Sarcoptic mange is also known as fox mange or scabies. Some areas have an increased risk of this type of mange due to infection from local wildlife, such as urban foxes or coyotes.
It’s a contagious skin disease caused by mites that burrow into the skin and make it really itchy. It’s so itchy that quite often dogs may stop eating, playing or exercising just to scratch. Initially the most commonly affected areas are the outer ears and elbows. It can then spread to the head and eventually all over the body.
Your dog might have sarcoptic mange if it:
- Is intensely itchy,
- Possibly with infected or bleeding spots
- Eventually loses some hair
As it’s very contagious, owners may also develop an itchy, bumpy rash if their dog is infected.
