Dog Scabies
(Sarcoptic Scabies)

" Dog scabies is caused when a dog comes in contact with a diseased pet. The condition can be "localized" in specific areas of the body and if left untreated, spread into a "generalized" form which affects areas all over the body. Symptoms are red bumps or papules, itch, and a scaling or hardening of the skin if your dog scratches the bumps that form. The safest form of treatment is a lyme-sulfur dip that can be purchased over the counter. Severe cases require prescription medications, although they have side effects in some dogs, so they need to be used with caution."

Scabies (also called sarcoptic mange) is caused by a specific type of mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis) that burrows itself into your dogs skin.  It can be spread from dog to dog through direct contact such as when dogs are in a kennel as mites move from one host to another.  The lifecycle of a mite is 21 days, so they do not live very long on the host.

Canine Scabies Picture

Symptoms of Dog Scabies

Scabies are characterized by papules (red bumps on the skin) and crusty areas that can be seen on the ears, ankles, face and elbows.  If a dog is well groomed, it is possible that a dog has scabies, but does not have the red bumps or papules in a condition called scabies incognito.

Diagnosis of Dog Scabies

Your veterinarian will make a diagnosis based on a review of your dog's symptoms and history.  Skin scrapings may be helpful in making a diagnosis, however it is accurate 100% of the time.  Other tests are also available, but if your veterinarian suspects scabies, she may recommend proceeding with at least treatment with a lime-sulfur dip.

Treatment of Scabies on Dog

The safest form of treatment for scabies in dogs is to use a lime-sulfur dip such as the over the counter product Dermisil, with one treatment every 5 days until the condition clears.  A dip should be used in conjunction with a medicated shampoo that is made for dogs with mange (anti-acaricidal shampoo).  As an alternative there is a natural homeopathic shampoo available from Mange Mites Shampoo that uses herbs which are associated with helping dogs that are suffering from mite infestations.

For severe generalized cases (where the mange spread over your dogs body), then glucocorticoid therapy may be helpful during the first 3 to 5 days.  The prescription medications  ivermectin, moxidectin selamectin.  These medications can have side effects, so your vet may try a short trial to see how your dog tolerates the medication.  Side effects include tremors and lack of muscle coordination (ataxia).  Treatment lasts 3 to 4 weeks.

It is not unusual for your dog's condition to worsen during the first days of treatment.   Depending on the severity of your dog's condition, treatment can be as short as 4 weeks to as long as 8 weeks.

Other treatment approaches including cutting the hair around the papules or lesions, cleaning any wounds and the use of anti-biotic ointment to avoid infection.

Prevention of Dog Scabies

There are two approaches to preventing dog scabies.  The first is to use a natural homeopathic spray on your dog's coat such as PetAlive Manage Mites Spray , particularly if your dog is going to be in contact with other dogs.  The other is to thoroughly clean your dog's environment to make sure that it is mite free.  Besides washing and vacuuming your dog's bed and living area, consider using a safe product like Benzarid as an extra layer of protection.

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References

Superficial Mite Infestations
Ralf S. Mueller DipACVD, DipECVD, FACVSc
Medizinische Kleintierklinik Veterinaerstr. 13 80539 Munich, Germany

Dog Health Handbook