Sarcoptic Mange in Dogs: Vet’s 2025 Guide to Scabies Treatment 🐶🧼

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc – Ask A Vet Blog

🔎 What is Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies)?

Sarcoptic mange, also known as canine scabies, is a highly contagious and intensely itchy skin disease in dogs 🐾. It’s caused by the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis 🪳, which burrows into the dog’s skin to lay eggs. This causes an allergic reaction, leading to severe itching, hair loss, and skin inflammation.

The disease is zoonotic, meaning it can spread to humans and other animals, making early diagnosis and treatment essential for both pet and household health 🏠👨‍👩‍👧‍👦.

⚠️ Symptoms of Sarcoptic Mange

Common signs of scabies in dogs include:

• 🐾 Intense itching (especially at night)
• 🩸 Redness and inflammation
• 🧼 Crusty skin lesions, often on ears, elbows, hocks, belly, and chest
• 🧬 Thickened or darkened skin in chronic cases
• 😟 Behavior changes due to discomfort

In advanced cases, scabies may affect the entire body and lead to secondary bacterial infections 🦠.

🔬 How is It Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is challenging because Sarcoptes mites are tiny and often elusive under the microscope:

• Skin scrapings: Multiple samples examined under a microscope (may be negative even if infection is present)
• Response to treatment: A strong diagnostic tool—if symptoms improve with anti-mite therapy, diagnosis is confirmed

💊 Treatment Options in 2025

Effective treatment involves systemic or topical medications, sometimes both. Follow-up is essential to ensure full recovery and prevent spread 🔁.

1. Oral Medications

• Sarolaner (Simparica®) – Kills mites quickly; safe for monthly use
• Afoxolaner (Nexgard®) – Also effective against fleas and ticks
• Milbemycin oxime (Interceptor®) – Older, still effective

2. Spot-On Treatments

• Selamectin (Revolution®, Stronghold®) – Monthly application; also protects against fleas and heartworm
• Moxidectin/Imidacloprid (Advantage Multi®) – A broad-spectrum parasiticide

3. Dips

• Lime Sulfur Dip: Economical and highly effective; twice-weekly application; strong smell and staining potential
• Amitraz Dip: Potent, requires careful veterinary supervision

4. Anti-Itch & Supportive Therapies

• Apoquel® (oclacitinib): Quickly reduces itch and inflammation
• Cytopoint®: Injectable antibody therapy to relieve pruritus
• Antibiotics: If secondary skin infections develop

📋 Home Care Instructions

It’s essential to treat all dogs in the home—even if they’re not showing symptoms—to break the life cycle of mites 🧪.

Also follow these hygiene practices:

• 🧼 Wash all pet bedding, collars, toys, and soft furnishings
• 🧽 Clean floors and surfaces with pet-safe disinfectants
• 🚿 Bathe pets regularly during treatment
• 🧤 Wear gloves when handling infected animals

🧍‍♂️ Can Humans Get It?

Yes. While Sarcoptes mites don’t thrive on humans, they can cause red, itchy bumps (self-limiting dermatitis) 👨‍⚕️. See a physician if you or your family experience skin irritation during a mange outbreak.

📆 Recovery Timeline

Here’s a typical recovery outlook:

1. ✅ 1–2 weeks: Itch relief begins
2. 🛏️ 2–4 weeks: Mite death and hair regrowth
3. 🔁 4–6 weeks: Recheck with vet for progress and possible additional dose

🧪 Preventing Reinfestation

To prevent recurrence:

• Continue full treatment course, even after signs disappear
• Disinfect environment thoroughly
• Monitor for symptoms in all pets
• Quarantine new or rescued dogs until cleared by a vet

💡 Vet Tip from Dr Duncan Houston

“Even one Sarcoptes mite can trigger a full-blown skin crisis. Fast diagnosis and full-house treatment is your best defense. Mange is beatable with consistency.” 🩺

📲 Ask A Vet App Can Help

Managing a scabies outbreak? The Ask A Vet app gives you 24/7 access to veterinary advice, treatment checklists, symptom tracking, and real-time care planning. Download today to get started 🐾📱.