How to treat scabies mites in dogs?

How to treat scabies mites in dogs? - briefly

Effective control involves administering a veterinarian‑prescribed acaricide—commonly a topical product such as selamectin, moxidectin, or an oral dose of ivermectin—followed by thorough cleaning of the dog’s bedding, grooming tools, and living area. Repeat the treatment according to the product’s schedule to eliminate lingering mites and prevent reinfestation.

How to treat scabies mites in dogs? - in detail

Scabies in canines, caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, produces intense itching, hair loss, and crusted skin lesions. Prompt identification and systematic therapy are essential to halt transmission and prevent secondary infections.

Diagnosis relies on clinical signs and confirmation through skin scrapings examined under microscopy. When mites are detected, a treatment plan should address the parasites, alleviate inflammation, and eliminate environmental reservoirs.

Pharmacological options

  • Topical acaricides
    Amitraz dip – applied to the entire coat, left on for 10‑15 minutes, repeated in 7‑10 day intervals for three applications.
    Lime sulfur dip – diluted to 2‑5 % concentration, applied weekly for three weeks; effective against resistant mites but produces strong odor.

  • Systemic medications
    Ivermectin – oral dose 0.2–0.4 mg/kg, repeated after 14 days; contraindicated in breeds with MDR‑1 gene mutation.
    Selamectin – spot‑on formulation, 6 mg/kg applied monthly for at least two consecutive months.
    Moxidectin – oral or injectable, 0.2 mg/kg, administered every 30 days for two to three doses.
    Milbemycin oxime – 0.5 mg/kg orally, monthly for three months; also controls heartworm and intestinal parasites.
    Isoxazolines (e.g., sarolaner, afoxolaner) – chewable tablets, 2–4 mg/kg, monthly; provide rapid mite eradication and sustained protection.

Supportive care

  • Antihistamines or corticosteroids to reduce pruritus and inflammation during the first days of treatment.
  • Antibacterial or antifungal shampoos to manage secondary skin infections.
  • Regular cleaning of bedding, blankets, and toys with hot water (≥ 60 °C) or steam; vacuum carpets and upholstery, then discard vacuum bags.

Treatment schedule

  1. Initiate systemic or topical therapy on day 0.
  2. Re‑treat according to the product’s interval (typically 7‑14 days).
  3. Perform a second skin scraping 2 weeks after the first treatment to verify mite clearance.
  4. Continue environmental decontamination for at least 3 weeks, even if clinical signs resolve earlier.

Precautions

  • Evaluate liver and kidney function before administering ivermectin or milbemycin.
  • Avoid high‑dose ivermectin in collies, Shelties, and related breeds; consider selamectin or iso­xazolines instead.
  • Pregnant or lactating females require veterinary assessment; topical options are generally safer than systemic drugs.

Effective management combines accurate diagnosis, appropriate drug selection, strict adherence to dosing intervals, and thorough environmental hygiene. Regular veterinary follow‑up ensures complete eradication and reduces the risk of recurrence.