Contrary to what some believe, mange is not an exclusive disease of stray or poorly cared for dogs. This condition can affect any dog, regardless of breed, coat type, age, or owner care. Why do dogs get mange? What are its symptoms and how is it treated?
At Sweet Doggo we explain everything you need to know about sarcoptic mange in dogs, popularly known as canine scabies.
Table of Contents
What is sarcoptic mange?
Sarcoptic mange is a very common parasitic infection of the skin in dogs, caused by the mites Sarcoptes scabiei. Once they can penetrate your pet’s skin, these mites cause intense itching and irritation. It is considered a highly contagious condition, usually very upsetting for the pet.
Of all the types of canine scabies, this is undoubtedly the most common.
Sarcoptic mange mites are not insects, but a type of microscopic parasite related to spiders. They are not visible to the human eye.
Did you know…? Adult Sarcoptes scabiei mites live for 3 to 4 weeks on the skin of the host. After mating, the female burrows into the skin, depositing her eggs in the tunnel she has created; these eggs hatch in 3-10 days. Eventually, the resulting larvae develop into nymphs and then into adult mites. At this point, the same cycle is repeated.
How does contagion occur?
Sarcoptic mange is usually transmitted from dog to dog through direct contact, often in kennels, parks, nurseries, hairdressers, or in the same home if you have several dogs. But this is not the only form of contagion. Since mites can survive up to 48 hours outside their host, a healthy dog could become infected by wearing infected objects (bedding, toys, collars, etc.).
How do I know if my dog has sarcoptic mange?
Signs of infection can manifest as quickly as 1 week after exposure. In general, they can appear in the course of 10 days to 8 weeks. Typically, sparsely-haired areas are the first to be affected by mange; this includes ears, hocks, belly, and base of the tail.
The 5 most common symptoms of sarcoptic mange in dogs are:
- Extreme itching and irritation
- Inflammation and redness
- Loss of hair
- Yellowish crusts
- Skin thickening
In advanced cases, the dog may look significantly thin and emaciated.
As they burrow and penetrate the skin, the mites produce intense itching, hence the dog will bite, scratch, and try to rub the affected areas. This excessive scratching not only causes inflammation, but the development of papules, sores, and secondary infections. Little by little, scabs begin to form, and as the disease intensifies, the skin thickens.
As a result of damaged, dry, and thickened skin, shedding is common. Unfortunately, the scarcity of hair provides the mite with an even better environment to proliferate.
If left untreated, the disease can continue for months or years. Dogs with advanced sarcoptic mange become irritable, restless, and begin to lose weight.
How is it diagnosed?
The best recommendation to know exactly if a dog has sarcoptic mange, or not, is to go to the vet to get a diagnosis. This is accomplished by scraping the skin and examining it under a microscope.
It should be noted that scabies is sometimes difficult to diagnose, as the mites can be difficult to find. This causes some cases to be misdiagnosed as seborrhea, allergies, or other skin conditions. But just because you don’t see mites doesn’t mean the dog doesn’t have sarcoptic mange. Veterinarians often make a presumptive diagnosis based on clinical signs.
It is said that treatment is usually the best diagnosis. When a dog responds favorably to therapy, then there is no doubt that he had mange.
Treatment: how is mange in dogs cured?
Sarcoptic mange or canine scabies is a completely treatable condition. There are different effective forms of treatment against Sarcoptes scabiei mites. This includes topical, oral, and injectable medications. Depending on the severity of the mange, your vet will determine the best approach to curing the infection.
Many dogs require a combination of medications to successfully eliminate parasites.
Some of the most used treatments are:
- Acaricidal shampoos.
- Scabicide solutions (amitraz, lime, and sulfur).
- Topical medications (selamectin, imidacloprid, moxidectin, fipronil).
- Oral medications (ivermectin, milbemycin, afoxolaner, sarolaner).
- Several weeks of treatment are usually needed, always under the guidance and supervision of a veterinarian. Once cured, dogs are not immune to reinfection.
Because this type of mange is so contagious, it is important that all dogs and cats in contact with the infected pet are also treated for scabies. Some puppies may be carriers of mites but show no symptoms.
Care and measures at home
In order to promote a speedy recovery, prevent re-infection and avoid contagion from other pets, experts recommend implementing other measures. For example:
- Trim the fur of the infected dog.
- Throw away blankets and bedding used by the pet. Alternatively, they can be washed frequently in hot water, dried at high temperatures, or immersed in a bleach solution.
- Disinfect necklaces, chargers, toys, brushes, and other items of regular use.
- Provide a balanced and high-quality diet, rich in proteins, minerals, and vitamins.
- Keep other pets isolated so they can’t get infected (dogs, cats). It is also important to limit contact with people.
- Prevent the dog from coming into contact with furniture, beds, and other household items.
Quick Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Is sarcoptic mange in dogs contagious to humans?
Yes. People who come into contact with an infected dog can become infected and develop a rash on the arms, chest, or abdomen, which is often itchy and irritating. Sarcoptic mange is more likely to spread if you share a bed with your dog, or carry your dog most of the time.
Fortunately, this mite cannot complete its life cycle on humans, so it dies within a few days.
How long does it take to cure mange in dogs?
Once treatment for sarcoptic mange is started, dogs can begin to show improvement within the first two weeks. However, the irritation and skin lesions can remain for several weeks, even months. Medicines usually do not reach their maximum effect until after 6 or 8 weeks.
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