Can You Treat Dog Mange With Home Remedies?

Mange is a skin condition caused by mites in dogs. The two main types of mange affecting dogs are demodectic mange and sarcoptic mange. Demodectic mites live naturally on dogs and only become a problem if their 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.

A dog experiencing mange may exhibit multiple symptoms, including severe itching, hair loss, and crusty skin, per PetMD. The discomfort of these problems could produce additional issues, such as weight loss, lethargy, and even depression. While it's understandable to want to provide your beloved canine with relief, mange requires veterinary attention and cannot be treated with homes remedies such as lemon juice or aloe vera.

DIY approaches will not resolve the problem and may cause more harm than good, especially since attempting to manage mange yourself could expose you to scabies. Mange requires careful monitoring by a professional and a custom treatment plan designed to address your dog's particular situation.

If a veterinarian suspects that a dog has mange, they will collect a skin scraping to get a better idea of what they might be dealing with. The presence of an abnormal amount of Demodex mites may lead to a demodectic mange diagnosis. In contrast, due to their habit of burrowing deep into the skin, sarcoptic mites not be visible in this sample. If an excess of Demodex mites isn't present, the vet may settle on a presumptive sarcoptic mange diagnosis based on clinical symptoms.

Depending on the type of mange detected and the severity of the condition, your veterinarian could prescribe topical, oral, or injectable medications. Dips, such as lime-sulfur, are also a possibility, though this approach has fallen out of favor due to the potential side effects and discovery of more effective treatments. Additionally, in the case of sarcoptic mange, you might need to treat any other dogs in your household and replace their bedding to stop reinfection. Your veterinarian will advise you on the best strategies for treating your canine's mange.