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Sarcoptic mange is usually spread by close contact between a dog that carries mites and one that does not. It’s method of spread is similar to that of head lice in children. Dogs that spread the infections often have little or no signs that they are infected. Sarcoptic mange can also be spread by contact with objects, such as blankets and quarters that have recently been used by infected animals. Mange mites do not generally survive off a host animal for more than 2-4 days.

Sarcoptic mange is usually spread where large numbers of poorly maintained dogs are maintained in crowded conditions – such as at animal shelters, boarding kennels and pet shops. It is also transferred at grooming salons through towels, clippers and improperly sanitized caging. Mother dogs in recovery or in long-term balance with the parasite often transmit it to their offspring. So puppies from puppy mills and unsanitary breeders are also a major source of the disease.

What Signs Will I See If My Pet Has Sarcoptic Mange?

It is easiest for the mites to burrow into skin that has sparse hair. That, plus the fact that pets check new situations out with their head, makes the edges of the ears and the face prime areas for mange to begin. Elbows and tummies are also areas that become infected early. When they do, small red papules and welts in these areas are common. As the disease progresses and the number of mites multiply, the whole body is eventually infested with these parasites.

The intense irritation these mites produce, cause the pet to scratch incessantly. No other chronic skin problem is as intensely itchy as sarcoptic mange. You can hear the pet scratching throughout the house. Oozing, raw skin often causes off-white crusts to form that are very typical for sarcoptic mange. You can see them on the edge of the dog's ear in my illustration. When they are present, the disease is unmistakable. However, not all pets develop these typical crusts.

Bacteria and yeast take advantage of this unhealthy situation and give the pet a strong, musty odor. These secondary infections and mite debris also cause the lymph nodes that drain the skin to become enlarged. Pets often loose weight as well.

In long standing cases, the pet’s skin may become thickened and over pigmented with folds and wrinkles. These are the cases with the greatest superficial lymph node enlargement, weight loss and general debility.