Mange in Puppies – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Sarcoptic mange in puppies
Sarcoptes mites are highly contagious. Puppies can become infected through close contact with an affected dog or by sharing bedding, toys, or other items. 
These mites cause intense itching, and puppies with sarcoptic mange are often very uncomfortable. Without prompt treatment, scratching can lead to skin damage and secondary infections.

Demodectic mange in puppies
Demodex mites are passed from mother to puppy shortly after birth. While these mites are usually harmless, they can multiply excessively in puppies with immature or weakened immune systems.
Most dogs carry Demodex mites in low numbers, kept in check by a healthy immune system. These mites are not contagious to other dogs or humans.
Puppies with demodectic mange may initially show mild itching and small patches of hair loss. In more severe cases, symptoms can include widespread hair loss, inflamed and scaly skin, thickening of the skin, and secondary infections. Early treatment is important to prevent progression.

Early detection and treatment are key to keeping your puppy comfortable and healthy. Common early signs of mange in puppies includes:

• Itchy skin – scratching or biting
• Localised hair loss – often around the face or legs
• Red rash
• Scaly skin

Mange in puppies is caused by two types of mites:

• Demodex mites: Passed from mother to puppy shortly after birth. Usually harmless but can cause mange in puppies with developing or weakened immune systems.
• Sarcoptes mites: Highly contagious. Puppies can catch them from other dogs or contaminated items like bedding or toys. Infected puppies can spread sarcoptic mites to other dogs and humans.

Mange mites can burrow deep into the skin, making them difficult to detect.

To diagnose mange, your veterinarian will typically perform a skin scraping from affected areas and examine it under a microscope.

Sarcoptic mites can be especially hard to find. If no mites are seen but your vet suspects sarcoptic mange, treatment may be started as a precaution.

Effective puppy mange treatment is readily available in New Zealand. Always consult your veterinarian for the best course of action. 

Home or natural remedies are not recommended—only specific antiparasitic medications will eliminate mites.

NexGard® Chewables for Dogs and NexGard SPECTRA® Chewables for Dogs provide effective treatment for both demodectic and sarcoptic mange:

• Sarcoptic mange: Two consecutive monthly treatments are recommended.
• Demodectic mange: Continue monthly treatment until your vet confirms the absence of mites on two consecutive monthly skin scrapings.

Your veterinarian may prescribe additional medications such as antibiotics to treat secondary skin infections. It’s essential to follow all treatment instructions carefully—even if your puppy’s symptoms seem to improve quickly.

Because sarcoptic mites are highly contagious and can survive in the environment for some time, it’s important to reduce environmental risks:

• Isolate infected dogs
• Treat all dogs in the household as a precaution
• Wash and disinfect your puppy’s bedding, toys, crates, and collars using hot water

As with all parasites, preventing mange in puppies is better than cure.  Simple monthly dosing with NexGard for Dogs or NexGard Spectra for Dogs helps protect your puppy by treating and controlling mange mite infestations.

In addition to regular parasite prevention, you can reduce the risk of sarcoptic mange by:

• Keeping your puppy away from infected dogs
• Washing bedding and toys regularly in hot water and tumble drying