5 Best Dog Mange Home Remedies Effective on my Dog

Mange in dogs is a fairly common condition.

It's not typically something to worry about, but you do need to treat it as soon as possible.

Hold up.

If you're thinking of trying home remedies without first consulting your vet, let me stop you right there.

Dog mange home remedies can be effective, but it's best to seek veterinary care first if you haven't dealt with this issue before.

Depending on how severe the case of mange is, you may be able to treat it completely at home.

I'm sharing with you some dog mange home remedies that have worked for me and my dog in the past.

These are natural remedies that are safe for virtually every pup.

However, keep in mind that a severe case of mange should be treated by a veterinarian to ensure that any additional health concerns are addressed as well.

In this article, we'll cover:

• My 5 go-to home remedies for dog mange
• More remedies and tips from experienced pet owners and experts
• When should you bring your dog with mange to the vet
• Questions other pet owners ask about mange in dogs

But before we proceed to the juicy stuff, let's briefly discuss mange in dogs.

Overview of Mange in Dogs

Mange is a common skin disease in dogs caused by three different types of mites:

• Demodectic Mite – (all dogs have these mites) become a problem when the number of mites becomes unmanageable
• Sarcoptic Mite – most dangerous and causes extreme itching
• Cheyletiellosis Mite – commonly referred to as walking dandruff

The symptoms of mange vary depending on the type of mange that your dog is suffering from.

The most common symptoms include:

• scratching
• hair loss
• reddening of the skin
• weight loss

If you need to learn more information about mange, you can read our article about it in detail.

But if you want to go straight to the remedies, then let’s get to it!

5 Dog Mange Home Remedies Proven & Tested on my Dog

1. Olive Oil

My go-to mange home remedy is olive oil.

It's easy to use, most people have it on hand, affordable on any budget, and gentle on your dog's skin.

Olive oil works by suffocating the adult mites, larvae, and eggs.

I also like to use olive oil because it removes the waxy build-up left behind by the mites and helps to ease any inflammation or irritation of the skin.

It's also simple to use. Just apply it topically to the affected area using a clean cloth.

Allow the oil to sit on the skin for 15-20 minutes. Sit with your dog to keep him from licking the area.

After about 20 minutes, wipe the oil away. Do this 2 times per day until the mange is gone.

RELATED: 5 Oils That Are Good for Your Dog

2. Raw Honey

Similar to olive oil, raw honey can be used to suffocate the mites and soothe the skin.

Raw honey is a superfood for dogs and offers many benefits for skin and coat health.

You will apply it the same way as described for olive oil, but you will need to use a warm wet cloth to clean the area after treatment.

3. Plain Yogurt (Ideally Organic)

It may sound silly, but plain organic yogurt is another great home remedy for mange in dogs.

The good bacteria in the yogurt kill the mites. It also helps to soothe irritation of the skin and clear up any discharge.

You can also apply this topically, like the olive oil and honey.

4. ACV

Organic apple cider vinegar is another versatile home remedy that you should always keep on hand.

It's a great treatment for many skin problems, including dry skin, hot spots, and other skin infections.

You can use this two ways: topically and orally!

To feed your pet, add 1-2 tablespoons of ACV to his meals once daily. Remember: ACV is sour. Don't go overboard here too much!

To apply this to your dog's skin, dilute equal parts of water and ACV, use a clean cloth, or put it in a spray bottle (only if you have spare) and apply carefully.

Continue doing this until the mange is gone.

5. Aloe Vera

Finally, aloe vera is a great natural treatment for mange. You can use bottled aloe as long as it is 100% pure.

Aloe has natural antiseptic and anti-parasitic properties.

Apply the treatment topically to the affected area twice per day until the condition has cleared.

RELATED: Is Aloe Vera Safe For Dogs? Different Ways Aloe Vera Can Benefit Your Dog

Other Tips to Treat Dog Mange At Home

The five home remedies for dog mange I have discussed above are what worked for my dog when we had the problem.

In this section, I will share with you the other tips and remedies other pet owners and vets told me to do.

Who knows, they might work for your dog!

1. Boost Fido's immunity

“Dogs that develop demodectic mange have issues with how their body’s immune system keeps the mites in check or fails to keep them in check,” says Dr. Travis Arndt, medical director of Animal Medical Center of Mid-America in St. Louis City and Maryland Heights.

So boosting your dog's immunity can help prevent and treat mange by improving their overall health and making it easier for their body to fight off infections.

Apart from feeding them foods that promote healthy skin and coat, you can also give them supplements.

And don't forget the power of daily exercise, good hygiene, and keeping them stress-free to keep them happy and healthy!

2. Spray with Lemon-Water Solution

Lemon is a natural remedy that has been used to treat various skin conditions in dogs, including mange.

It contains citric acid, which has antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties that can help to kill the mites that cause mange.

You can also create a lemon solution to spray on your dog's affected coat.

3. Use anti-parasitic herbs or medicinal plants

There are ingredients in your kitchen or backyard that have anti-parasitic properties, which might help manage your dog's mange problems.

Some examples are:

• Neem leaves
• Garlic (only apply topically; this can be toxic when ingested, especially in large amounts)
• Chamomile
• Calendula
• Turmeric

The safest way to administer these to your dog with mange is topically. You can make them into tea or tincture.

RELATED: 17 Herbal Remedies for Dogs: Most Effective and Recommended by Vets

3. Fumigate the house

Mites can survive for several days off of a host, so it's important to treat your home and your dog to prevent the mites from spreading and causing reinfection.

