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Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | unneutered | 4 years and 9 months old | 10 lbs
Please help!!!!! I have a small dog who has mange. I don't know which type, but I tried to soak him with Borax and Peroxide daily. It doesn't seem to doing anything, except making him throw up. He does have hair loss, itching, places under arm pits and his belly that has black thick spots. I have not seen or been around mange to understand what the difference between the two types. I need help because I don't want to lose him to this life condition. I am on a very tight fixed income.
3 Answers

Answered By Jyothi Alagappan
Veterinarian
Published on June 21st, 2018
Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 25th, 2017
Sarcoptic mange is possible if your pet was exposed to another dog with this skin condition. The immune system plays a small role when it comes to Sarcoptes, and more of an influence when dealing with Demodexx mites.
The test for mange is a skin scrape, and medication choices are Ivermectin daily for 30-60 days in most situations or Bravecto or Nexgard (newest off label treatment for demodexx mites and potentially for Scabies.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on September 7th, 2017
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!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful