What is the difference between demodectic mange and sarcoptic mange?

Question

What is the difference between demodectic mange and sarcoptic mange?

Answer 1

Demodec they get from their mom, low immune system etc, They should not be bred to pass on that problem. Sarcoptic they can pick up from other animals.

Get your vet to do a skin scraping.

Answer 2

Demodectic mange is caused by the demodex mite and is not contagious.  Demodex is normal skin fauna and is always present in small amounts in ALL dogs.  When a dog's immune system is compromised the demodex mite population spirals out of control and causes mange.  Puppies and immuno-suppressed dogs as well as dogs under considerable stress are most at risk.  Because demodex is caused by organisms that normally live in the dog's skin it can be very difficult to treat and some dogs can have relapses even after successful treatment.

Sarcoptic mange is caused by sarcoptes mites and is highly contagious.  Sarcoptic mites are parasites and spread from dog to dog through close contact (kind of like lice).  While a compromised immune system will make a dog more susceptible to sarcoptic mange even healthy dogs with good immune systems will catch it if they are exposed to it.  Sarcoptic mange, while very contagious is pretty easy to treat and unless the dog is re-exposed to it they don't generally have relapses.