However, house fumigation involves using a pesticide to kill the mites and their eggs in your home.

The pesticide is typically applied as a fog or spray, and it can penetrate deep into cracks and crevices where mites may be hiding.

House fumigation is typically done by a professional pest control company, as the pesticides used can be toxic and should be handled with care.

You should also always keep the house clean—always wash the bedding and carpets, disinfect their toys and beds, use an air purifier with a HEPA filter, vacuum regularly, etc.

4. Borax and Hydrogen Peroxide

You can use a mixture of borax and hydrogen peroxide to treat mange in your dog by sponge bathing them in it.

You can actually do this as well with borax and ACV, mixing both with warm water and using the solution for bath time.

My only apprehension about this method is how unsafe borax and hydrogen peroxide are to dogs when ingested.

So if you're sure you can stop them from even licking just a bit of these natural remedies, then you are welcome to try this method.

Many pet owners swear by this technique, so it's worth trying.

5. Living with Multiple Pets? Isolate your Mange-Affected Fido!

If you have multiple pets, isolating your dog with mange is crucial to prevent the spread in your household.

The mites causing mange can easily spread from one animal to another through direct contact.

By isolating your dog with mange, you can prevent the mites from spreading, reduce their stress and discomfort, focus on their treatment, and prevent reinfection.

It's important to work with your veterinarian to develop an appropriate treatment plan for your dog's mange and to isolate them from other pets in your household to prevent the spread of the condition.

When to Bring Your Dog to the Vet

It's always advisable to bring your dog to the vet anytime you see a new sign or symptom of whatever condition your dog might have.

If it's the first time your dog has contracted mange, seek your vet's advice as to what course of action you need to take, including the products or medications you must buy to treat it.

If Fido has had it before, and you were normally able to manage it at home but suddenly not anymore, then it is best to go to the hospital or clinic.

Most especially if you notice the following:

• severe itching
• foul odor
• discharge
• extreme scabbing
• behavioral changes in your dog

OTC Treatments

Apart from the home remedies we have mentioned above, there are several treatments available over the counter that you can buy (and your vet will prescribe) to manage your dog's mange at home:

• Medicated shampoo
• Creams or ointments
• Flea treatments
• Antibiotic

FAQs about Dog Mange Home Remedies

How do you bathe a dog with mange?

Bathing a dog with mange can help soothe the skin and remove any debris or scabs that may be present.

However, it's important to use a gentle shampoo and avoid over-bathing, as this can dry out the skin and worsen the condition.

Be sure to choose a shampoo that is free from harsh chemicals and fragrances, as these can irritate the skin.

You should also read the instructions. Some medicated shampoos must be left on your dog's coat for at least 5 minutes before rinsing.

Pat your dog dry, and only use soft towels. Do not rub Fido's skin, or else it will cause further irritation.

Once dried, that's when you can apply any topical treatment your vet prescribed.

How do you stop mange from spreading?

Mange is highly contagious and can easily spread from one animal to another.

Apart from isolating your mange-affected dog and keeping the house clean, it's also best if you treat all animals in the household.

Yes, even those who do not show any symptoms yet.

You can update their flea and tick prevention (which can also be effective in killing mites and their eggs.)

This can help prevent the mites from spreading and causing reinfection.

Can you touch a dog with mange?

It is generally safe to touch a dog with mange, but it is important to take precautions to prevent it from spreading any further.

While some mites from dogs can transfer to human skin, they cannot thrive in it to actually cause mange.

“While the mites can also be transmitted to humans through direct contact, the mites are not able to reproduce on humans and do not set up a true infection. However, transmitted mites will still bite people and can cause skin irritation,” Dr. Arndt said.

Also, you can still potentially spread it to your home or other pets if you don't take careful steps in dealing with it.

Here are the steps you should take when dealing with dog mange:

• Always wear gloves
• Wash your hands with soap and warm water after handling a dog with mange
• Change your clothes every after contact
• Avoid touching or going near other animals as much as possible

These may sound extreme to some, but remember that it's always better to be safe than sorry!

How long does it take for mange to heal?

The healing time for mange can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of the treatment.

Generally, it can take about 4 weeks to heal and a couple more for their fur to grow back.

Does Vaseline cure mange?

No, Vaseline is not a cure for mange.

While Vaseline may help to soothe the skin and reduce itching, it will not kill the mites or cure the underlying condition.

Is mange lethal for dogs?

While mange is a treatable condition, it can be serious and even life-threatening in some cases.

If left untreated, it can cause significant skin damage, secondary infections, and other health complications that can be fatal.

Also, some dogs may have an underlying health condition that makes them more susceptible to developing severe mange or experiencing complications from the condition.

These dogs may be at a higher risk of developing life-threatening complications from this skin disease.

Dog Mange Home Remedies: Before You Go…

Do not forego having a chat with your vet when you suspect that your dog has mange.

Yes, it is perfectly manageable at home with the help of dog mange home remedies, but an expert's advice should always outweigh whatever you read online.

I hope my go-to remedies for mange help you and your Fido!

If you want to learn more about dog skin conditions, take a look at our recommended articles below!

Related Articles:

• 9 Common Dog Skin Problems (How to Prevent and Treat Them)
• Found Crusty Scabs on Dog's Back? Here’s Why and What to Do
• 25 Dog Health Symptoms That You Must Address Right Away

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