Mange is caused by mites that can be spread between animals and humans. There are many different types of mange mites. The types of mange mites that most commonly affect dogs are notoedric mange, sarcoptic mange, and demodectic mange. These mites burrow beneath a dog's skin and are so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye. However, their burrowing is evident and will make a dog miserable.
Instructions
Inspect your dog to see if he is experiencing any hair loss. This is one of the more obvious symptoms of mange. Hair loss typically occurs around the head and neck, though it can occur anywhere on the body. Hair loss due to mange can be severe, or there may only be a bald patch or two if the mange infestation is fairly new.
Examine your dog's skin and look for scaly, flaky skin, thickened, leathery skin or blisters that may have discharge. All of these are signs of mange.
Watch your dog to see if he is suffering from extreme itching. Dogs that have mange will furiously scratch themselves. The scratching can be so intense that it can make the dog's skin raw. Another sign of mange is a dog that is consistently licking, biting and chewing herself excessively. This is the dog's attempt to rid her body of the mites.
Observe your dog's behavior. If he has any of the above symptoms and also seems weak, has a loss of appetite and seems uninterested in things that would normally excite him, the chances are high that he has mange.
Take your dog to the veterinarian for a mange diagnosis and treatment options.