Demodectic mange is an itchy skin disease in dogs caused by an infestation of Demodex mites. The mites are often passed from a mother with no symptoms, to her newborn pups. It can also be transmitted between unrelated dogs living in close quarters. There are several forms of the disease, but treatment is the same for all of them: kill the mites and their eggs. Pharmaceutical treatment typically involves expensive, toxic and possibly painful dips, oral medications and antibiotics. However, there is an alternative home remedy which many pet owners have found effective.
Things You'll Need
- 1 bottle hypoallergenic baby shampoo or tea tree oil shampoo
- 1 16-oz. bottle 1% hydrogen peroxide
- 2 cups Borax Detergent (available in the laundry aisle)
- Clean bucket
- Clean, warm water
- Vitamins A, C and E drops
Instructions
Bathe your dog with baby shampoo or tea tree oil shampoo. Rinse and dry gently but thoroughly.
Mix hydrogen peroxide into a bucket of warm water. Add at least 2 cups of Borax--enough so that the Borax no longer dissolves.
Gently sponge the mixture over the affected areas. Do not rinse or wipe off. Let the mixture dry and remain on your dog. Wash your dog's bedding with Borax to kill any eggs that could cause reinfection.
Change your dog's diet to a home-cooked or raw diet of organic meat and ground-up bones. Eliminate all grains as Demodex mites feed on yeast and carbohydrates. Add a few drops of Vitamins A, C and E to your dog's food to boost its immune system. You can also add chelated zinc, selenium and fish oil for the same purpose.
Repeat the Borax and peroxide treatment weekly until symptoms clear up. You should begin to see healing within a day or two; however, with severe cases you may have to continue the treatment for a couple of months.