How to Treat Dog Mange With Home Remedies

Mange causes dry, itchy, painful skin in dogs.

Mange is a skin condition caused by mites in dogs. The two types of mange affecting dogs are demodectic mange and sarcoptic mange. Demodectic mites live naturally on dogs and only become a problem if the dog's immune system is compromised and the mites gain the upper hand. Sarcoptic mange, also called scabies, is a contagious skin disease spread by direct host-to-host contact. Veterinarians typically treat mange with pesticide medication such as ivermectin. There are a number of remedies to treat mange at home if you are uncomfortable giving your dog a pesticide.

Things You'll Need

• Dog shampoo
• 1 percent hydrogen peroxide
• Borax
• Cooking oil
• Yogurt
• Lemon
• Honey

Instructions

1. Wash your dog thoroughly with soapy water. Use a shampoo containing a skin soothing ingredient such as colloidal oatmeal. Consider adding Epsom salts or baking soda to the water for extra relief for your dog's itchy skin.

2. Mix together 2 cups of 1 percent hydrogen peroxide with 1 or 2 tablespoons of borax. Apply the mixture to the dog's skin and let dry. Repeat once a week for no more than two months.

3. Apply cooking oil directly to your dog's skin. The oil will kill any remaining mites and condition the dog's dry skin caused by the mange infection.

4. Treat your dog's dry skin with natural products such as yogurt, lemon water and honey. These products help soothe the skin and can speed up the healing process.

Tips & Warnings

• Never start any treatment on your dog without prior approval of your veterinarian. If in doubt, call the vet's office for advice.

References

• Mar Vista Animal Medical Center: Sarcoptic Mange
• Mar Vista Animal Medical Center: Demodectic Mange
• Grandma's Home Remedies: Home Remedies for Mange
• Dog Breed Info Center: Itchy Dog