Type of Mange

• Mange can be caused by three species of mites: the Demodex mite, the Sarcoptes mite or the Cheyletiella mite. The Demodex mite causes demodectic mange; the Sarcoptes mite produces canine scabies; and the Cheyletiella mite is what is called walking dandruff. Since treatment is related to what type of mange your dog has, you need to have your veterinarian perform a skin scraping to find out exactly what kind of mite your dog has contracted.
  
  

Treatment

• For a mange infection, your dog needs to be dipped in a miticide one or two times a week until the mites have all died off. Consider clipping a dog with a long or heavy coat so the medication can get down to the skin. If your dog has demodicosis, your veterinarian may prescribe an antibiotic because your dog may have contracted a skin infection as well. Dogs with scabies and a severe itch may be given corticosteroids. The Original Dog Bible recommends bathing your dog between miticide dips with a benzoyl peroxide shampoo, as well.
  
  

How Contagious

• Scabies is extremely contagious to other dogs, people and cats, so isolate a dog who has scabies. Clean anything the dog has touched, including yourself, and treat any dogs or cats who have been around the infected dog as well. Walking dandruff can also be very contagious, especially to puppies or adolescent dogs.