Mange: More Than Just Unsightly

3 min read

When most pet owners think of mange, the first thing that comes to mind is the telltale patchy fur and scaly skin. While the appearance can be alarming, mange is more than just a cosmetic issue—it’s a skin condition caused by parasitic mites that can lead to severe discomfort, secondary infections, and even long-term health problems if left untreated.

In this post, we’ll break down what mange really is, how to spot it early, why prompt treatment matters, and how you can protect your pet (and your wallet) with smart care strategies.

What Is Mange?

Mange is a skin disease caused by tiny mites that burrow into or live on your pet’s skin. There are two main types:

• Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies) – Highly contagious and intensely itchy. Can spread between animals and even to humans in a temporary form.

• Demodectic Mange (Demodex) – Usually linked to a weakened immune system. Not typically contagious but can become chronic without treatment.

Both types cause inflammation, hair loss, redness, and thickened skin—and both can make life miserable for your furry friend.

How to Spot Mange Early

The earlier mange is identified, the easier (and often cheaper) it is to treat. Keep an eye out for:

• Excessive scratching or biting at the skin

• Patchy hair loss

• Red, crusty, or scaly skin

• Sores from constant scratching

• Restlessness or changes in mood due to discomfort

🔍 Tip: Mange can sometimes be mistaken for allergies, flea infestations, or fungal infections. Only your veterinarian can confirm the diagnosis through a skin scrape test.

Why Prompt Treatment Matters

Ignoring mange doesn’t just mean your pet stays itchy—it can lead to:

• Secondary infections from open sores

• Spread to other pets in your home or neighborhood

• Escalating veterinary bills if the condition worsens

• Longer recovery times due to skin damage and immune stress

💡 Good to know: Sarcoptic mange, in particular, can spread rapidly, so quarantine affected pets until they’re cleared by your vet.

Treatment Options

Your veterinarian may recommend:

• Medicated shampoos or dips to kill mites on the skin

• Oral or topical prescription medications to target mites systemically

• Antibiotics if secondary infections are present

• Nutritional support to boost immune health

📣 Pro Tip for Saving Money: Many mange medications—like ivermectin, milbemycin, or certain antibiotics—can sometimes be filled at human pharmacies for a fraction of the cost.

Ask your vet if a human-equivalent option is available, and use a pet-friendly prescription discount card to lower costs even further.

Prevention & Long-Term Care

While not all cases can be prevented, you can reduce the risk by:

• Keeping your pet’s immune system strong with proper nutrition and regular checkups

• Maintaining good grooming habits and inspecting skin regularly

• Avoiding contact with infected animals

• Treating all pets in the household if one is diagnosed (for contagious types)