What Is Mange on Huskies?

Huskies are large, loyal dogs that make popular pets. Because they have long, thick coats, huskies can be prone to skin disorders like mange.

  1. Significance

    • Originally bred as sled dogs in the North, huskies have thick fur coats that protect them in cold weather. These thick coats sometimes harbor pests and skin infections.

    Causes of Mange

    • Demodectic mites dig into a husky's skin to feed and lay their eggs, and cause mange. This digging from the mites causes pain and itching for the dog. Because mites are laying their eggs in a husky's skin, once the dog is infected by a mite population, the insects can reproduce indefinitely.

    Symptoms

    • Mange on Huskies presents as flakey, reddened skin. The dog's skin will be consistently itchy, and hair loss may occur. Huskies that have severe cases of mange may lose weight and take on a scabby appearance as the disorder progresses.

    Treatments

    • The mites that cause mange are eradicated with strong chemical dips, increased dog grooming and good nutrition.

    Considerations

    • The mites that cause mange and scabies can spread to other pets and humans.