Symptoms of Mange

What is Mange?

    Mange is caused by microscopic parasites called mites.  Mange can affect humans, but most commonly affects pets.  Unfortunately, those mites living in the fur of pets can be easily transferred to humans.  These mites are very small but they can be seen as tiny black bugs, but if they have been eating the blood of a pet, they may appear red in color.  Mites will burrow into the outer layer of the skin and will deposit eggs, faeces, and digestive secretions into the skin.  This will cause extreme irritation.

Symptoms of Mange:

     Symptoms of mange include itchy rash patches on the skin.  Oftentimes the rash will begin around your waist.  Mange can also be found around bra straps, around the collar of a shirt, and on the stomach.  Mange is extremely itchy.  If you suspect that you may have mange, you need to get treatment.  Without treatment, mange will continue to spread and could even cover the entire body by the time a week is over.  Please see your doctor immediately if you have any of the symptoms of mange.

Wild animals, such as this fox, can suffer from mange.

Avoiding Mange: 

     To avoid mange, keep a close eye on your pets.  Dogs that carry mange will scratch themselves constantly.  They may even have some spots of fur that are missing due to incessant scratching.  Mange has been known to be transferred to humans by mice, rats, birds, dogs, and hamsters.  Some of these smaller mammals can even perish from mange if it is left untreated.  Once the parasites begin to cover the body of the animal, it is left unable to breathe, eat, or function.  Even larger animals need treatment if they develop mange.  If you suspect that your pet has mange, the best thing you can do is take them to the veterinarian immediately.  The vet will be able to prescribe medicine that will cure your pet.  When you cure your pet, you are ensuring that you will not get mange as well.  Additionally, if you are in very close contact with your pet, such as kissing your pet, sleeping with your pet, you will be at greater risk for mange, so it is suggested that you let your pet have his own bed.

     Your pet will be miserable from mange, so if you suspect mange in your pet, get help for him so that he is not suffering.  You need to get help for your pet for selfish reasons also.  Remember, he can spread it to you!