After fleas and ticks, mange is the most common problem found in dogs. It causes problems such as extreme itchy skin which can lead to open wounds, skin infection, and skin disease. There are natural remedies for dogs at home to treat mange.
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What is mange?
Mange is a skin condition caused by mites living on the skin. Naturally, dogs have mites living in the skin. The problem happens when these mites begin to multiply and spread. When mites are a lot, the dog’s body loses its natural defense against them.
Younger or senior dogs or those with a weakened immune system are more prone to getting mites.
Types of mange in dogs
Sarcoptic mange
The itchiest type of mange caused by the Sarcoptes scabei mite. Sarcoptic mites dig into the skin of the dog to lay their eggs. The eggs then hatch and repeat the cycle every three weeks.
The digging into the skin causes intense itching and inflammation. It can also lead to hair loss and irritable skin due to itching.
Demodectic Mange
Also known as red mange or puppy mange. It is a less aggressive type of mange and is caused by the Demodex Canis species of mite.
This skin condition is often seen in younger puppies. The mites are transferred to the puppies after birth from contact with their mother’s skin. Due to their weakened immune system or when the number of mites is high, the skin disease happens.
Puppies having demodectic mange will experience reddened skin, itching, and hair loss.
It is important to know that mange doesn’t depend on the cleanliness of the house. Your puppy can develop this type of mange regardless of how clean your house is.
Cheyletiellosis Mange
This is the rarest type of mange found in dogs. Thus, It is caused by the C. yasguri mite which moves beneath the layer of skin pushing up pieces of skin along the way.
The mites look like yellow flake dandruff and the mange is referred to as ” walking dandruff mange”.
Signs of this type of mange are a messy coat, red bumps, and hair loss.
Causes of dog mange
The main cause for this type of mange is the direct dog contact. When dogs play with each other, the mites from the affected dog are transferred to other dogs especially
Sarcoptes mites and cheyletiella which are extremely contagious.
Another cause is indirect contact between dogs. This happens through the sharing of dog’s brushes, bedding, and toys between dogs.
Symptoms of mange in dogs
There are many symptoms of mange in dogs. They are:
- Extreme itchiness
- Hair loss
- Redness and rash
- Thick yellow crusts
- Bacteria and yeast infection
- Scaling of skin
- Open sores
- Bleeding
5 Natural remedies for dogs at home
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera contains compounds that fights parasites and prevents their growth. It also helps soothe your dog’s irritable skin.
To use this one of the natural remedies for dogs at home, you will need Aloe Vera either in plant form or liquid form.
Procedure
1.) Apply directly the Aloe Vera into the affected skin areas.
2.) Gently rub the Aloe Vera in your dog’s skin and leave it for a while for absorption.
3.) Repeat twice a day until the mange has healed.
2.) Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a powerful home remedy for fighting mange. By allowing your dog to ingest apple cider vinegar, you fight off mange from the inside out.
Procedure
1.) Apply a few teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to your dog’s meal once per day.
For dogs under 30 pounds, add only one teaspoon. As for dogs over 30 pounds, add one tablespoon.
2.) Repeat each day until the mange is gone.
Or
You can apply an apple cider vinegar bath to your dog.
Procedure
1.) Mix 1/2 a cup of apple cider vinegar with 1/2 a cup of borax and warm water. Make sure the borax is dissolved before applying. Also, make sure your dog doesn’t lick out the mixture. You can do so by using a cone collar.
2.) Apply the mixture to your dog’s coat while avoiding the eyes and mouth.
3.) Let the solution dry out and don’t use a towel.
3.) Honey
Applying honey into your dog’s skin will fight off mange and soothe irritable parts of the skin. It will kill of any mange larvae and heal the skin. Honey will also clean the skin out of bacteria and dirt coming from the mites.
Procedure
1.) Apply directly honey into the affected areas and rub gently.
2.) Leave on your dogs for about 10 to 15 minutes before wiping it away.
3.) Repeat the procedure twice per day until the mange is gone.
4.) Olive oil
Olive oil is one of the effective natural remedies for dogs at home. When applied on dog’s skin, it will kill off adult mites, larvae, and eggs. It also relieves any inflammation caused by the mange.
Procedure
1.) Apply directly olive oil into the affected areas .
2.) Leave on your dogs for about 10 to 15 minutes before wiping it away.
3.) Repeat the procedure twice per day until the mange is gone.
5.) Hydrogen peroxide and Borax
This home remedy is one of the most effective natural remedies for dogs at home. It is very effective in treating mange and healing your dog’s skin. However, make sure your dog doesn’t lick the mixture as they can become sick.
Thus, it is best to use a muzzle to prevent your dog from licking the mixture.
Ingredients
1.) 1 tablespoon of Hydrogen peroxide
2.) 1 tablespoon of Borax
3.) 1 cup of water
4.) A muzzle
Procedure
1.) Combine the hydrogen peroxide, borax, and water together and mix.
2.) Place the muzzle on your dog.
3.) Directly apply the mixture into your dog’s affected skin area and wait for 10 minutes until it dries.
4.) When the mixture has dried out, allow it to stay on your dog for half an hour.
5.) Give your dog a bath to get rid of any dead mange and soothe their skin. Also so your dog doesn’t lick the solution.
6.) Remove the muzzle
7.) Repeat once a week until mange is gone
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dog mange is a serious problem. Mites are responsible for mange. Mange causes serious problems such as hair loss, sores, and bleeding. Therefore, there are various home remedies for dogs at home to treat mange.
