Borax is an unimposing compound which has historically been used to freshen diaper pails and get the wash to come out a bit cleaner; the odorless powder dissolves rapidly, softening the water and helping to remove stains and odors.
In recent years, innovative and inspired citizens have found a myriad of uses for this washing powder, one of which is as a treatment for mange. Mange is a skin disorder which is caused by an excessive growth in a resident population of mites. Normally, mites live in a dog's hair follicles without incident, but when the balance of system is upset and the population undergoes rapid expansion, the result can be serious skin problems for the host. Many mange treatments are unsuccessful and expensive. Not so with the borax treatment.
While it may take several applications to be fully effective the price is low. There are no scientific studies to support the claims of success, but there is an abundance of anecdotal evidence which suggests it may be just as effective as more expensive, veterinarian administered methods.
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Treatment
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The borax mange treatment is made by filling a five-gallon bucket with warm water and then adding borax laundry booster until full saturation is achieved. This means when borax is added to the water, rather than dissolving, it sinks to the bottom of the bucket. A 200 milliliter bottle of three percent hydrogen peroxide is then added to the solution. Additionally, a thick paste is made in a separate bowl by combining borax powder and hydrogen in a small bowl and stirring with a fork until smooth.
Application
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Once the dog has been given a bath with a medicated shampoo, thoroughly rinsed and towel dried, the borax solution is applied with a large sponge. All parts of the dog must be well doused in the solution, particularly the areas between the toes and in any skin folds. Once the dog has been soaked in borax solution several times, the paste is rubbed into the fur. The chemicals are not rinsed or dried off, and borax treated fur is allowed to dry naturally.
Prevention
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The same saturated borax solution is then used to clean the floors of the home. Additionally, any dog toys or bedding are then washed in hot water using strong laundry detergent and borax laundry booster and then dried in an electric dryer to prevent re-infestation by the mites.
Effects
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The borax in the solution is toxic to the living mites. The hydrogen peroxide causes pores of the skin to open up allowing the borax to penetrate the skin, destroying any eggs which have been laid beneath the dermis. To complete rid the dog of mange, the treatment may need to be applied once a week for a period of up to two months, as a number of eggs will be buried too far beneath the surface to be affected by the medication. Under these circumstances, you will have no choice but to wait for them to hatch and kill them as adults.
Warning
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It is important that consumers do not confuse borax with boric acid. While borax is relatively harmless to use on pets, boric acid is toxic. One cannot be safely used in place of the other. Also, when using any type of mange treatment it is best to be prepared for recurrences as certain breeds of dogs are genetically predispositioned to developing mange. Borax treatment can be fully successful, but it will take time.
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