What Are Scabies Symptoms in Dogs?

The parasite Sarcoptes scabiei triggers a scabies infection in your dog. Canine scabies is also called sarcoptic mange. When a female mite burrows into your dog's skin, itching and biting are the first signs of a scabies infection. A scabies infection can produce various skin issues. As the infection progresses, your dog will become miserable unless you get the infection treated thoroughly.

  1. Beginning Symptoms

    • A dog will develop itching as an initial symptom.

      According to Pet Education, your dog will develop itching symptoms around his ears, elbows, armpits, tummy area and leg joints. Scabies itching symptoms may not present for weeks. You may see signs of small, raised pimples around your dog's affected skin. A heavy scabies infestation can produce hair loss. Discoloration of your dog's skin caused by skin irritations is another sign.

    Skin Traumatization

    • Sores can develop on your dog.

      Continual biting of the skin may make your dog develop sores on his body. These sores can ooze and crust over. Without treatment, the sores can become infected by bacteria and sores can develop into skin ulcerations. The tissue around the affected area will begin to slough off and scabs may cover large areas of your dog's body.

    Diagnosing

    • Your dog will can be given a shampoo to treat scabies.

      A veterinarian may want to gather skin scrapings to examine and determine why your dog is itching and biting. Skin scrapings may offer evidence of Sarcoptes mites on your pet. A history of your dog's symptoms, as well as when your dog began to start itching, can help your veterinarian determine if your dog has a scabies infection. If your veterinarian concludes that your dog has a scabies infection, she may treat it with a benzoyl peroxide shampoo or a topical solution.