Mange in Boxers

Mange is a canine skin disease that can cause intense irritation and discomfort and, in extreme cases, can be potentially life-threatening. Boxers, especially pure-breds, are particularly prone to mange but, unlike other breeds of dogs, they may not show signs of discomfort until the condition is quite advanced. For this reason, it's important to inspect your dog regularly and treat mange at the first sign of infection.

  1. Types of Mange

    • Microscopic parasites called mites can cause two distinct types of mange. By far the most common type is demodectic, or red, mange. Demodex mites cause this disease, and you are most likely to see it in young puppies. Sarcoptic mange, which people often refer to as canine scabies, is less common but can affect boxers of all ages.

    Causes of Mange

    • Demodex mites live in the hair follicles and oil glands of dogs and, under normal circumstances, cause no harm. Any suppression of your boxer's immune system, however, can cause the mites to reproduce at a faster-than-normal rate and cause mange. Any kind of extreme stress -- teething, for example -- can cause a suppression of the immune system, particularly in unhealthy dogs.

      Sarcoptic mange is less common and is passed from dog to dog through contact and the resultant transference of sarcoptic mites.

    Symptoms of Mange

    • Demodectic mange will manifest itself in bald spots on your boxer's body. These bald patches become irritated and spread as your dog scratches itself. Additionally, scratching can cause secondary bacterial infections.

      Sarcoptic mange causes red inflamed spots, initially on the edge of the ears and in the groin and "armpits" of boxers. These inflamed spots irritate the dog and cause it to scratch. Scratching causes hair loss and the spread of mange to other parts of the body. As with demodectic mange, secondary bacterial infections can occur.

    Prevention and Cure

    • Keep your boxer clean, healthy and stress-free to minimize the possibility of it becoming infected. Also, ensure that your dog does not mingle with any animals that may be infected or generally show signs of poor health.

      Consult your veterinarian immediately upon discovering any signs of mange on your boxer. Your vet will need to examine your pet carefully to identify which type of mange it has and, most likely, will need to examine a skin scraping from your dog under a microscope. Following this, most vets will clip excess hair, cleanse the affected areas, then treat your dog with an anti-mite dip or ointment.