Mange in Dogs: Demodex vs Sarcoptic – What Australian Pet Guardians Need to Know

Mange is a skin condition that can look alarming, but understanding the type of mange your dog may have makes all the difference in how it’s treated and managed. In Australia, the two main types of mange seen in dogs are Demodectic mange (Demodex) and Sarcoptic mange (Scabies). While both are caused by microscopic mites, they behave very differently.

This guide explains the key differences in simple terms, including which type is most common in Australia, the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.

First, What Is Mange?

“Mange” is a general term for skin disease caused by tiny mites that live on or in the skin. These mites are invisible to the naked eye, but they can cause hair loss, irritation, and skin infections.

Not all mange is the same — some types are contagious, and others are not.

The Two Main Types of Mange in Dogs

1. Demodectic Mange (Demodex) – NOT Contagious

Demodex is the most common type of mange seen in Australia.

Demodex mites actually live naturally on most dogs. In healthy dogs, they cause no problems at all. However, when a dog’s immune system is immature or weakened, the mites can multiply too much and cause skin disease.

Think of Demodex like yeast on the skin — normally harmless, but it can overgrow when the body isn’t keeping it in balance.

Key points:

• Not contagious to other dogs, animals, or humans
• Usually affects puppies, young dogs, or dogs with weakened immune systems
• Often linked to immune system imbalance

2. Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies) – HIGHLY Contagious

Sarcoptic mange is very different. These mites burrow into the skin and cause intense irritation.

This type spreads easily between dogs and can even temporarily affect humans, causing itchy red bumps.

Key points:

• Highly contagious between dogs
• Can spread through direct contact or shared bedding
• Can temporarily transfer to humans
• Causes extreme itching

Sarcoptic mange is less common than Demodex in Australia, but it does occur, especially in rescue dogs, dogs from shelters, or dogs exposed to wildlife such as foxes.

Symptoms: How to Tell the Difference

Demodectic Mange Symptoms

• Patchy hair loss (often around eyes, mouth, and front legs)
• Thinning coat
• Mild redness
• Usually NOT very itchy (especially early on)
• Skin may become infected if untreated
• May appear as small isolated patches or affect larger areas

Dogs with Demodex often don’t seem overly bothered initially.

Sarcoptic Mange Symptoms

• INTENSE itching (constant scratching)
• Red, inflamed skin
• Hair loss
• Scabs and crusting
• Thickened skin
• Common on ears, elbows, chest, and belly

Dogs with sarcoptic mange are usually extremely uncomfortable.

What Causes Mange?

Demodex Causes

Demodex develops when the immune system cannot regulate the mite population properly.

Common contributing factors include:

• Puppy immune systems still developing
• Stress
• Illness
• Poor nutrition
• Hormonal imbalance
• Chronic disease
• Certain medications
• Genetic predisposition

It is NOT caused by poor hygiene or catching it from another dog.

Sarcoptic Mange Causes

Sarcoptic mange is caused by exposure to contagious mites.

Common sources include:

• Contact with infected dogs
• Dog parks
• Boarding kennels
• Rescue environments
• Wildlife exposure (especially foxes in Australia)

This type spreads easily.

How Vets Diagnose Mange

Diagnosis is usually straightforward.

Skin Scraping

A vet gently scrapes the skin surface and examines it under a microscope to look for mites.

• Demodex mites are usually easier to find
• Sarcoptic mites can be harder to detect, so vets may diagnose based on symptoms and response to treatment

Additional Tests

Your vet may also check for:

• Secondary bacterial infections
• Underlying immune issues
• Other skin conditions that look similar

Early diagnosis makes treatment easier and more effective.

Treatment Options

The good news is that both types of mange are treatable.

Demodectic Mange Treatment

Treatment depends on severity.

Mild cases in puppies may resolve naturally as the immune system matures.

Other treatment options include:

• Prescription mite treatments (oral or topical)
• Medicated washes
• Supporting immune health
• Treating secondary infections if present

In adult dogs, it’s important to identify and address any underlying immune stress.

Sarcoptic Mange Treatment

Because this type is contagious, treatment is more urgent.

Treatment usually includes:

• Prescription mite treatments (oral or topical)
• Treating all dogs in the household
• Washing bedding and environment
• Managing secondary infections
• Anti-itch support

Most dogs improve quickly once treatment begins.

Is Mange Preventable?

Supporting overall immune health can also help reduce Demodex flare-ups.

Key prevention strategies include:

• Good nutrition
• Minimising stress
• Supporting immune health
• Avoiding contact with infected animals

The Most Important Thing to Remember

Demodex and Sarcoptic mange may look similar, but they are very different conditions:

• Demodex is common in Australia and is NOT contagious
• Sarcoptic mange is less common but IS highly contagious and causes intense itching

Both are treatable, and with proper care, most dogs recover fully.

If you notice hair loss, itching, or skin changes in your dog, early veterinary assessment is the best step toward fast recovery. An integrative or holistic veterinarian is preferred if available to you in your area.

Holistic Support Matters Too

While veterinary treatment is essential to eliminate mites, supporting your dog’s immune system, skin barrier, and overall wellbeing can play an important role in recovery and prevention of future issues.

A balanced fresh food diet, stress reduction, keeping chemicals and toxins to a minimum and appropriate skin support can help restore your dog’s natural resilience.

If you suspect mange, seek veterinary advice promptly. Early care leads to faster, more comfortable recovery for your dog.