Mange, a form of scabies caused my tiny mites can be fatal to foxes [STONE/GETTY]

Q I Have foxes at the bottom of my garden and have heard that they can transmit a form of mange (scabies) to pet dogs. I would like to know what symptoms to look out for in case my two dogs contract the disease.

A Sarcoptic mange (also called scabies) is very common in foxes and can be fatal to them. The cause is a very small mite that is barely visible to the naked eye.

In both dogs and foxes the main sign is itching that gets progressively worse.

The incessant scratching leads to hair loss and in severe cases animals can become bald.