When it comes to cats and dogs, there is a distinct difference between a ratty, scruffy coat and one that is plagued by mange. The latter is caused by miniscule mites and cannot be cured with a simple bubble bath. Animals with mange need immediate attention because the condition is life threatening when left untreated. If your pet’s coat is looking uncharacteristically shabby, you may want to become familiar with the symptoms and home remedies for mange.

What is Mange?

An infestation of parasites on the skin of Fido or Fifi is to blame for the condition of mange. A tiny parasite called a mite is responsible for literally feasting upon your pet, as the term comes from the word mangier, which translates into ‘to eat.’ Most commonly found in dogs and other canine species, mange can also occur in other domestic and wild animals, like cats [1].

When it comes to annoying pet pests, mites are sometimes compared to fleas. However, they are much different. A flea resides on the outer surface of your pet’s skin, where they bite and drink the blood of their victims. Mange mites actually dig into the skin and live beneath the surface, where they drink blood and in the process – cause nasty allergic reactions.

Mange comes in different forms with Demodectic mange (red mange) the most common condition seen in dogs and Notoedric mange most often attacking cats.

Symptoms of Mange

With excessive scratching, weight loss, dehydration, and a decreased desire to eat, animals also show the symptoms of mange on their face, ears, head, and neck. Brown marks appear on or around the nose. The ears sometimes become crusty with signs of discharge. Crusty patches emerge on the head and neck. The fur becomes thin in such a way that you can see the pink of their skin [2]. The animal’s coat often shows the signs of severe hair loss, often with small patches of baldness.

Mange Home Remedies

It’s important to know that most healthy dogs already have a small community of Demodex mites residing in their coat. However, if the mite population gets out of control, this is when the real trouble begins. In some cases, an allergic reaction can be found in only one part of the body, or the response gradually spreads across the rest of his or her coat. To prevent the spread of mange or treat a mangy pet, consider the following home remedies:

a) Hydrogen Peroxide and Borax:

One of the best home remedies for treating mange in dogs is to create a 1% hydrogen peroxide solution with water and Borax. Make sure that the mixture thoroughly dissolves. Once a week, wash your dog in a solution comprised of 1 to 2 tablespoons of borax for every 500 cc of 1% hydrogen peroxide. Refrain from wiping the dog dry. Simply allow the treatment to take effect. Do not exceed a treatment period of two months.

b) Brush Out the Fur:

Treat a mangy coat by brushing out the fur on a regular basis, which helps remove scaly skin and scabs.

c) Yogurt:

Choose a plain yogurt that contains acidophilus to heal the inside of ears that has been plagued with mange. Two tablespoons should do the trick.

d) Apple Cider Vinegar:

Add one tablespoon of unpasteurized apple cider vinegar to your pet’s meal to treat mange symptoms.

e) Cooking Oil:

Apply a couple drops of cooking oil directly to mangy skin patches to combat the irritation caused by mites. Cooking oil can also soften the waxy deposits that appear on the surface of your dog’s skin, which have been left behind by mites. The oil will also kill mites at the same time.

f) Lemon:

Slice one lemon with the peel still left on. Boil water in the same manner as you would if you were preparing a cup of tea. Drop the lemon slices into the water and allow to steep overnight. In the morning, apply the mixture to your pet’s coat using a sponge.

g) Soapy Water:

Apply a couple of drops of warm water with soap to eliminate mites found on the skin of your dog. This approach can also help stop the spread of mange to other body parts.

h) Routine Bathing:

Heal scaly skin and scabs by giving your pet a regular bath.

i) Treat Bedding:

If your pet is under attack by mange mites, it is important to thoroughly wash his or her bedding, and treat other places where they sleep.

j) Honey:

Apply local (and not store-brand) honey to reddened skin.

Resources

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mange
[2] http://mangecure.info/Mange/mansym_MangeSymptoms.html