Mange is a disfiguring, uncomfortable disorder that can strike any warm-blooded animal. As the product of parasites, mange is usually treated with vet-prescribed chemical dips. For dog owners who prefer non-toxic, less expensive options, several home remedies are available.
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Mange
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Mange occurs when a dog becomes infested with microscopic mites. These mites live on a dog's skin, digging in and sucking the dog's blood. They reproduce quickly and are highly contagious. Owners should isolate dogs with mange during infection and treatment, to prevent mites from infecting other animals in the household. It's also important to wash any bedding, as mites can live in blankets and beds indefinitely.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of a mite infestation and the ensuing case of mange become obvious very quickly. A dog's face, ears and chest are generally affected first, and take on a patchy, moth-eaten appearance. Dogs become very uncomfortable and dig at their skin constantly. The infection leads to hair loss and flaky, scabby skin. Mange spreads quickly across a dog's body if it's not treated.
Homemade Medicated Washes
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Instead of taking their dog to the vet and paying for toxic miticides, you may choose to mix your own medicated wash. One very effective wash is warm water mixed with hydrogen peroxide and borax powder. Pour this mixture over the dog, particularly over the places that have heavy infestations, and allow it to dry on the dog's skin. The wash kills mites. Repeat weekly until symptoms disappear.
Household Products
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Some household products can double as cures for mange. Cooking oil relieves itching and kills mites when it's consistently spread over mange areas. Warm water mixed with dish soap has the same effect. Leave both products to dry on the dog's skin, with repeated applications until symptoms disappear.
Grooming and Diet
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Some of the most important preventions for mange are consistent bathing, grooming and good nutrition. Mites attack dogs that are undernourished or have compromised immune systems first. Feed dogs high-quality food and supplement with fresh meat, fruits and vegetables (carrots, lettuce, apples and grapes) to strengthen the dog's body against infestations.
Bathe and brush dogs regularly to keep their coats healthy and clean. Clean dogs are less likely to pick up parasites, and more likely to lose parasites quickly in the bath. Owners who bathe their dogs regularly also notice mite or flea infestations early, which leads to more effective treatments.
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