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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

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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.

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Other Answers

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    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.

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