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My dog has skin issues. Could it be mange, allergies, or mites?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Bulldog (duplicate) | Male | 2 years and 9 months old | 50 lbs

What is mange and what does mange look like? Could it be mistaken for a good allergy or mites?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 11th, 2019

Mange is caused by mites. There are two types of mange, sarcoptic mange and demodex mange, each caused by a different mite. Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious to other animals and humans, while demodex mange is not. The symptoms depend on what type of mite is presents. Yes a skin allergy could potentially look like mange, but a vet will be able to diagnose the underlying cause. You will need to take Mister Brown into the vet. Best of luck.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 25th, 2017

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Piper! Sadly food allergies and mites can look the same. If Piper had exposure to a mangey fox or another dog with sarcoptic mange then scabies is possible. They are diagnosed by scraping the skin and looking under a microscope. Demodex (non-contagious) is another type of mite that is also seen on a skin scrape. Nexgard and Bravecto (flea and tick medication) also get the demodex mite but not scabies. I recommend making an appointment with your Vet to have Piper looked at. They can test for the mites and start her on medications to make her better. I hope this helps and I wish Piper a speedy recovery!

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