Canine Scabies and why it is common in stray dogs in Spain
Did you know that there are nearly as many different types of mites as there are insects? We’re dropping the knowledge bombs today! Mites are arachnids, like ticks. Some mites are parasitic and some mites, like dust mites, are not.
Parasitic mites are common worldwide and don’t just affect domestic and stray dogs, they are found on Wild Boars, Raccoons and American Black Bears among other animals.
Scabies is a type of mange, a skin disease caused by parasitic mites. Mites are tiny but troublesome parasites that can affect any dog, but stray dogs in Spain (or any country) can be particularly susceptible to infestations. These mites are contagious and spread by dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated environments.
“scabies
/ˈskeɪbiːz/
noun
a contagious skin disease marked by itching and small raised red spots, caused by the itch mite.”
It is common for dogs rescued from the street to have mites and in turn, scabies. We want to spread awareness, break down the stigma surrounding treatable conditions like scabies, and make a difference for these deserving rescue dogs in Spain.
We understand that hearing a dog you are interested in was found with scabies, may cause you to think twice about adopting a dog from Spain, so we wanted to write about what scabies is and explain that the dogs are treated and are well when they are ready to travel from Spain to their new home in the UK.
Symptoms of scabies in dogs
Dog scabies can commonly cause intense, relentless itching. Other symptoms include frantic scratching, biting, self-inflicted injuries, red, inflamed skin and patchy hair loss, thickening of the skin with crusty or scaly patches, open sores and secondary infections due to constant scratching.
Although scabies may be common and treatable, the symptoms are incredibly unpleasant for the dog. Not only has the dog been living out in the elements and struggling to find food, but if mites are causing them issues they may also be experiencing some of these horrid symptoms.
The Four Common Mites that affect dogs
Sarcoptes scabiei mites: The primary cause of canine scabies (sarcoptic mange), these highly contagious mites burrow into the skin, triggering unrelenting itching, inflammation, and even secondary infections. It sounds pretty horrible, doesn’t it?
Demodex canis mites: These mites are normally present on a dog's skin in small numbers. However, in dogs with compromised immune systems due to factors like stress, malnutrition, or underlying illnesses, Demodex mites can overpopulate, leading to demodectic mange.
Otodectes cynotis mites: These parasites infest the ear canals, causing intense irritation, ear discharge, and persistent head shaking. Ear mite infestations are uncomfortable and can lead to further complications if untreated.
Cheyletiella yasguri mites: Nicknamed "walking dandruff" due to their appearance, these mites trigger itching, scaling, and dandruff-like flakes on the dog's skin.
Dog scabies treatment
The dogs at Animals Help, the shelter in Spain that we support, successfully treat scabies in dogs with a pill that also treats fleas and ticks. Buddy, a wonderful senior dog who has now found his forever home in the UK, had a bad case of scabies when he first arrived. Buddy is living a happy and healthy life, enjoying all the home comforts he should with a lot of love from his amazing family.
Reputable dog rescue organisations in Spain understand the importance of good veterinary care. Dogs in their care are treated for health conditions, including scabies, and prepared for adoption. Don’t let mites that are long gone scare you away from adopting a wonderful, deserving Spanish rescue dog.
