Date: April 14, 2021 (updated: January 30, 2024) Category: Blog, Dog health,
Scabies is a highly contagious parasitic disease. The disease is caused by scabies mites. The basic symptom associated with a scabies mite invasion is very severe itching, which is not seasonal. The parasite attacks, among others, people and pets, i.e. dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs. Young animals are most susceptible to the disease, although it can occur at any age. It is worth learning how to protect your pet and yourself against this dangerous disease.
Scabies in dogs are caused by two species: Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis and ear mites, Otodectes cynotis. The infection occurs during direct contact with a sick quadruped or through contact with objects of an infected dog, e.g. a den, a bowl, a toy. Apart from the host, in a humid environment, the parasite can survive for up to 2 months, while when transferred to a dry environment, it can survive for 10-14 days. In the case of penetrating scabies, after infection, females live in the surface layer of the host's epidermis, dig small corridors in it, and then lay eggs in them.
While drilling pockets and corridors, they nourish themselves with the epidermis and exudate from damaged tissues. After hatching, the scabies larvae go through two stages of nymphs and reach adulthood within 10-21 days. Throughout this period, they parasite on the surface of the skin, digging new corridors. It should be noted that S. scabiei can also attack other hosts, e.g. humans. However, in man, S. scabiei var. canis does not reproduce, so the disease usually resolves as soon as the dog is healed.
Representatives of ear mites live on the surface of the ear skin, piercing it, causing damage to the epidermis and the formation of scabs. Like sarcoptic sarcoptic mite, this one too
the parasite feeds on damaged tissues.
What are the symptoms of scabies in a dog?
Although scabies can occur in dogs at any age, young dogs are most likely to suffer from it. Especially those who are malnourished, have low immunity and live in large crowds. Older dogs with reduced immunity, i.e. those whose diseases have worsened the functioning of the immune system, are also more susceptible to this disease. The dog's immunity decreases significantly, especially in the course of cancer, systemic connective tissue disease (rheumatic diseases), as a result of long-term stress and chronic inflammation.
Symptoms of scabies usually appear quite quickly, only a few or a dozen days after infection. The disease usually reaches its peak within 3-4 months.
A characteristic symptom of scabies in dogs are skin lesions, located mainly on the head, around the muzzle, earlobes and on the limbs, abdomen and chest. Over time, the lesions may cover a larger surface of the dog's body, which may additionally result in weakness, emaciation and enlargement of the nodes. absorbents. In the first stage of the disease, skin eruptions occur: erythema and papules. Then, post-itch changes occur in the form of: scabs, excoriations, abrasions, bald spots and thinning hair. In chronic conditions, lichenification occurs, the skin becomes thickened, discolored and swollen.
Throughout the period of illness, the dog experiences pain and burning sensation. Excessive scratching leads to mechanical injuries to the skin and secondary inflammation. The symptom of a dog's ear mites is inflammation of the inner ear canal. There is also an odorless, dark brown skin discharge. The dog shakes its head vigorously. In advanced stages of the disease, your dog may have a lower or even total loss of hearing.
Scabies in a dog - diagnosis
To diagnose a scabies mite infestation with S. scabiei, a deep scraping of the superficial layers of the skin is required. This procedure can only be performed by a veterinarian. It is not advisable to attempt self-diagnosis or self-treatment at home. Delaying therapy may significantly prolong recovery and lead to more serious health consequences for your dog.
The material is taken from places predisposed to the occurrence of clinical symptoms, i.e. from the muzzle, earlobes and abdomen. The presence of scabies mite or its eggs in the scraping confirms the diagnosis. However, it should be taken into account that the lack of the presence of the parasite in the collected material does not exclude the occurrence of scabies in the examined animal. Another method is to test the so-called auricular-limb reflex, which involves observing the reflexes evoked in the dog when the auricle is irritated. Diagnostics can also be extended by serological testing (detecting the presence of specific antibodies in blood serum) or histopathological testing. Another way to diagnose this disease is to analyze the symptoms and observe a positive reaction to the administered drugs (disappearance of the symptoms of infection after the use of anti-scabies therapy).
What treatment should I take?
