Ideally, seeing a veterinarian is always the best solution when treating mange in dogs; however, in case this is not possible or feasible for any reason home treatments such as baths and food supplements may also help treat his condition.
Apple cider vinegar offers both antiseptic and antiparasitic benefits for dogs. Apply it directly onto his skin, or mix a tablespoon in with his drinking water bowl.
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Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has long been believed to help relieve itching, kill the mites that cause mange and balance skin pH levels. You could add apple cider vinegar daily to your dog’s water or food to increase immunity and help prevent future bouts of mange.
Olive oil can provide another home treatment option for itchy sores caused by mange, providing soothing relief while fighting infections and decreasing itching and flaking. You can apply it directly onto affected areas.
Sponging bathing your pet with a mixture of Borax and hydrogen peroxide might also prove helpful, provided they do not lick off of it as ingesting Borax can be toxic. Apply the solution directly onto their body and coat without nearing their mouth or eyes, then allow them to air dry – this treatment could require multiple applications, depending on its severity.
Olive Oil
Olive oil may not provide the definitive treatment for mange in your pup, but it does help soothe itchy skin and promote healthy coats of fur. In addition, its antiseptic and antifungal properties could aid the healing process for your dog.
Apply olive oil twice daily to the affected areas for best results, being mindful not to overdo it as too much olive oil may result in dry, irritated skin.
Some pet owners swear by an at-home remedy using lemons and garlic to rid their dog of mites, although this should only be tried on open wounds or abrasions; skin scrapings from a vet will ensure accurate diagnosis, enabling appropriate treatment to begin immediately.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel is an all-natural antiseptic with anti-parasitic properties, providing soothing relief from irritation and itching for dogs with skin issues. If you own an aloe vera plant, just break open one leaf and apply its juice twice daily onto any areas on your dog’s skin that appear irritated.
Organic plain yogurt may provide your pup with some relief as well. Its thick consistency may smother mites while providing them with beneficial probiotics. You can apply the yogurt directly onto their skin; just be careful not to allow your dog lick it as this could introduce borax which could be toxic and cause more issues!
As previously stated, it is always advisable to seek professional care for your dog’s mange if any home treatments you attempt don’t seem to be working. However, if they need immediate relief from its itchy symptoms until their appointment with the veterinarian comes up, try using these home remedies until then.
Yogurt
Much like olive oil, applying yogurt directly to the skin is another effective home treatment for mange in dogs. Plain unsweetened yogurt contains natural probiotics which may smother mites while also soothing any itching that might ensue. You could also apply lemon juice directly on affected areas to both kill mites and rid the dog’s skin of any fungi or bacteria present.
Neem can also be an effective natural treatment for mange. Simply boil some leaves of neem in water, strain out, and spray or brush this solution onto your pet’s skin and coat twice daily for best results. Neem offers numerous dermatological benefits for dogs and even helps speed the regrowth of fur faster. This treatment may be ideal for puppies with suppressed immune systems who could experience relapses later.
Honey
Honey can not only smother mange mites, but it can also soothe irritated skin and fight secondary bacterial invaders. Rub one tablespoon of honey onto your pet’s skin for 15 minutes twice daily for maximum effectiveness.
Although your veterinarian should supervise treatment of both types of mange, home treatments can help ease itching and improve skin and coat health. A healthy diet should also be maintained while fighting this itchy condition.
Rita Hogan of Canine Herbalist recommends Neem Shampoo as one treatment option to address demodex in canines. She also suggests Barbados Nut Oil (Jatropha cruces), which has antiparasitic and antifungal properties as well. Another alternative would be using Neem in combination with Palmarosa/Geranium Essential Oil which has antihelmintic qualities as well. Homeopathic Veterinarian Dee Blanco DVM believes consuming foods high in colostrum/omega 3s can also prove effective.