Canine Scabies Treatment
No one wants to think that their beloved pet will get canine scabies, but it happens. Contaminated grooming tools and dog parks are common culprits, so even the best cared for animals can suffer from this condition. Luckily, with proper identification and treatment this can be a one-time occurrence that is quickly taken care of.
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Identification
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Canine scabies treatment is necessary, but the first step in treatment is determining that it is scabies that the dog has. A veterinarian will need to make the diagnosis by looking at the dog's skin under a microscope. Symptoms of canine scabies include severe itching, red, tender skin and a loss of hair. While these are the most common symptoms, not every dog that exhibits them has scabies.
Function
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Once identified, scabies treatment must follow. The purpose of the canine scabies treatment is to rid the dog of the mites that cause the adverse skin reactions. Generally, the medications used to treat canine scabies are ivermectin, which is a pill, and then a dip that works much like a bath to kill the mites that burrow under the skin and live in the hair follicles. Many dogs require several treatments before the canine scabies are gone for good.
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Benefits
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Treating a dog that has scabies is beneficial not just for the dog that is infected, but everyone who is around it. The biggest benefit is that treating the dog will stop the condition from spreading to other pets and people, as scabies is highly contagious. Another benefit is that the dog will be much more comfortable as the painful skin and itching will cease and the dog will return to its former self.
Misconceptions
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There is a misconception that there are at-home canine scabies treatment options. While your vet may allow you to administer some of the treatments at home, you need to get the medication from the doctor to be sure that you are killing the mites. At-home solutions do not work and should not be attempted.
Risks
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It's important to work with a vet who is experienced in treating mites as there are some dogs, such as collies, that cannot take ivermectin and have to be treated with alternate drugs. Collies cannot handle this strong drug and if treated it could cause further complications. Proper dosing and careful use of these drugs is of the utmost importance.
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