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All my dogs have mange. Is it contagious or an immune issue?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My friend hasthree dogs and they all have generalized mange mites.if it's an immune issue or possible disease symptom then why do all three dogs have it?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on January 12th, 2018

It depends on what kind of mange they have. Sarcoptic mange (also called scabies) is contagious to other dogs as well as humans, so it's common for multiple dogs in a household to be affected. Demodectic mange, on the other hand, is not contagious and is normally inherited or caused by an immune deficiency of some kind. In that case, unless the dogs are all related, there is no good reason why three dogs in the same household would have this problem.

I'm not sure if the dogs have actually been diagnosed with mange by a veterinarian - but if not, I would definitely recommend a vet check. There are many things besides mange that can cause itching and hair loss in dogs, including allergies, fleas, or a bacterial or fungal skin infection, which can often affect multiple dogs in the same house.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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