Scabies is a skin disease that comprises many varieties of disease causing mites. Each variety attacks one certain species such as horses, sheep, hogs, cattle, dogs and even people. In places where people live together in close contact, such as nursing homes and hospitals, scabies can run rampant. It’s a contagious disease spread by frequent skin to skin contact or in clothes, bedding and bath towels.  You could also pick up canine scabies if your dog has been infected but it’s a self limiting disease of short duration.  Your kids may end up with a few itchy, red welts, but the mites will die within weeks. Your dog, however will require a trip to the vet and the proper pet medication.