Mange in bulldogs is more common than most owners realize. Thanks to their adorable wrinkles and compact builds, English Bulldogs are especially prone to skin issues—including mange. If your bulldog is scratching excessively, losing fur, or developing red, crusty skin, it’s time to pay attention. Mange isn’t just a nuisance—it can seriously affect your dog’s health and comfort if left untreated.
In this post, we’ll cover everything bulldog owners need to know: what mange is, what causes it, how to recognize it early, and the best mange treatments—both at the vet and at home.
What Is Mange?
Mange is a skin condition caused by microscopic mites that burrow into or live on the surface of your dog’s skin. While mites are naturally found on dogs in small numbers, an overgrowth leads to inflammation, irritation, and infection.
There are two main types of mange in bulldogs:
1. Demodectic Mange (Demodex Red Mite Mange)
This type is caused by the Demodex canis mite. All dogs carry Demodex mites to some extent, but bulldogs with weak immune systems can’t keep them in check. The result? Red, scaly skin, hair loss, and irritation—what’s commonly called “red mange.”
It’s not contagious, but it can spread across your dog’s body if not treated properly.
2. Sarcoptic Mange (Canine Scabies)
Caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, this type is highly contagious and can affect both dogs and humans. It causes extreme itchiness, rashes, crusting, and even open sores.
Sarcoptic mange spreads quickly through contact with infected animals or bedding.
Both types require different treatment approaches, so identifying which kind your bulldog has is key.
How Do Buldogs Get Mange?
You might wonder, how do dogs get mange in the first place?
For Demodectic mange, puppies usually inherit the mites from their mother shortly after birth. Most bulldogs’ immune systems keep the mites under control. But when the immune system is compromised—due to stress, malnutrition, or illness—the mites multiply, and mange sets in.
For Sarcoptic mange, dogs pick up the mites through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated surfaces like blankets, brushes, and crates. It’s common in shelters, dog parks, and homes with multiple pets. That’s why vets often recommend not to
Because bulldogs have sensitive, fold-heavy skin, they’re especially vulnerable to skin mite infestations. Keeping your dog clean, healthy, and stress-free can go a long way toward preventing mange.
What Does Mange Look Like on English Bulldogs?
Recognizing the signs of mange early can make treatment much easier. So what does mange look like on English Bulldogs?
- Patchy hair loss, especially around the face, eyes, mouth, and paws
- Red, inflamed, or crusty skin
- Scabs and sores, often from scratching
- Dry, flaky patches that resemble dandruff
- Thickened skin in chronic cases
- Foul odor from secondary infections
With Demodex red mite mange, the skin often appears red and irritated, and the hair loss can spread slowly. Bulldogs with sarcoptic mange, on the other hand, are often frantic with itching and may develop widespread sores and scabs in a matter of days.
Don’t mistake mange for allergies or flea bites. If you’re unsure, a vet can do a simple skin scraping to confirm.
Is Mange in Bulldogs Contagious? Can You Touch a Dog With Mange?
Whether mange is contagious depends on the type.
- Demodectic mange is not contagious. It’s caused by mites that live on most dogs naturally. You can still touch and cuddle your bulldog if they have demodex mange—just wash your hands afterward, especially if they have open sores.
- Sarcoptic mange, on the other hand, is highly contagious—to both dogs and humans. It causes intense itching and a rash in humans. If your dog has sarcoptic mange, limit contact, wear gloves when treating them, and wash your hands and clothes thoroughly. Ask your vet to identify the type of mange so you know how to protect yourself and your household.
Can Mange Kill a Dog?
Can mange kill a dog? It sounds dramatic, but in extreme cases—yes, it can.
Mange itself isn’t usually fatal, but complications from untreated mange can become life-threatening. Constant scratching can lead to:
- Open wounds
- Secondary bacterial infections
- Fungal infections
- Systemic illness
A bulldog with severe mange may stop eating, lose weight, and become lethargic. If left untreated, their immune system becomes overwhelmed. In rare cases, especially in senior dogs or puppies, untreated mange can lead to death.
But here’s the good news: mange is very treatable when caught early.
Early Stage Mange in Dogs: Signs to Watch
Spotting early stage mange in dogs can save you a lot of heartache—and money.
Look for:
- Mild hair thinning around the face and feet
- Redness or irritation in small patches
- Slight scratching (before it becomes intense)
- Skin dryness or flaking
In bulldogs, check those skin folds closely. Mange often hides between wrinkles, under the chin, around the tail base, and between the toes.
The sooner you catch it, the less aggressive the treatment needs to be.
