Mange is a specific skin disorder that causes discomfort and disfigurement in dogs. Demodectic mange is caused by the demodex mite, which lives in a dog's hair follicles, eating dead skin cells and laying eggs. These mites are common on dogs and can exist without causing any problems. In young puppies or dogs that have compromised immune systems, however, the mites can lead to mange.
-
Specific Hair Loss
-
Cases of demodectic mange almost always start with specified hair loss around a dog's eyes and mouth. This hair loss starts as hair thinning in patches of up to 1 inch in diameter and progresses to complete hair loss. It can also spread to the dog's front legs. Dogs take on a patchy appearance but don't display any exaggerated itching or scabby skin.
General Hair Loss
-
The initial hair loss from demodectic mange can spread across the dog's head, legs and body. At this point, when the infestation is more serious and not resolving itself, additional symptoms may begin to present. These include sore, crusty and oozing skin sores accompanied by obvious discomfort for the dog. At this point it's highly recommended that a dog be taken to the vet.
Weight Loss
-
Any dog infested with mites is prone to weight loss. This is due to the discomfort of the condition, and in demodectic mange it could be due to a dog's compromised immune system. Obvious discomfort coupled with scratching and weight loss could mean that a dog has demodectic mange.
-