For guardians or future dog caregivers, it is essential to understand what canine scabies, symptoms and treatment are and even some home remedies. Dog scabies are a skin disease caused by various types of mites and can have serious consequences if not treated properly. It is found all over the world and affects countless animal species. It usually occurs through direct contagion with another affected animal or with objects that have come into contact with it.
Therefore, in the face of suspected symptoms, the dog should go to the veterinarian to diagnose the type of scabies to be treated and treated as soon as possible. Continue reading this Animal Expert article and understand the symptoms and treatments of scabies in dogs.
- Canine scabies is a dermatological infection caused by ectoparasites.
- Specifically by mites.
- Depending on the type of mite that causes this condition.
- We have one type of scabies or another and therefore a specific treatment.
- When ours is infested with mites.
- They lodge in their skin and hair.
- They quickly begin to feed on the skin.
- Sebum and keratin.
- Proliferating at high speed.
- Because of this skin infestation.
- The dog suffers from a large itching that causes it to rub and scratch almost everything until it causes an injury.
- Early detection of symptoms is very important for the final result.
- As it will prevent spread to other animals and the severity of the particular case.
Mites are microscopic ectoparasites, such as small spiders found in animals and plants that are part of a normal ecosystem. There are many different types and each type can produce different diseases and problems in some animals.
As we have already said, there are different types of scabies that affect dogs, caused by different types of mites and their treatment is more or less simple depending on the origin and time of the process in which we initiate treatment and treatment. We must bear in mind that scabies are perfectly treatable, although very uncomfortable for those who have it, but if proper treatment is not performed, infections and secondary diseases and even the death of the animal can occur.
The classification of the most common types of scabies in dogs is as follows:
It is one of the most common scabies in dogs. It is also known as black scabies and is produced by the Mite Demodex canis. This mite lives naturally on the skin of our dog, but when the tusks go down a lot, this mite produces uncontrollably and develops the disease. It occurs very often in dogs with weak immune systems, i.e. dogs with very weak defenses. In addition, another of the most common ways in which this type of scabies appear in a dog is during childbirth, when the mother gives birth to puppies. Sometimes, if it is very mild, the problem can happen with only a recovery of the animal’s defenses based on a good diet. There are several types of old-fashioned scabies:
It is the most common infection in a dog with scabies, even more than the ancient infection and, in fact, it is also known as canine scabies. The mite that causes it is called Sarcoptes scabiei and, therefore, this type of scabies is also identified as scabies. This mite breeds at high speed and is not part of the skin environment of our dogs. It is highly contagious, its contagion is done by contact and can also affect humans. Therefore, we must manipulate infected animals with latex gloves. Symptoms usually begin to appear after a week of infection. This scabies cause the most itching, which can lead to mistaken thinking that it is a flea infestation. Ideally, detect it as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading and getting worse, because it will then be more resistant to treatment.
This canine scabies is produced by the mite Otodectes cynotis and is more common in cats than in dogs. It is infected by contact and affects the ears and ears of our pets. In addition to the usual clinical signs of scabies, it eventually causes a secondary infection of the ear to the animal. These mites are visible inside the ear and if you look closely, you see small white spots moving.
It is also known as queiletielose. This scabies is produced by the Cheyletiella spp mite. Although it is more common in cats, it is highly contagious in dogs and especially in puppies. It can be transmitted to humans producing red and irregular eruptions.
The responsible mite is called pneumonyssoides caninum and is found on the nose of dogs and other carnivores. It is not very common and usually does not cause serious symptoms. In the case of massive infestations, it can cause chronic sneezing, nosebleeds and nasal secretions. It is transmitted from one dog to another through contact with the nose.
There are several forms of canine scabies. For example, when there is a significant decrease in defenses, the usual mites on the skin of dogs take advantage of the opportunity and spread uncontrollably.
Another form is during childbirth and during dog lactation in case the mother is infested. Finally, contact contagion in any canine specimen is what we see the most. In cases where the animal is healthy and strong, the chances of contracting this condition are lower, but if we see it very often in individuals already sick and malnourished with weak defenses. Contact can occur between dogs or objects and places infested with mites where an animal has been with this parasitic disease.
There are factors that make our animal more prone to scabies, such as poor hygiene, a harmful environment for health, poor health that leads to weak defenses, poor diet, constant contact with many dogs abroad, among others.
In the case of old-fashioned scabies, there is a greater propensity in short-haired dogs and in certain breeds such as beagle, Dalmatian, dachshund, dobermann, boxer, bulldog, pointer, shar pei and burrows.
To be able to detect scabies, several symptoms of canine scabies that may occur are very specific symptoms of this type of skin condition and draw attention immediately. The most common symptoms of scabies in dogs are:
When you identify any of these canine scabies symptoms in your pet, you should act quickly to prevent the disease from spreading. Although we can alleviate the symptoms with some remedies that we will see later, it is essential to consult the veterinarian and follow the appropriate treatment for each type of scabies according to the specialist’s instructions.
