Sarcoptic mange in dogs is caused by external parasites called mites; it has symptoms that include hair loss and severe itching. If mange is the diagnosis for your dog, you can cure him at home with some common household items and monitoring over the course of a few weeks. By using an appropriate dosage of this topical remedy based on your dog's size and sensitivity, you'll start to see results and your canine friend will begin to feel relief in relatively little time.
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Diagnosis
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The mange symptoms of itching and hair loss can be caused by allergies or fleas as well, so be certain before beginning treatment that your dog is suffering from mange. The best diagnosis comes from a veterinarian, but if getting your dog to the vet is not possible, inspect the affected areas yourself. Mange is usually visible in areas with less hair, such as the belly, chest and elbows. Inspect your dog for red bumps and red spots that appear to be almost bleeding.
Homemade Solution
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The homemade mange remedy consists of a solution in which to bathe your dog and a paste to apply after the bath. The ingredients are warm water, borax (as in laundry detergent; do not use boric acid) and hydrogen peroxide. Put on gloves to protect your hands while making the solution. In a large bucket, combine warm water and borax; you'll need to make enough of the solution to cover your dog's entire body. Dump borax into the water until it won't dissolve quickly anymore, at which point you'll stir the solution and add 3 to 4 ounces of peroxide. Wash the dog's body thoroughly in the solution without adding water or rinsing out his coat.
The paste is a mixture of the same ingredients. Stir 1 cup borax with 2 Tbsp. water, then add 1 ounce of peroxide. Rub the paste all over the dog. Do not rinse the mixture out of his coat. Let him dry completely, preferably outdoors, to avoid a hard-to-clean mess. Rub petroleum jelly on the affected areas to smother the mange mites. Crate the dog for the night to keep your furniture and carpet from getting oily.
Evaluating Progess
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Monitor healing in your dog. Watch for a reduction in redness within 24 hours and monitor hair regrowth in areas that were previously bald. Hair should grow back over a few weeks. Repeat the treatment within the first week to make sure that the mites are completely eradicated, especially if you don't see results within 48 hours. Return to the vet after the second treatment if the solution is not effective, as this likely means that the mange diagnosis was not correct. However, if your dog is itching a lot or in any pain, take her to the vet right away.
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