Homemade Dog Shampoo for Mites

Mites are tiny parasites that infest your dog's body and can be the cause of mange, dandruff and scabies. Canine mite infestation can be transmitted to other dogs, and some forms of mites can be transmitted to other pets and humans. Mites multiply and cause problems for your dog quickly, so immediate action should be taken if you suspect your dog has them. See your veterinarian for advice about treatment options that include medications, shampoos and rinses (see Reference 3).

  1. Skin-Soothing Oatmeal Bath

    • Give your dog a bath to clean his skin. It is likely that your dog's skin is irritated if he has a mite infestation, so give him an oatmeal bath to soothe and relieve skin irritation. Use a coffee grinder to grind 1 cup of plain instant oatmeal into powder. Once ground, add 1 cup of water to the oatmeal powder and stir. Fill a bathtub with enough water to cover half of your dog's body. Allow your dog to soak in this tub for 20 minutes as you work the oatmeal shampoo into his coat and skin. Rinse your dog thoroughly to remove any oatmeal left in his coat (see Resource 1).

    Mite-Eliminating Rinse

    • After cleansing and soothing the skin, eliminate the mites. Prepare a solution (before bath time) of 1 cup 1 percent hydrogen peroxide, 1 cup water, and 1/2 cup borax. Mix the ingredients until the borax dissolves completely. Rinse your dog using this solution, allowing the solution to dry. Wipe down surfaces your dog may come into contact with using a little of this solution, as well. The hydrogen peroxide and borax kill mite eggs, larvae, and mites themselves to aid in elimination of your dog's mite infestation (see Reference 2).

    Treating Ear Mites

    • Ear mites are also a common problem. Your dog's ears can be cleaned and cleared of mites easily, using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. Olive oil smothers the mites inside your dog's ears, killing them and making them easy to remove. Combine 1/2 oz. of olive oil with the contents of a vitamin E capsule in a medicine dropper, then warm the ingredients to body temperature (this can be done by placing the dropper in a glass of hot water). Once warmed (not hot), apply the oil to your dog's ears, massage into the ears, then wipe clean using cotton balls or a soft cloth. Do this two to three times weekly until the mites have gone (see Reference 1).