There are many different types of scabies – but when we talk about scabies on dogs – it is usually fox scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei var. vulpes) that is in question. If your dog has scabies – they will experience intense itching that affects both their fur and skin – especially on their ears, armpits and hocks. To get rid of these pests, treatment from a veterinarian is required. We humans can start itching because of fox scabies from dogs – but this will go away without treatment. Read more about scabies on dogs and what to do when these itchy parasites have moved into your four-legged friend.
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What is scabies?
Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by the scabies mite. Unlike other parasites – such as nose mites – the scabies mite cannot be seen with the naked eye. This is partly because they reproduce by burrowing under the skin surface of their host animal – but also because of their size of approx. 0,2–0,35 mm. Scabies is relatively common in Norway – but rarely dangerous when treated correctly.
How does a dog get scabies?
If you have a dog that has scabies – you are probably wondering where it could have gotten it from. Scabies can be transmitted through both direct and indirect contact. This means that they can become infected if they encounter another dog with scabies or if they are in an environment where an infected animal has been. Often, the source of infection for scabies is from foxes that live in the area where you and Fido go for walks. Scabies-infected foxes with smaller fur will often move closer to where humans live to find warmer places to stay – like under your patio. They may also come closer to built-up areas in the winter when it is easier to find food there. When the fox scratches or rubs itself on other objects – the scabies ends up in the environment. They do not survive long without a host – but if a dog comes shortly after to investigate the fox scent – they will attach themselves.
Signs and symptoms of mange in dogs
There are many reasons why a dog may be itching – such as if the dog has allergies or eczema. The safest thing to do is to contact a veterinarian for advice and help with diagnosis. Common symptoms of mange in dogs are:
- Itching (especially on ears, armpits, hind legs)
- Loss of fur and hairless patches
- Sores due to itching
- Red skin or small bumps and rashes
- Scaly skin
- Scabs
Is a dog with mange contagious to other animals and people?
Fox scabies can be transmitted between dogs and humans – but they will not survive on us. This mite will cause intense itching and small swellings on you – often on the arms, stomach and back. If you have fox scabies – it is not contagious to other people. Fox scabies can infect other dogs – but also other animals such as wolves, martens or ferrets. Scabies can also jump to cats from dogs and multiply there. If you have several dogs, cats or perhaps a ferret in the home – you should therefore also treat them so that they do not infect each other again. As mentioned, there are several different scabies mites – and if you have got the type that thrives on humans (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis) – you also need treatment. Human scabies cannot be transmitted from us to dogs as they thrive with their respective hosts.
How do I treat mange on a dog?
The first thing you do when treating scabies on a dog is to take it to the vet. To find out if it is fox scabies that is under the skin, we will take a skin sample from where the dog is itching the most. We will then analyse the sample under a microscope and look for mites, eggs or excrement. The dog may have scabies mites even if nothing shows up under the microscope. It is also possible to take a blood test to check for antibodies – but this depends on whether the dog is 2–3 weeks into the course of the disease. Scabies on dogs is treated with antiparasitic agents such as tablets or spot-on preparations that are available on prescription from the vet.
How long does it take to get rid of scabies?
You should expect that it may take a few weeks before the itching from scabies is completely gone. It is completely normal for the dog to have something resembling an allergic reaction after treatment – and for this there are anti-itch agents such as cortisone. The dog can also become infected again if there is scabies in the environment. It may therefore be a good idea to wash the dog bed, collar and clean brushes and other grooming tools after a scabies infestation.
