What it is
Demodex mites pass from mother to puppies in the first days of life and then live quietly in the hair follicles, kept in balance by the immune system. Trouble starts when that balance tips. The mites multiply, crowd the follicles and the hairs fall out; bacteria can then move into the damaged skin and cause deeper inflammation.
Young dogs, whose immune system is still maturing, can develop small patches that clear as they grow. In an adult dog, mange that appears out of nowhere can be a sign that something else is weakening the body's defences. A tendency to the widespread form can run in families.
It is not a contagious kind of mange: a healthy dog, or you, will not catch it from your dog. Life at home goes on as normal, though inflamed skin can be sore and itchy, and your dog may be more tired or out of sorts while the skin is bad.
Signs you may notice
- Bald patches around the eyes
- Hair loss on muzzle or front legs
- Flaky or reddened skin
- Pimples or crusts on the skin
- Itching and an unpleasant smell
You may notice small bald patches, sometimes flaky or reddened, first around the eyes, on the muzzle or on the front legs. When the disease spreads, the skin can become inflamed with pimples or crusts, may itch and can smell unpleasant.
When to see a vet
Book a visit as soon as you notice bald or flaky patches, so a vet can find out what is behind them. If the skin becomes widely inflamed, crusty or smelly, or the dog seems unwell, see a vet without delay.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.