What is Scabies?

Sarcoptic mange, also called scabies, in dogs is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, a highly contagious skin parasite. The mites burrow into the skin and cause severe itching, so dogs that experience prolonged scratching and hair loss are suspect. Symptoms are most often seen on the ear flaps, elbows, hocks, abdomen, and chest of infested dogs.

SCABIES ARE ABLE TO BE TRANSFERRED TO HUMANS!  It is important to get your pet checked out if there is a history of prolonged itching, hair loss, or scratching.  To diagnose scabies, we would perform a skin scraping and then proper medications are given to treat.