Mary Allen
Introduction: Understanding Mange
Mange is a skin condition that affects dogs and is caused by mites. It is a common condition that can cause discomfort and pain for your furry friend. Mange can also cause an unpleasant odor that can be overwhelming. As a dog owner, it is important to understand the causes, symptoms, and potential odor associated with mange to ensure you can provide proper care for your pet.
What Is Mange?
Mange is a skin condition caused by mites that burrow into the skin and cause itching, redness, and hair loss. There are two types of mange that affect dogs: demodectic mange caused by demodex mites and sarcoptic mange caused by sarcoptes mites. Demodectic mange is more common in puppies, while sarcoptic mange is highly contagious and can spread to other dogs and even humans.
Causes of Mange in Dogs
Mange is caused by mites that live on the skin of dogs. These mites can be transferred from dog to dog through direct contact. Mange can also be caused by a weakened immune system, stress, poor nutrition, or underlying health conditions. Dogs with long hair or skin folds are more susceptible to mange as the mites can easily hide and breed in these areas. It is important to note that not all dogs will develop mange, even if they are exposed to mites.