Scabies: types, symptoms, treatment and prevention

THE scabies, a common skin disease in animals, can make a pet's routine uncomfortable. Caused by microscopic mites, it requires immediate attention.

What is Scabies and Why is It a Concern?

Imagine your pet's skin as a garden: when mites invade, the balance is destroyed.

THE scabies It is a parasitic infestation that attacks the skin, causing intense itching, lesions and even secondary infections.

These mites, invisible to the naked eye, vary in behavior, making each type of mange unique. In dogs, the disease is most common, but cats, rabbits and even rodents are not immune.

The severity depends on the type of mite and the health of the animal.

Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments, such as beds and carpets.

Factors such as poor hygiene or stress increase the risk. A rescue dog, like Max, a stray dog who lived in a dirty yard, can quickly develop mange.

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The good news? With early diagnosis, recovery is possible. Attentive owners make all the difference in the fight against this condition.

Furthermore, the scabies It is not just an aesthetic problem. It can compromise the immune system, especially in puppies or older animals.

Incessant itching leads to sores, which, if left untreated, can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Understanding the disease is the first step to protecting your pet and preventing outbreaks in multi-animal environments.

Types of Scabies: Knowing Your Enemy

Different mites cause different types of scabies, each with unique characteristics.

Sarcoptic mange, caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, is highly contagious. It causes extreme itching, redness and crusting, mainly on the ears and elbows.

Dogs like Luna the poodle, who contracted the disease in a crowded pet shop, show how proximity facilitates transmission.

THE scabies demodectic, triggered by Demodex canis, is less contagious, but more common in puppies.

See more: Behavioral Signs That Your Cat May Have Kidney Problems (And They Go Unnoticed)

It occurs when the immune system is weakened, resulting in hair loss and scaly skin.

Otodectic mange, caused by Otodectes cynotis, affects the ears, common in cats. Each type requires accurate veterinary diagnosis to avoid incorrect treatments.

Other types, such as psoroptic mange, are rare but serious in rabbits and sheep. They cause thick scabs and can be fatal if left untreated.

The diversity of mites requires that owners watch for specific signs. An experienced veterinarian uses skin scrapings to identify the parasite, ensuring proper treatment.

The table below summarizes the main types of scabies:

Type of Scabies	Mite	Affected Animals	Contagiousness
Sarcoptic	Sarcoptes scabiei	Dogs, cats, humans	High
Demodéc18	Demodex canis	Dogs, rarely cats	Low
Otodecic	Otodectes cynotis	Cats, dogs	Moderate
Psoroptic	Psoroptes spp.	Rabbits, sheep	Moderate

Understanding these differences is crucial. A common mistake is to treat scabies demodectic mange or sarcoptic mange, prolonging the animal's suffering. Consulting a veterinarian is always the best option.

Symptoms: How to Identify Scabies

The signs of scabies Symptoms vary, but itching is the main warning sign. In cases of sarcoptic mange, the pet scratches incessantly, forming scabs and sores.

Hair loss is common, especially in areas such as the ears, belly, and paws. Cats with otodectic mange shake their heads due to ear irritation.

In demodectic mange, hair loss is more noticeable than itching. Bald patches and scaly skin appear, as in the case of a German Shepherd puppy that lost hair around its eyes.

Already the scabies psoroptic can cause thick, foul-smelling crusts. Observing changes in behavior, such as isolation, is also essential.

Delayed diagnosis can worsen the condition. Open wounds caused by itching attract bacterial infections, complicating treatment.

Owners should note any changes in their pet's skin or behavior. A veterinary examination under a microscope confirms the diagnosis, avoiding confusion with allergies or fungi.

Treatment: Restoring Your Pet's Health

Treat the scabies requires patience and rigor. Medications such as ivermectin or selamectin are effective against mites, but require a veterinary prescription.

Bathing with special shampoos helps remove crusts and relieve itching. A dog like Max needed weekly baths and oral medication for a month.

Otodectic mange responds well to ear cleaning and parasiticidal drops. For demodectic mange, prolonged treatments are common, especially in severe cases.

In addition, secondary infections require antibiotics. Veterinary monitoring is essential to adjust doses and monitor side effects.

Environmental hygiene is equally crucial. Washing bedding, disinfecting surfaces and isolating infected animals prevents reinfestation.

A guardian who neglected to clean Luna's house saw the scabies return weeks after treatment. The combination of medication and environmental care ensures lasting results.

Prevention: One Step Ahead of Scabies

Avoid the scabies It is easier than treating it. Keeping the environment clean, such as clean beds and toys, reduces risks.

Regular check-ups at the vet can help detect problems early. A good diet strengthens the immune system, which is essential against demodectic mange.

Avoiding contact with infected animals is essential. In shelters, quarantine for new animals prevents outbreaks.

A shelter in São Paulo reduced scabies cases by 30% with strict quarantines. In addition, preventive antiparasitics, such as pipettes, offer extra protection against mites.

Educating the owner is a pillar of prevention. Knowing how to recognize early signs and seeking veterinary help prevents complications.

Ventilated and dry environments also make it difficult for mites to proliferate. Small daily actions can protect your pet from unnecessary suffering.

The Importance of Connecting with Your Pet

Observing your pet’s behavior is a powerful tool. A pet that scratches excessively or isolates itself may be signaling scabies.

Having an emotional connection with your pet makes it easier to spot subtle changes. One attentive owner noticed her cat, Tico, shaking his head and took him to the vet in time.

This closeness also helps with treatment. Stressed animals, like Tico during a move, can have relapses.

Affection and patience reduce stress, speeding recovery. scabies It is not just a physical issue, but also an emotional one, requiring comprehensive care.

Finally, ongoing education for pet owners is vital. Attending veterinary lectures or reading reliable articles like this one will empower you to take action quickly.

Protecting your pet is a proof of love, and prevention is the key to a healthy life.

Conclusion: A Scabies-Free Future

THE scabies It doesn't have to be a nightmare for your pet. With knowledge, attention and proper care, it is possible to prevent, diagnose and treat this disease.

In 2025, veterinary advances offer effective solutions, but the owner's responsibility is the difference.

Be proactive: monitor your pet, maintain hygiene and consult professionals. Your pet's health reflects the care you give it.

How about starting today to build a safer environment for your pet?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can scabies be passed to humans?
Yes, the scabies sarcoptic mite is zoonotic, but in humans it causes temporary itching, as the mites do not reproduce on human skin.

How long does it take to treat scabies?
It depends on the type. scabies Sarcoptic can improve in 2-4 weeks; demodectic can require months, with veterinary monitoring.

Health and Wellbeing

Juscilene Alves

Freelance writer with a passion for words. I create engaging, optimized and personalized content for brands and businesses. I transform ideas into texts that connect, inform and inspire.

June 9, 2025