As they say, it is better to prevent than to cure and in this case it is the same. The most effective way to control canine scabies is to prevent it, although we also know that this skin disease can be cured with proper treatment and care, but it is a slow process that makes our animal suffer. symptoms that are quite uncomfortable.
As preventive measures against canine scabies, we should follow these recommendations:
If prevention is not enough and our hair partner ends up having symptoms of scabies, we should consult the veterinarian as soon as possible to diagnose us if this condition is involved or not, and what type it is to be able to offer us. the best solution. The next treatment will not only depend on the type of scabies our dog suffers, but will also depend on the breed and age, among other factors.
The treatment recommended by the specialist may be mainly drugs that are oral, topical or injectable acaricides, usually with ivermectin, selamectin, moxidectin and milbemycin oximein. In addition, it will provide pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, shampoos or bath powders with skin and acaricide soothing products and more specific medications for certain secondary skin problems, such as a possible bacterial infection (bacteria or antibiotic) or fungicide (fungicide).
In the case of ear scabies, the acaricide drug will be a drug of special topical use for the ears and should be administered by placing a few drops in the ears and massaging to penetrate. It will be essential that, regardless of the type of scabies, you do the complete treatment every day for the time indicated by the veterinarian and never finish it before, even if the dog seems cured. If you stop treatment early because the problem seems to have passed, scabies will most likely reappear in a few days or weeks, because the few mites that can stay can recover and re-proliferate.
There are no home remedies to cure scabies, but there are remedies to alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms that help our pet get through the process. Before performing any of them, it is advisable to consult your trusted veterinarian to let us know which are the most effective remedies for our dog.
The home remedies for dogs with scabies listed below help complete veterinary treatment:
The baths are essential for the treatment and to relieve the intense itching that our companion feels in the canine scabies. We can bathe our scabies sick of scabies every week or two in every two with a white, neutral and / or mite-based soap prescribed by the veterinarian, with warm water and very gently.
Soap should be allowed to act for a few minutes before rinsing to prevent the dog from wing it. You should wear latex gloves every time you touch your sick dog. Never brush it, as your hands will gently massage your hair and skin. Let it dry alone or dry with a soft towel and never rub the towel on the animal’s skin.
A change for the better in the diet of our dog with vitaminr will help to regain the strength of his immune system, being able to fight mites and helping to treat scabies.
It is good that during the scabies process, the dog ingests raw foods such as vegetables and herbs. The most suitable are kyolic garlic, cat’s claw and olive oil extract. Chop too small vegetables to make it easier for you.
It is something that may seem strange, but a dog that is excited and feels desired and accompanied, will be a happier dog and therefore will have more ease to heal than a sad and depressed dog.
Olive oil can help weaken mite deposits and remove weaker mites. In addition, you can combine lavender, almond and neem oils that will serve as a topical treatment and will also weaken the mite nests. You can pass through the affected areas twice a day, always after bathing. With the oil you will prevent the skin from drying out and you can hydrate it. Never use car oil, which has become very popular to treat scabies and, but does not help to improve the skin and we run the risk of the dog getting seriously intoxed if licked.
Some herbs and plants are very beneficial and can be applied locally in combination with oils or in foods. These herbs are neem, cymbopogon and niaouli, which for their antiseptic, antibacterial and skin regenerating properties are ideal against scabies.
To treat scabies in dogs, garlic is a very effective natural antiseptic in addition to healing. We can grind two garlic cloves and mix them with olive oil and apply directly to the affected areas. It can be left on during the night and in the morning remove with a soft, damp cloth.
It is a natural remedy and a very effective insect repellent. We boil a few leaves in a liter of water and when the infusion is hot, we bathe our partner carefully. We have to do it twice a week.
The infusion of chamomile is very good for disinfecting areas with scabies. It will be used to clean wounds and greatly relieve skin irritation. It’s best to apply it three times a week.
Whether with oat shampoo or oats mixed with water, we should apply it to the skin of our dog with gentle circular massages in the affected areas. It is allowed to act a little to penetrate the skin of the dog and rinses gently.
Whether by gently rubbing a few slices of lemon in the scabies or with homemade lemon water (you can leave a few slices of lemon in hot water overnight to use in the morning). With lemon we will disinfect our dog’s skin.
It’s good to apply one or two tablespoons to the wounds to help them heal. It is usually used on the ears by applying a very thin layer that covers the skin well.
Some types of scabies are transmitted to humans, it is zoonosis. Thus, if your dog has scabies, it is essential to be careful when handling it until the diagnosis has been made.
The types of canine scabies that are transmitted to humans are sarcoptic scabies, otodectic sarna, cheyletiella and notoedric scabies. The types of scabies that do not infect humans are scabies and outdated neumonisoids. Here’s how to treat sarcoptic scabies in people.
This article is for informational purposes only, in Animal Expert.com.br we cannot prescribe veterinary treatments or make any kind of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case of any type of condition or discomfort.
If you would like to read scabies-like articles in dogs – Symptoms and treatment, we recommend that you visit our Parasitic Diseases section.