11/20/2024
Scabies in Dogs: What You Need to Know ๐พ๐ฌ
Yesterday, our team diagnosed one of our patients with scabies, also known as sarcoptic mange. This condition is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, a highly contagious mite that can cause intense itching and discomfort in dogs. While scabies in dogs is rare, it's even more unusual to spot the mites under the microscopeโbut we managed to capture an image and a video of one thanks for the eagle eyes of Christina and Nicole, our awesome technicians! (See the photo and video in the comments!) ๐๐ฌ
Dogs often contract scabies from direct contact with infected wildlife, like foxes or other infested dogs. In fact, foxes are a common carrier of these mites, and the strain affecting dogs can jump between these two species.
Symptoms of Scabies in Dogs:
Intense itching (often worse than other skin conditions)
Hair loss, especially around the ears, elbows, and belly
Redness and irritation of the skin
Crusty or scaly patches on affected areas
Secondary skin infections due to scratching
Scabies mites are elusiveโitโs rare to actually see them on skin scrapings under a microscope. Most of the time, diagnosing scabies involves ruling out other skin issues like allergies, bacterial infections, or fungal problems, and treating the dog based on its symptoms and exposure history.
Important Notes:
These mites are species-specific, but the strain affecting dogs can sometimes transfer temporarily to humans, causing mild itching.
Early diagnosis and treatment are key to relieving your dog's discomfort and preventing the spread to other pets.
If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms or has been in contact with foxes or other wildlife, call us to schedule a visit. Our Mobile Pet Vet team is here to help! ๐ฉบ๐ถ
Have questions about scabies? Drop them in the comments! Let's keep our furry friends itch-free! โค๏ธ