Canine Scabies

Scabies, a skin disease caused by burrowing mites, is also known as sarcoptic mange in dogs. The mites that cause scabies in humans are different than the ones that affect dogs.

  1. Identification

    • The most common signs of scabies in dogs are itchiness and hair loss. Scabby lesions then typically form over the spots the dog has scratched away.

    Function

    • Scabies occurs when mites burrow into the flesh of the dog and lay their eggs. These eggs hatch into nymphs which then grow, breed and repeat the cycle.

    Considerations

    • Scabies is very contagious from dog to dog. According to ScabiesinDogs.com, if your dog is infected, it is important to keep him away from other dogs and clean their surroundings to get rid of mites.

    Prevention/Solution

    • One option to treat scabies includes shaving the dog, bathing him and then using medicine that is lethal to the mites. You can also purchase insecticides that are quite efficient as well.

    Diagnosis

    • In order to diagnose scabies, your vet will often scrape away some of the skin from a lesion and examine it under a microscope. However, the lesions and the tell-tale itching may be proof enough of a scabies infection.