The Best Hair Solution to Kill Demodectic Mites

Microscopic mites that naturally reside in the hair follicles of healthy dogs -- and in eyebrow and nose hairs in humans -- cause demodectic mange in some young dogs and in rare instances cats. The mange is mild in most cases, starting with tiny bald spot near the eyes or the chin that usually resolves without treatment. But if the mites spread beyond the head, broad hair loss, skin irritation and staph infection characterized by pus-filled pimples commonly occur near the feet.

  1. Weak Immunity

    • Mites are opportunists. The ability of the mite to spread over the dog's entire body doesn't indicate a super-mite; its proliferation depends on a weakened immune system that isn't strong enough to keep the bug in check. Strengthening the immune system internally is the first priority in treatment; topical solutions are secondary in the line of defense.

    Conventional Treatment

    • The standard treatment for mange employs a toxic insecticidal cocktail that is "harsh, poisonous and generally futile," Veterinarian Richard H. Pitcairn wrote in his book, "Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats." After the dog is clipped down to the skin, veterinary technicians "paint" insecticides over the dog or submerge them in the chemicals. Often only one body part can be done at a time because the topical solution is extremely toxic.

      "Unfortunately, anti-toxic nutrition or vitamin supplements are seldom recommended, so the dog's underlying health goes from bad to worse," Pitcairn said.

    Lemon Juice

    • In most cases of demodectic mange, the problem resolves itself without treatment. In many cases, dietary supplements and natural topical applications work well to kill mites. Apply fresh lemon juice to bald spots daily, Pitcairn said. A lemon rinse works better for larger affected areas. Herbalist Juliette de Bairacli-Levy recommends thinly slicing a whole lemon and adding it to 1 pint of near-boiling water. Allow the mix to steep overnight. Dab the room-temperature solution over the entire dog using a sponge and let it air dry.

    Lavender Oil

    • When mange is complicated by staph infection, dilute essential oil of lavender with almond oil in a 1-to-10 ratio. If you don't want to mix your own hair solution, purchase a pre-made formula with lavender oil. Sponge or "paint" the solution on the dog daily until hair begins to grow back. Don't use essential oils on cats.