My dog is scratching and losing hair. Is it a sign of mange?

Question

I think my dog has mange. Pet's info: Dog | Boxer | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 1 month old | 75 lbs

Laura Johnson VMD · Accepted Answer

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Mange is usually defined as either Demodectic or Sarcoptic mange. The difference is determined by seeing the mite under a microscope. Your Vet will perform a skin scrape and look at that under the microscope. Scabies is contagious, so your dog would have gotten it from another infected dog or from a fox den. The lesions are usually on the ears, elbows and hocks but if it goes untreated for a long time, it can be anywhere. They are VERY itchy! Demodex is a mite that naturally lives on the dog but over grows due to an issue with the immune system. It is not contagious and can be itchy. The hairless areas can be anywhere on the body. Based on your pictures, mites are possible but so are allergies, an infection, a hot spot (superficial bacterial infection) or even ring worm. Sadly a lot of different skin conditions can look exactly the same! I'd take Otis in to your Vet and have them look and do some tests. I hope this helps and good luck!

My dog is scratching and losing hair. Is it a sign of mange?

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