Scabies: Getting It From Animals

Topic Overview

Animal-transmitted scabies is most commonly spread by dogs that have sarcoptic mange. This type of scabies also may be spread by the mites of other domestic animals.

• The mites are transferred to people who have contact with the infested animal. The mites spread to areas on the body that are exposed to the animal, especially the arms, thighs, and abdomen.
• Dog mites cannot live on human skin for more than a few days. They cannot reproduce on human skin, so the infestation usually goes away within a week and does not spread or require treatment. This type of scabies is not contagious between people and usually is not spread from humans to animals.
• If a person continues to be exposed to an infested animal, his or her symptoms may last weeks or months.
• An infested pet should be treated by a veterinarian.