Scabies is a skin disease caused by tiny red mites that affect many animals. In dogs, the disease is caused by one of the following three types of microscopic (very small) mites: Cheyletiella, Demodex, or Sarcoptes. Each type of mite causes a different type of scabies, each with its own appearance, and with similar and varying degrees of symptoms. Since treatment for scabies varies by type and severity, it's important to take your dog to the vet when you suspect the animal has scabies. Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam, take a mange sample, prescribe medication, and provide treatment. Keep reading this article to find out how to treat/cure scabies.
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Part 1 of 3: Recognizing Scabies
Step 1. Take your dog to the vet
If you suspect your dog has mange, the first thing you should do is take him to the vet. Treatment varies for different types of mange and some medications can be toxic, so it's best to get an accurate diagnosis from a veterinarian who can advise you on appropriate treatment.
- The process of diagnosing scabies varies from case to case. In some cases, the vet will take a skin scraping from the affected area and analyze it under a microscope for mites or eggs.
- In situations where the mites are hiding in the dog's skin-as in demodectic pododermatitis-the vet may have to perform an in-depth biopsy to confirm the presence of the mange.
- The vet will also perform a physical examination and take your dog's general condition and medical history when making a diagnosis.
Step 2. Look for the symptoms of demodectic mange
Demodectic mange is characterized by thinning of the hair on small areas of skin that can scab. The scabies can be limited to one part or spread throughout the body. Demodectic mange is not contagious and cannot be transferred to the human body.
- Demodectic mange-also known as demodex or “red mange”-is caused by mites that pass from mother dog to pup during the first few days of life. These mites are present in all dogs and usually won't cause any problems.
- Scabies occurs when the mite population breeds in dogs whose immune systems have not yet developed-such as puppies under 18 months of age, older dogs and dogs with weakened immune systems.
- When the mites are concentrated on one or two separate parts of the skin, the condition is known as local demodectic mange which appears as a bald, scaly patch, usually on a dog's face. Localized demodectic mange is most common in puppies and will usually go away on its own without treatment.
- When mange appears over a large area or on the entire body of a dog, it is known as scabies general demodectic scabies. This type of scabies makes the skin bald and scaly, which can be very itchy. When dogs scratch, sores can form. The wound is susceptible to bacterial infection that smells bad. Generalized demodectic mange usually occurs in dogs with weakened immune systems and will require treatment.
- The most resistant demodectic mange is known as demodectic pododermatitis, which only appears on the legs and is accompanied by a bacterial infection. This type of scabies is difficult to diagnose or treat.
Step 3. Look for the symptoms of sarcoptic mange
Symptoms of sarcoptic mange resemble a tick attack, with excessive scratching and biting on the skin, thinning and shedding of hair and open sores.
- Sarcoptic scabies-also known as scabies (canine scabies)-is caused by microscopic mites that pass easily from host to host, including humans (which cause an uneven red rash, resembling a mosquito bite).
- In dogs, symptoms of sarcoptic mange usually develop within about a week of exposure. The dog may become restless and begin scratching confusedly, before bald and scaly patches begin to appear on the face, elbows, ears and paws.
- If not treated promptly, the mange can spread throughout the dog's body and become more resistant to treatment.
Step 4. Look for the symptoms of cheyletiella scabies
Cheyletiella mange is caused by a large white mite that lives on the surface of the skin, and is characterized by an uneven red rash, scaly and flaky skin on the fur along the dog's neck and back.
- This type of scabies is also known as "walking dandruff." The mites that cause mange look like dandruff flakes, so "walking dandruff" is mites moving around on a dog's body.
- Cheyletiella mange is highly contagious to other dogs (especially puppies) and can cause excruciating itching (though sometimes no itching at all). The mange usually passes from puppy to puppy as a result of mite infestations on hay and animal bedding found in pet stores and dog kennels.
- Cheyletiella scabies can also be transmitted to humans, causing an itchy, red, patchy rash on the arms, trunk, and buttocks. However, these symptoms should disappear once the puppy is handled, as the mites cannot survive without a host for more than 10 days.
- However, as the use of straw in animal bedding has become less common and the use of flea control preparations has increased, cases of cheyletiella mange have become less and less common.
Part 2 of 3: Treating Scabies
Step 1. Isolate your dog to prevent the mange from spreading to other pets
If your dog has mange, you should keep him away from other pets to prevent transmission. Make sure your dog is in a safe and warm place. Do not insulate by tying it outdoors or leaving it in an unheated space in winter/rainy seasons. Choose a room in your home to isolate him during treatment to cure his scabies.
- While the dog is isolated, provide him with food, water, blankets, and toys. Make sure you spend time with him, take him for walks, and play with him so that the dog doesn't become afraid of being isolated.
- In exceptional cases, humans may be infected with mites that cause mange in dogs. Protect yourself by wearing gloves when you treat your dog.
Step 2. Provide medication and other treatments as directed by the veterinarian
Your dog's treatment depends on the type of mange he has which can only be determined with certainty with the permission of a veterinarian. Some dogs require special baths, a prescription from a doctor, or even injections to treat the mange. Make sure you follow your veterinarian's directions for your dog's treatment and contact the vet if you have any questions or concerns. Do not try to diagnose and treat your dog yourself without the help of a veterinarian.
Step 3. Wash and replace blankets and other items that your dog has touched
In an effort to prevent mites from hiding in blankets or dog collars, you should remove them and replace them. Change and wash your dog's blanket every day to keep him free of mites. Use hot water, soap and bleach to thoroughly wash the dog blanket.
Step 4. Help your dog deal with psychological stress (stress) during the treatment for mange
Mange can cause a dog to become stressed from itching, isolation, vet visits, medication, and various other treatments. So make sure to do something that will help your dog feel calm.
For example, you can give him medicine after his dog has finished bathing, make sure you visit him often while he's isolated, and do things you normally do together, such as walking and playing in the backyard
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Scabies From Recurring
Step 1. Pay attention to other animals that your pet has frequent contact with
If your dog is infected with sarcoptic mange or cheyletiella mange, you need to pay close attention to any dogs or other animals with whom your dog comes into frequent contact-otherwise your dog may get re-infected. Ask your vet how to treat your other pets to avoid recurrence of mange in your dog.
Step 2. Keep your dog away from other dogs that may be infected
If you suspect that a dog (or cat) in your neighborhood may have scabies, you should keep your dog as far away from the animals as possible. Tell the owner of the mange to let them know that you suspect their pet has mange, or contact a veterinarian if it turns out that the mangy dog/cat is a stray animal.
Step 3. Take your dog to the vet regularly
Follow-up care after recovery, you should take your dog to the vet for regular checkups. The vet can analyze the skin scraping to see if the mites are not returning. Do not try to treat recurrent mange without first consulting your veterinarian as some medications can be toxic if used more than once over a short period of time.
