Mange Mites In Dogs

There are several species of mange mites that infect dogs. Some normally reside in the skin and hair follicles of dogs, while others don’t. When conditions are right, such as the presence of a health issue or a compromised immune system, mites living in the dog’s body can reproduce and multiply causing mild to severe skin infections.

There are 2 types of mange that commonly affects dogs – demodectic mange (Demodex canis) and sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabei). Sarcoptic mange causes canine scabies and is easily transferred between dogs. As for demodectic mange, there are 3 types that have been identified in dogs – the localized form which is confined to a certain spot or two, generalized form which affects a larger part of the dog’s skin, and demodectic pododermatitis which is confined to the foot and is often accompanied by secondary bacterial infections.

Any sign of skin problem should be checked out by a vet Washington DC.