Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

How to prevent sarcoptic mange from a shelter dog infecting my pets?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Hello, I am currently vounteering at a dog shelter, and we have rescued a puppy with a bad case of sarcoptic mange. He is currently quarantined and recieving treatment at the shelter. What are the protective measures or precautions I can take to avoid getting infected and transferring the disease to my pets back home? Thanks.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on August 17th, 2018

Hi there. I would recommend washing your hands thoroughly after handling the puppy, and don't allow any close physical contact with your clothing, etc. if possible. Scabies mites do not survive very long off of the host, so there is likely not much risk of infecting your dogs by touching them when you get home - but if you want to be extra safe, you could take a shower and change your clothes before petting or snuggling with them.

Alternatively, if your dogs are on an oral flea/tick medication like Nexgard or Bravecto, you shouldn't need to worry about sarcoptic mange at all because these meds will protect them against this.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 17th, 2017
Hello, you should wash your hands thoroughly and any other area where you may have had contact with your puppies. You should ideally discard any bedding and clothing where the puppies may have been in contact with to reduce the contamination with sarcoptes. Infestations with sarcoptes in people are also more likely to occur in immunocompromised individuals, if so then you should contact your doctor immediately.

These mites have different species and the one that infects dogs does not typically reproduce or multiply in humans. Therefore, their infestation to humans is typically self limiting and the itchiness that it causes is secondary to a local dermatitis.

Hope this helps and best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog has sarcoptic mange. Can I catch it? What should I do?

Sarcoptic mange can actually cross species, but should not last long on humans. They may make you feel itchy for a little while, but will go away within 24 hours. I've had a great amount of exposure to dogs with sarcoptes and have had the transient itchiness on my arms too. It has never lasted more than a couple of hours on me. In the meantime, rinse your arms with some cool water and soap. Wash your sheets and consider not having close contact with your dog until the infestation is under control. If you are itching for more than 24 hours and have red spots on your arms, then you should consult your physician.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Should I separate my new dog with demodectic mange from my other dog?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Congratulations on adopting a new dog. Is the mange currently being treated with an oral product such as Nexgard, Bravecto, Simparica or Credelio? Demodex mites are found on virtually all dogs, but it does take a suppressed immune system for them to overpopulate and cause an infection. If the mange is already being treated and your own dog is otherwise healthy, the risk *should* be fairly low. If you have any further questions or concerns I would recommend reaching to your regular veterinarian on how to proceed. Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My pets have sarcoptic mange. How is it transmitted and prevented?

Hello and thank you for your question on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Dog parks, kennels, veterinary clinics, and groomers can all be a source of transmission. Direct contact with another dog is not necessarily needed for transmission. It is possible for the dogs to come in contact with the mite through uncleaned kennel areas or grooming areas. Also some wildlife can harbor this mite so contact with any wildlife or area where wildlife have denned or nested could transmit the mite. It is possible the cats may have brought in the mite as well, although the mite that infects dogs will not typically cause symptoms in cats. Time from exposure to symptoms is about 2-3 weeks. I hope this has helped you!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

New dog has mange, Ehrlichiosis. How to protect my other dog from it?

I would keep the new dog separated from your old dog as mites are contagious. The ivermectin injection should take care of the mites, however sometimes it takes two or three injections to completely eliminate mites. I would say 3 weeks are probably enough to keep them separate. The doxy will likely eliminate both the Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis within 30 days and your dog should feel much better soon. All these diseases are very hard on your dog, so sleeping is normal. He needs to rest to heal.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Can my dog catch human scabies from me? Will he need treatment?

Although dogs do get scabies, the species of skin mite that causes canine scabies is different from the one that causes human scabies. The mites are species-specific, so it's quite rare to see transmission from humans to dogs (or vice-versa) beyond a mild localized rash. But to be safe, I would suggest using a flea preventative such as Revolution or Advantage Multi on your dog that is effective against skin mites - this should ensure that you don't need to worry :)

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

How to prevent mini pig mange and stop it spreading to family or dog?

Typically, unless your piggy comes to you with mange you are unlikely to encounter an infection. This is not true however if your pig is going to be in contact with several other pigs on any sort of regular basis, particularly those of unknown health status. Should your pig become afflicted with this, it is relatively easy to address. The best way is with two injections of ivermectin separated by two weeks. There are two common mites in pigs. The sarcoptic mange mite can be passed between dogs, pigs, and humans. The demodectic mite can not be passed to dogs as it is species specific. Hope this answers your questions and concerns.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has mange. When can I stop wearing gloves and isolating her?

It's difficult to say for certain, since eggs may continue to hatch and the new adult mites could be contagious. At this point it is probably unlikely that there are adults that would be contagious so if your other dog has been treated preventatively I would think it is safe for them to be together. To be safe it would probably be best for you to wear gloves until Waffles's treatment is complete.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share