A dog has scabies mites—what should be done? - briefly
Administer a prescribed acaricide such as ivermectin, selamectin, or a lime‑sulfur dip, isolate the dog, and thoroughly clean bedding and the living area to prevent reinfestation. Schedule a veterinary re‑examination two weeks later to verify that the mites have been eradicated.
A dog has scabies mites—what should be done? - in detail
A dog afflicted with scabies mites requires prompt veterinary assessment. The clinician will perform a skin scrape, examine under a microscope, and confirm the presence of Sarcoptes scabiei. Once diagnosed, treatment proceeds in three phases: medication, environmental decontamination, and monitoring.
- Systemic acaricides: oral ivermectin or milbemycin oxime administered according to weight and species‑specific dosing guidelines; injectable moxidectin may be used where approved.
- Topical options: selamectin spot‑on formulation applied once weekly for three weeks; lime‑sulfur dip (1 % solution) applied twice weekly for two weeks, ensuring thorough coverage of the coat and skin folds.
- Anti‑inflammatory support: short courses of corticosteroids or antihistamines reduce pruritus and secondary inflammation; dosage adjusted for age and health status.
Environmental control eliminates reservoirs of mites:
- Wash all bedding, blankets, and toys in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry at high temperature.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and floors; discard vacuum bags or clean canisters immediately.
- Treat the household with an appropriate acaricide spray, focusing on cracks, crevices, and pet‑frequented areas; repeat after one week to interrupt the life cycle.
Follow‑up examinations occur at two‑week intervals. Re‑scraping confirms eradication; persistent lesions may indicate secondary bacterial infection, requiring antibiotics based on culture results. Vaccination schedules and routine parasite preventatives should continue uninterrupted to maintain overall health.
Owner education emphasizes strict adherence to dosing intervals, proper application techniques, and hygiene practices. Failure to complete the full treatment protocol often results in recurrence, prolonging discomfort and increasing transmission risk to other animals and humans.