Mange is a skin disease that affects animals, caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin and cause intense itching, hair loss, and crusty sores. When a dog, fox, or other mammal has mange, you'll notice patches where the fur has fallen out, leaving red, scaly skin underneath. The animal scratches constantly because the mites cause terrible itching.

There are different types of mange, but all of them spread through direct contact between animals. Wild animals with mange often look ragged and miserable, with patchy coats and visible skin problems. Dogs can catch mange from other infected dogs or from wild animals, which is why veterinarians treat it seriously. Fortunately, mange can be cured with medication from a vet, though treatment takes several weeks.

The word mangy describes something that looks shabby, worn-out, or diseased, like a mangy old carpet in an abandoned building. When someone calls something mangy, they mean it looks neglected and in poor condition, like an animal suffering from mange.