Treating sarcoptic mange in dogs is not a simple matter. The duration of therapy depends primarily on the severity of the disease. Generally, treatment lasts 4 to 6 weeks. A pet diagnosed with scabies should be given anti-scabies medications in the form of tablets, spot-on preparations or subcutaneous injections. The therapy is generally enhanced with antipruritic drugs.
If skin inflammation (bacterial infection) occurs, it is necessary to administer an antibiotic. In the treatment of ear mites, primarily acaricidal ointments or drops are used (administered directly into the ear canal). Proper hygiene plays an important role during therapy, including regular cleaning of the dog's ears from residual secretions. The owner of an infected pet should disinfect all the pet's items and places where it usually stays.
important: All preparations introduced during the treatment of scabies should be used exactly in accordance with the veterinarian's recommendations. This issue also applies to the duration of treatment. If your doctor recommends continuing therapy even after symptoms disappear, you should follow his instructions. Sudden discontinuation of treatment may lead to a relapse of the disease.
Scabies in a dog - prevention
Although it is certainly not possible to eliminate all factors contributing to the infestation of scabies in dogs, it is worth taking steps to minimize the risk. Prevention in this area includes preventing the pet from contact with stray dogs, following the vaccination and deworming schedule (the antiparasitic preparation contains acaricidal substances). You should take care of a healthy and balanced diet, your pet's hygiene, and the cleanliness of the places where it stays.
You can also fight mites by using active ingredients from nature, but their effectiveness is limited. Some dog owners recommend tea tree oil, onion and garlic extracts, or other essential oils such as lavender or peppermint as protection against parasites. However, please remember that the use of these preparations is only possible after consulting a veterinarian. Additionally, essential oils cannot be used undiluted. They irritate the skin and mucous membranes, and in some cases may even be toxic to the pet.
Scabies in dogs and human health
It is worth emphasizing that scabies, although rare, can be transmitted from dogs to humans. Therefore, it is important that the owner of an infected dog is aware of this risk and takes appropriate precautions.
This form of scabies is transmitted to humans through direct contact with an infected animal. It manifests itself with severe itching, especially in the areas that have been in contact with the sick pet (most often on the hands). These symptoms disappear, usually quite quickly, after appropriate treatment.
The disease can be prevented primarily by maintaining proper hygiene. It is important to regularly clean the rooms where your four-legged friend stays, disinfect his accessories, and comprehensively clean and air the bed (bed, blankets, pillows, etc.). Only proven modern agents intended for veterinary and zoohygienic purposes that are safe for humans and animals should be used for disinfection. It is also worth considering effective and quick disinfection, which involves spraying a dry mist of a disinfectant, i.e. the so-called fogging. This procedure makes it easier for the aerosol to reach all, even the most inaccessible, places, which increases its effectiveness.
Scabies - the impact of the disease on the dog's behavior and well-being
Just like in humans, well-being in dogs also largely influences behavior. Therefore, it is worth remembering that your pet's health is also related to its mood, attitude and disposition. Dogs communicate through body language, varied vocal signals and facial expressions. If your four-legged friend feels well, it is clearly visible in his behavior. He is then relaxed, confident, curious and willing to play, wags his tail, has an appetite, and when resting he lies calmly on his side or rolls over on his back. However, if the patient's health condition deteriorates, symptoms of poor health appear.
In the case of scabies, persistent itching and skin damage (wounds) cause great discomfort. It generally leads to changes in the dog's behavior, such as: irritability, anxiety, sensitivity to touch (the skin is heavily innervated), apathy, reluctance to play, and lack of interest in the surroundings. The dog's nervous system is constantly tense, which is why the patient becomes easily irritated and the joy of life disappears. To properly take care of your four-legged friend during this period, you need to provide him with more space and more peace. It is worth, as far as possible, reducing noise and sounds that may cause stress. Touch also plays an important role in recovery, which is particularly important for mental health.
If you carefully follow the veterinarian's recommendations, we can apply ointments or other preparations and gently massage the skin in a way that does not cause pain and provides pleasure. Stroking soothes and brings relief, has a relaxing effect, helps relax muscles, and reduces stress and tension. Moreover, it is a signal of care, love and acceptance, i.e. experiences that have a positive impact on the therapeutic process.
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