Are there any types of mange that be passed from dog to dog, or from dog to another species (cat/human) and should they be isolated?
Dogs can suffer from two types of mange. Demodectic mange is caused by demodex mites that live in the hair follicles of dogs. Even normal dogs can have a few of these mites but a healthy immune system keeps them in check. They’re not contagious so won’t spread between dogs or from dogs to other species.
Sarcoptic mange is different in that the sarcoptes mites can be spread from dogs to humans. Cats can also be infected but it’s rare. The mites are mostly spread by direct contact but by the time one of your pets has been diagnosed with sarcoptes, any others will also have been exposed so isolation isn’t likely to be of much benefit. It’s important to treat all pets in the household for sarcoptes and because there is a short period where the mites can infect other pets through bedding, collars and brushes, these should be thoroughly washed or replaced.
| 05.01.16 @ 22:20