demodectic mange.

Patches of baldness and reddened skin: Demodectic mange often appears as balding, crusty, or scaly areas around the eyes, on top of the head, and on the feet. One or two smaller areas are called localized mange. Generalized mange typically means the ailment has spread to four or more areas.

Itchiness: While dogs may not scratch at mange, the resulting bacterial skin infections can be very itchy and smelly. Cats can be itchy — watch them for scratching or over-grooming.

How you and your family are affected

Demodectic mange is not contagious from pets to people or from people to pets. Dogs cannot give it to cats, and cats cannot give it to dogs. However, Demodex gatoi is contagious from cat to cat.

If you or a member of your human family has a skin issue that concerns you, please see your human doctor. Mange medications prescribed for pets are not designed for people or their skin.

Seek treatment to help your pet

Demodectic mange doesn’t just affect your pet’s appearance. It is a sign that your pet has a suppressed immune system that needs veterinary care.

Even if your pet has only a small affected area, it’s important to consult with your veterinary team. A pet with a compromised immune system can be at risk for additional diseases — plus, the larger an affected area gets, the harder it can be to treat and the more likely it is to get infected.

Home remedies and healing time

The internet is full of natural “remedies” like lemon juice and apple cider vinegar that are supposed to help treat demodectic mange in pets. However, these “cures” are not an effective way to treat it.

You can help your pet by seeing your veterinary team. We can confirm the type of mite by looking at a skin scraping of the affected areas, recommend an appropriate treatment plan, and evaluate and help treat other health issues that may be causing the disease.

Demodectic mange can take months to resolve. A more complex condition often needs prescription oral and topical medications, and your veterinarian can determine if antibiotics are needed to treat additional skin infections that may have developed.

Tips for the future

You can help your pet by supporting their immune system.

Veterinary wellness care:

Regular vet visits for full-body exams, regular parasite control, and routine immunizations can all help support your pet’s immune system.  

Quality diet and nutrition:

Good nutrition helps give your pet’s body the fuel it needs to support healthy immune function.

Quality veterinary care:

If you spot skin sores or other symptoms, bring your pet in for help from your veterinary team.

Download more about demodectic mange

Download more about taking a shelter pet home

Mentioned in this article