This disease is caused by a microscopic mite that lays eggs within your pet’s skin

It’s highly contagious to pets and people
It causes extremely itchy skin

What is Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies)?

• Sarcoptic mange is a contagious, extremely itchy skin disease. This disease is caused by a microscopic mite named Sarcoptes Scabiei Var. Canis. The mite burrows into the superficial skin layers where females lay their eggs. The mites prefer the ear margins, lower chest and stomach, on the side of the elbows and ankles.

Signs

• Signs your pet may show, other than intense itching, include hair loss and crusty skin lesions. The disease is highly contagious to other dogs and may even spread to the owner.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis of sarcoptic mange is made by finding the mites or their eggs on skin scrapings or fecal examination. However, the number of mites needed to cause symptoms are very small and detection can be difficult. If scabies is suspected, the pet should be treated for it even if mites are not found on skin scraping.

Treatment

• Although sarcoptic mange is very uncomfortable for the pet and owner, it can be treated successfully. There are multiple medications that treat this disease.
• Other dogs should not be allowed to contact your dog or its bedding until recovery is complete. You should thoroughly clean your pet’s bedding, kennels, harnesses, crates, and grooming tools. A thorough cleaning of the entire house is usually not necessary.
• It is important to treat all dogs in contact with or on the premises with your pet. Cats and other species are usually not treated. People who are affected should contact their dermatologist for appropriate treatment.