Canine scabies, also called sarcoptic mange, is caused by a parasite that invades the dog's skin. Dogs of all ages and breeds can get scabies. A mange mite spends its entire life of two to three weeks on the dog, but will lay eggs in the dog's skin and hatch multiple larvae, causing the symptoms to continue. Dogs can get scabies from coming in contact with other dogs who have the mange mite, and also from infected areas where the mite could find the dog.
Things You'll Need
- Skin scraping
Instructions
Look for areas of hair loss, especially on the elbows, ears, belly, chest and armpits. The mites causing scabies like to live on areas of the dog's body where there is less hair.
Examine the dog's skin for red pustules, sores and infections. Your dog will itch areas where the mites live causing skin irritation. These symptoms do not only appear in areas where the mites live, because infection can spread throughout the dog's body. Take note of how often your dog itches himself. Scabies will be accompanied by severe itching.
Perform the Pinna-Pedal Reflex test on your dog. Almost all dogs with scabies will have mites along their ear flap, called the pinna. Take the flap of your dog's ear between your thumb and forefinger and scratch the underside of the flap with your finger. Dogs with scabies will involuntarily move their hind leg in a scratching motion while you are scratching their pinna.
Take your dog to the veterinarian if you suspect scabies. The vet can do a skin scraping to test for the mange mite. If the skin scraping does not come back as positive, your dog could still have scabies. Discuss with your vet other allergies your dog has had in the past. If your dog has not had any allergies, then scabies could be the cause of the itching and skin sores.