Mange Treatment at the Vet
When you go to the vet, they’ll start with a skin scraping to identify the type of mite. Once diagnosed, they’ll tailor the treatment plan. Here’s what to expect:
1. Prescription Medications
Most vets use a combination of oral and topical meds to kill mites and prevent reinfestation.
- NexGard for mange (and other isoxazolines like Bravecto and Simparica) are becoming popular because they’re fast-acting and safe. While originally developed for fleas and ticks, these medications are now frequently used off-label for Demodex red mite mange with excellent results.
- Ivermectin or milbemycin oxime are also common oral options, particularly for generalized demodectic mange. However, ivermectin can be risky for dogs with the MDR1 gene mutation (common in herding breeds, less so in bulldogs), so genetic testing may be required first.
- Selamectin (Revolution) or moxidectin/imidacloprid (Advantage Multi) can be used topically and are effective for both Demodex and Sarcoptes mites. They’re applied monthly and often used in combination with oral meds.
2. Medicated Baths and Dips
Your vet may recommend medicated shampoos or dips like:
- Amitraz dips (Mitaban): These are old-school but effective, especially in stubborn Demodex cases. They’re strong and need to be used with caution under veterinary supervision.
- Benzoyl peroxide shampoos: These help open up the follicles and flush out mites, while soothing irritated skin.
These treatments are often done weekly for several weeks, and while messy, they’re incredibly effective when paired with medication.
3. Treating Secondary Infections
If mange has led to skin infections, your vet may prescribe:
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Antifungal meds if yeast is also present
- Steroids or anti-inflammatories to reduce itching and swelling (used cautiously to avoid suppressing the immune system further)
4. Follow-Up and Monitoring
Your vet will likely schedule follow-up appointments every few weeks. To be declared “mange-free,” your dog will need two consecutive negative skin scrapings. This process can take 6 to 12 weeks, depending on severity.
How to Treat Mange in Bulldogs at Home
Home remedies can support mange recovery, especially for mild cases or as supplements to vet care. Here’s what works (and what doesn’t):
Natural Remedies That Help:
- Apple Cider Vinegar & Borax Mix: Combine one part ACV with two parts a tablespoon of borax. Use it as a rinse after your dog’s bath, making sure not to get it in their eyes or mouth. It helps disinfect the skin and kill mites. Use only once or twice a week, as overuse can dry out the skin.
- Coconut Oil or Olive Oil: Both have antifungal and antibacterial properties. Rub small amounts on affected areas to soothe irritation and suffocate mites. Bonus: they also moisturize dry skin.
- Aloe Vera: Apply pure aloe gel (no additives) directly to red or inflamed patches. Aloe cools the skin, promotes healing, and deters scratching.
- Honey: Raw honey can be used as a natural antibacterial ointment on open sores or scabs. Just don’t use too much—your dog might try to lick it off.
- Lemon Water Rinse: Slice a lemon, boil it in water, let it sit overnight, then apply the cooled solution to your dog’s skin with a sponge. Lemon is a natural antiseptic and mite deterrent.
- Probiotics and Immune Support: Add probiotics, fish oil, or omega-3s to their diet to boost skin health and immunity.
What to Avoid:
- Essential oils: Many are toxic to dogs, especially tea tree oil. Don’t use them unless recommended by a vet.
- Harsh chemicals: Never use bleach or human shampoos. They can worsen irritation. In case you’re searching for the right shampoo for your bulldog, then read the following blog post that will reveal you top picks of English bulldog shampoo.
Clean Living Space:
Managing mange at home also means cleaning up your dog’s environment.
- Wash bedding, toys, and collars weekly with hot water and detergent.
- Vacuum floors, carpets, and furniture regularly.
- Disinfect crates, food bowls, and any surface your dog touches.
- Treat all pets in the household if dealing with sarcoptic mange—even if they don’t show symptoms. Consistency is key. Natural remedies won’t work overnight, but used alongside vet-prescribed meds, they can speed healing and prevent reinfection.
Can Dogs Survive Mange?
Yes—dogs can survive mange and go on to thrive with the right care.
For localized demodectic mange, many bulldogs recover with minimal treatment, especially puppies. Their immune systems often kick in, and the mange resolves on its own. In these cases, your vet might simply recommend monitoring and supporting skin health.
Generalized demodectic mange, however, requires more aggressive treatment. These cases involve large areas of hair loss, open sores, and often secondary infections. But even dogs with severe mange can recover fully if treated properly and consistently.
The same goes for sarcoptic mange, which, although more contagious and fast-spreading, typically clears up quickly once the mites are eradicated and the environment is sanitized. The recovery timeline varies, but with proper care, most dogs see improvement within 2 to 4 weeks, with full healing in a couple of months.