🐾 Mange in Dogs and Cats: What Every Pet Parent Should Know

If your pet has been scratching more than usual, losing patches of fur, or developing red, flaky skin — mange might be the culprit. The good news? Mange is treatable, and with the right care, your pet can be back to looking and feeling their best in no time.

What Exactly Is Mange?

Mange is a skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into your pet’s skin or hair follicles. These mites can cause irritation, itching, and hair loss. It’s not just uncomfortable — if left untreated, mange can lead to infection or more serious skin issues.

There are two main types of mange commonly seen in dogs and cats:

• Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies): Extremely itchy and contagious — even to humans in some cases.

• Demodectic Mange (Demodex): Usually affects young, elderly, or immune-compromised pets. It’s not contagious, but can become serious if not treated properly.

🐶 Common Symptoms of Mange

Keep an eye out for these telltale signs:

• Intense scratching or biting at the skin

• Red, inflamed, or scaly patches

• Hair loss (especially around the face, ears, legs, or just above the tail)

• Thickened, crusty skin

• A strong “doggy” or musty odour

• Restlessness or discomfort

Cats often show similar symptoms — but may also overgroom or develop scabs, especially around the head and neck.,

🩺 How Mange Is Diagnosed

If you suspect mange, your vet will likely do a skin scraping or microscopic test to confirm the presence of mites. This helps determine which type of mange your pet has so the right treatment can be prescribed.

🐕 Mange Treatment & Care

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the mange, but typically includes:

• Medicated shampoos and dips to kill mites and soothe the skin

• Spot-on or oral treatments to eliminate the mites from the body

• Skin healing sprays or balms to reduce itching and promote recovery

At Out of the Dog Box, we carry a few trusted mange treatment options that many local pet parents swear by:

• 💧 Topical Mange Treatment: Easy-to-use spot-on formula for both dogs and cats.

• 🌿 Natural Skin Soother Spray: Helps relieve itching, redness, and dryness during recovery.

(If you’re unsure which option is best for your pet, pop us a WhatsApp or visit us in-store — we’ll help you choose the right one.)

🧼 Prevention Tips

While mange can’t always be prevented, you can lower the risk:

• Keep your pet’s bedding and environment clean.

• Regularly wash blankets, collars, and toys.

• Maintain a balanced diet and flea/tick prevention routine to support a healthy immune system.

• Avoid contact with stray or infected animals.

❤️ Healing at Home

During recovery, your pet will need a little extra TLC:

• Keep them separated from other pets (especially if it’s sarcoptic mange).

• Stick to the treatment schedule — don’t skip doses!

• Use gentle grooming and avoid harsh soaps or products.

• Follow up with your vet if symptoms persist or worsen.

The Bottom Line

Mange might sound scary, but with early diagnosis and the right treatment plan, your pet can bounce back quickly. Regular grooming, a clean environment, and prompt vet care go a long way in keeping those pesky mites away.

If your pet is showing any signs of mange, visit Out of the Dog Box — we’re here to help you find the best treatment for your furry friend and get them feeling paw-some again.