By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
A puppy who scratches so hard they wake themselves up, with crusty ear tips and red skin on the elbows and belly, could have sarcoptic mange. Also known as canine scabies, it is caused by a tiny burrowing mite and is one of the itchiest skin diseases dogs get. It spreads quickly between dogs, can cause an itchy rash in the people who cuddle them, and is very treatable once diagnosed.
Key takeaways
- Sarcoptic mange is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, which burrows into the skin.
- The itch is intense and often seems out of proportion to how the skin looks early on.
- It is highly contagious to other dogs and can cause a temporary itchy rash in people.
- Skin scrapings often fail to find the mite, so vets frequently diagnose it based on signs and response to treatment.
- Modern treatments work well, but products must be chosen for the puppy's age and weight by a vet.
How puppies catch it
Sarcoptic mange spreads through direct contact with an infested dog, or through shared bedding, grooming tools and kennels. Puppies may pick it up from their mother, littermates, a shelter or a pet shop. In Australia, foxes and wombats commonly carry Sarcoptes mites, so dogs that roam bushland or rural properties, or meet foxes in urban areas, can also become infested.
Signs of sarcoptic mange
- Intense itching that does not settle, often worse at night or after a warm bath
- Red, bumpy skin, then crusts and scabs
- Hair loss, often starting on the ear margins, elbows, hocks, belly and chest
- Thickened, darkened skin in longer-standing cases
- Secondary skin infections with odour or discharge
- Weight loss, poor growth and restlessness from constant itching in severe cases
A useful clue is the ear-scratch reflex. When the edge of an affected puppy's ear is rubbed, they often start scratching with the back leg on the same side. Your vet may check for this.
Sarcoptic or demodectic mange?
Both are called mange, but they are very different:
- Sarcoptic mange is intensely itchy and highly contagious.
- Demodectic mange is usually only mildly itchy at first, is not contagious in normal circumstances, and often starts as patchy hair loss on the face.
Treatment overlaps, but the advice about other pets and people is very different. Read more in our article on Demodex mites in dogs.
How vets diagnose it
Your vet will ask about your puppy's history (where they came from, other pets, exposure to foxes or wildlife, any itchy family members) and examine the skin.
- Skin scrapings are taken from the ear margins, elbows and other affected areas and examined under the microscope. Finding a mite, egg or droppings confirms the diagnosis, but scrapings miss the mite in many infested dogs because numbers can be very low.
- Blood tests for Sarcoptes antibodies are available in some laboratories and can help.
- Treatment trial. Because scrapings are often negative, vets commonly treat for scabies when the history and signs fit, and a rapid improvement supports the diagnosis.
How it is treated
Sarcoptic mange responds well to modern oral and spot-on parasite products, including the isoxazoline group, many of which are registered for scabies in dogs. The key points for puppies are:
- Age and weight limits matter. Many products are only registered from a certain age or weight. Your vet will pick one that is safe for your puppy.
- Some older treatments are risky for herding breeds that carry the MDR1 gene mutation, such as Collies, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds and Shetland Sheepdogs.
- Itch relief and infection control are often needed in the first week or two, because the itch can persist briefly after the mites die.
- All in-contact dogs should be treated, even if they are not scratching yet.
- Follow-up checks confirm the mites are gone. Many puppies are much more comfortable within one to two weeks, with the coat regrowing over the following month or two.
Cleaning up at home
Sarcoptes mites do not survive long off the host, usually a few days in typical household conditions, but cleaning helps prevent reinfestation.
- Wash bedding, blankets, collars and soft toys in hot water and dry thoroughly.
- Vacuum carpets, furniture and car seats where your puppy has been.
- Clean brushes and combs, or replace them.
- Keep your puppy away from other dogs, dog parks and puppy school until your vet says they are no longer contagious, usually after the first few weeks of treatment.
What about people?
Humans can develop itchy red bumps, often on the arms, chest and waist, after cuddling an infested puppy. The dog mite cannot complete its life cycle on people, so the rash usually settles within a few weeks once the puppy is treated. See your doctor if you develop a rash or it persists.
When to see a vet
Book an appointment if your puppy is scratching a lot, has crusts on the ear edges or elbows, or has hair loss. Seek care promptly if the skin is infected, your puppy is losing weight or seems unwell, or other pets or family members are itchy too.
Preventing sarcoptic mange
- Choose breeders and shelters carefully and ask about skin problems in the litter.
- Keep your puppy on a vet-recommended parasite preventative. Several monthly products also protect against Sarcoptes.
- Avoid contact with foxes and wildlife, and keep puppies out of fox dens and wombat burrows.
- Isolate and check any new dog before introducing them to your household.
FAQ
How long is a puppy with mange contagious?
Usually until the mites have been killed by treatment. Your vet will advise when it is safe to mix with other dogs again.
Can my cat catch sarcoptic mange?
It is rare in cats, but possible. Mention any itchy cats to your vet. Never use dog products on cats.
Will my puppy's hair grow back?
Yes, in most cases, once the mites and any infection are cleared.
Can sarcoptic mange come back?
Reinfestation is possible if your puppy meets an infested dog or fox again. Year-round preventatives help.
Talk with a vet
If your puppy is very itchy, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can look at photos, help you work out whether scabies is likely and advise on what your local vet will need to check. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Mange in dogs and cats
- Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC): Sarcoptes guidelines
- Old JM, Sengupta C, Narayan E, Wolfenden J. Sarcoptic mange in wombats: a review and future research directions. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases. 2018;65(2):399-407.
- Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine: Multidrug sensitivity (MDR1) in dogs
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.
