Signs of Red Mange

Red mange, also known as demodectic mange or follicular mange, is a health condition caused by mites that live in the hair follicles of dogs. While these mites are commonly found on dogs and other animals, including human beings, they don't always cause mange. According to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, red mange most commonly affects puppies and adolescent dogs which haven't yet developed immunity, or dogs with weakened immune systems.

  1. Bald Patches

    • The most visible sign of red mange is bald patches that appear in the dog's fur. These usually begin around the muzzle and eyes of the dog and other areas of the head, but can appear on the body and legs as well. In severe cases of red mange, the bald patches can spread throughout the entire body of the dog. Because the mites live in the hair follicles, loss of hair is usually the first sign of mange.

    Skin Irritation

    • In the patches where the dog has lost its hair, the skin may become crusty and red or bruised-looking. It can also develop bumps or pustules and a few crusty circles may appear. These bare patches may become scaly or, if there is a secondary bacterial infection, have a greasy or moist appearance. In more severe cases, the skin will crack and seep a clear fluid. The skin may or may not itch.

    Foul Odor

    • Red mange is often accompanied by a bacterial infection which causes a very noticeable odor. This sign will not normally appear until after the dog already has bald patches and skin lesions. Mild cases of mange will often clear up on their own, but if the disease develops this secondary bacterial infection, the dog will need to be treated by a veterinarian.