Scabies in Dogs

Scabies is a skin disorder caused by a type of mite, known as sarcoptes scabiei. Scabies is also known by the name of 'scabies mange' or 'sarcoptic mange'. The tiny microscopic mites burrow in the skin of your dogs, to make tunnels in order to deposit their eggs. These tunnels can be observed as thin scaly lines on the skin. Scabies is a very contagious disease and your dog can easily contact this disease, directly from another infected pet. Sometimes, the disease can also spread to humans. But, humans are the wrong host for scabies mites and therefore they go away on their own, failing to complete their life cycle.

Symptoms of Scabies in Dogs
As scabies is a skin disorder causes severe itching and you will often see your dog scratching and biting the affected areas. Scabies mites actually trigger dog allergies, due to which, it causes intense itching and skin rashes. You can observe skin rash and small red bumps or blisters, especially in areas like ear, abdomen, elbows, chest and hocks. These bumps, also known as papules would cause the appearance of skin crusting, if they are irritated and scratched by the dogs. Skin crusting is also be accompanied by hair loss.

Diagnosis of Scabies in Dogs
Scabies or sarcoptic mange can be easily identified, as it is one of the most itching conditions that any skin disorder can produce. However, a complete diagnosis would require a detailed study of the symptoms. Besides this, some other tests would be required for confirmed diagnosis. The most common test for scabies diagnosis involves the examination of the top layer of the skin of the affected area. For this, the outer layer of skin is scraped and then examined under a microscope, which can reveal the mites and their eggs. But occasionally, this test may show a negative result, even if the mites are present. In such a situation, a veterinarian would have to rely on the symptoms for a proper diagnosis and treatment of scabies.

How to Treat Scabies in Dogs
Medicated shampoos are the most relied option for treating scabies in dogs. It is very important to keep the dogs clean, by removing all types of dirt and debris from their body, by giving them regular baths. Topical antiseptic ointments can be applied on the skin lesions or bumps caused by scabies. Sometimes, lime sulfur dip can be used as a rinse, which would help to kill the mites. Lime sulfur dip can be used once in a week, but the main drawback of it, is that it smells really bad, just like rotten eggs.

Another topical medication for scabies treatment is amitraz. It is a chemical with a strong odor, that can be applied twice in a month as a dip. Selamectin can also be applied on the affected areas of the body to treat scabies. This medicine has to be applied once in a month. However, ivermectin is the most preferred treatment option for scabies. It can be taken either orally or administered through injections. Sometimes, continuous scratching of the scabies infected areas, can result in secondary skin infection. Such a condition can be alleviated only with the help of antibiotics and not with the usual medications. Apart from these, steroids may be required to be taken, especially if the itching is very intense and intolerable.

The best way to prevent scabies in dogs and to maintain their overall dog health, is to keep them clean and away from other infected dogs and pets. You should also clean your entire house properly, otherwise this contagious disease can spread to humans as well. Also give your dogs a healthy, nutritious diet along with vitamin and mineral supplements, in order to invigorate their immune system and speed up the process of recovery. This would also protect them from other common dog illnesses or dog health problems. So, these preventive dog care measures would go a long way to maintain your dog's health and vigor.