Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies) in Dogs: Signs, Treatment and Can Humans Get It?

Signs of Sarcoptic Mange

• Intense itching, often sudden, with constant scratching and chewing^4,2
• Red, crusted, hairless skin, typically starting on the edges of the ears, elbows and hocks, belly and chest^3,5,1
• Small bumps that turn into thick, yellowish crusts^1,4
• Thickened, darkened skin and widespread hair loss if untreated^2,1
• In severe cases, lethargy, poor appetite and weight loss³

A telltale sign vets look for is the ear-scratch reflex: rubbing the edge of the ear makes the dog kick a back leg in a scratching motion. It was present in about 82% of dogs with scabies in one study, though it doesn't prove the diagnosis on its own.⁶ Some dogs, especially well-groomed ones, have only mild signs, and some carry mites without showing any.^1,3

How Dogs Get Scabies

Sarcoptic mange spreads mainly through direct contact with an infested dog, for example in kennels, grooming salons, dog parks and multi-dog homes. It can also spread through shared bedding, brushes and towels.^1,3 Wild red foxes and coyotes can carry it too.^5,2

Signs usually appear a few weeks after exposure, anywhere from about 10 days to 8 weeks, and dogs can spread mites before they look sick.^1,5

Can Humans Get Mange From Dogs?

Yes, but only briefly. The CDC explains that the scabies mites that infest animals can't survive or reproduce on humans, but they can burrow into the skin and cause temporary itching and irritation.⁷ People typically get itchy red bumps on the arms, neck, waist or beltline. These usually clear up within about 2 weeks once the dog has been treated, but can continue while the dog is still infested.^6,8,3

• Wear gloves when handling an infested dog, and wash your hands afterward.⁹
• See a doctor if you develop an itchy rash, and mention that your dog has mange.^2,3
• Human scabies is caused by a different mite and is not spread by pets.⁷

Diagnosis

Your vet will do skin scrapings to look for mites, but scabies mites are hard to find and are missed in about half of cases.^6,3 If your dog's signs fit, your vet will usually treat for scabies anyway; a good response helps confirm it. Many dogs with scabies are first thought to have allergies.^1,5

Treatment

• Spot-on treatments: selamectin (Revolution) and imidacloprid with moxidectin (Advantage Multi) are FDA-approved for sarcoptic mange in dogs.^10,11,5
• Isoxazoline chews, such as afoxolaner (NexGard), fluralaner (Bravecto) and sarolaner (Simparica), are very effective and widely used off-label. In one small study of 20 treated dogs, a single dose of fluralaner cleared mites from every dog within 4 weeks.^12,1,5
• Lime sulfur dips are effective and safe for young animals but are used less often now.^1,2
• Antibiotics for skin infections, and sometimes a short course of anti-itch medicine.³

Treat every dog in the home, even those without signs, because signs are delayed.^3,5 Wash or discard bedding; VCA suggests diluted bleach (about 1 ounce per gallon of water) for washing bedding.² Call your vet if your dog is still very itchy 4 to 5 days after treatment.² Avoid high-dose ivermectin in Collies and other dogs with the MDR1 gene mutation.^3,13 Isoxazolines can rarely cause tremors or seizures, so tell your vet if your dog has a seizure history; your vet may choose a different medicine.^14,6

Most dogs improve within 2 weeks, with full recovery in 6 to 8 weeks.³

Frequently Asked Questions

Can humans get sarcoptic mange from dogs?

People can get temporary itchy red bumps, but the dog mites can't survive or reproduce on humans. The rash usually clears within about 2 weeks once the dog is treated. See a doctor if you're itchy.

How long is a dog with scabies contagious?

Until treatment has killed the mites. Keep your dog away from other dogs, treat every dog in the home, and follow your vet's advice on when it's safe to mix with other dogs again.

Will NexGard treat sarcoptic mange?

Afoxolaner (NexGard) and similar chews are effective against sarcoptic mange in studies and are widely used by vets, but in the US their use for mange is off-label. Revolution and Advantage Multi are FDA-approved for it.

How long does it take for sarcoptic mange to go away?

Most dogs feel much better within about 2 weeks of treatment, with full recovery in 6 to 8 weeks.

What is the difference between mange and scabies?

Scabies is another name for sarcoptic mange. "Mange" also includes demodectic mange, which is caused by a different mite and isn't contagious.

Do I need to treat my house for scabies?

Wash or replace your dog's bedding and clean grooming tools. Sarcoptic mites don't survive long off a dog, so treating the dog, and every dog in the home, matters most.