Dog Mange Home Remedy

Using a dog mange home remedy cure is probably the best solution to getting rid of these pesky mites for good.  Why? Because many dogs that suffer from severe mange are actually suffering from a poorly functioning immune system.

Dog mange home remedy treatment plans that are proven to work in getting rid of mange in dogs.

Most conventional methods of treating mange rely on harsh chemicals and even steroids which hinder the immune system further. If a dog's immune system is working properly then it should be able to fight off the mange mites itself. 

A holistic or homeopathic approach uses natural ingredients that won't harm the immune system and, in fact, focuses on strengthening it.  

For more information on the two different types of mange (demodectic mange and Sarcoptic mange) and symptoms to look out for read my page on Dog Mange.

For the best chance of success with using either holistic or homeopathic methods, I always suggest consulting with a qualified holistic or homeopathic veterinarian first. 

5 Natural Home Remedies to Treat Dog Mange

1)  Homeopathic Remedy -
Sulfur & Purple Coneflower (Echinacea Angustifolia)

Sulfur

This remedy treats both demodectic and sarcoptic mange and is primarily based on using Sulfur.  By the way, Sulfur and Sulphur are the same. Sulfur is the American spelling whereas Sulphur is the English spelling!

Start with using Sulfur 6C twice a day (every 12 hours). Ensure you only get 6C.  Don't get 30C or any other concentration.

Continue use for 1 week to 10 days. If you notice an obvious improvement after one week, start giving the sulfur less frequently i.e. once a day, then every other day until symptoms have cleared. 

If after 10 days on the full program you don't see a noticeable improvement, then you may need to switch to another option. Advice from a qualified holistic veterinarian is best in this case.

If your dog is also suffering from bacteria skin infections then use Purple Coneflower in addition to Sulfur.  Sarcoptic mange responds best to this combination (Sulfur + Purple Cone Flower.

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea Angustifolia)

When buying  Purple Coneflower (echinacea angustifolia), check ingredients to ensure they DON'T contain any form of xylitol or other ingredients toxic to dogs.

Purple Coneflower can be used as both an internal and topical treatment at the same time. If you're also using Sulfur, ensure you give the Sulphur about 10 minutes before the echinacea dose.  

Purple Coneflower - Internal use

Capsule dose: 3 times a day for 7 days or until symptoms are gone. Do not give for more than 7 days. If symptoms persist beyond 7 days speak to a homeopathic vet.

  • Small dogs (less than 30lbs) : Half of a capsule - 3 times a day
  • Medium dogs (30 - 60lbs): One capsule - 3 times a day
  • Large dogs: (over 60lbs)  Two capsules - 3 times a day

Sulfur 6C

Purple Coneflower 

Purple Coneflower - External use

For external application, use dried purple coneflower (echinacea angustifolia) herb to make an infusions and hot compress.  

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pure water (filtered or distilled)
  • 1 rounded teaspoon dried purple coneflower (echinacea angustifolia) herb (if using fresh herb use 1 tablespoon)

Method:

  • Bring water to a boil and pour over dried herb
  • Cover and steep for 15 mins
  • Strain through cheesecloth or sieve to extract the liquid
  • Leave to cool slightly but still hot enough to work but not burn or cause discomfort
  • Test it on yourself, if you can withstand it then your dog can too

To use:

  1. Immerse a washcloth or small hand towel in the solution to make a hot compress.
  2. Wring it out and apply to affected area on your dog.
  3. Cover with a dry towel to keep heat in.
  4. Leave for 5 minutes then remove.
  5. Refresh the compress by re-dipping in the solution and repeating steps 1-4.
  6. Repeat 3 times for a total of 15 minutes.

Use this compress twice a day for up to to two weeks.

2) Ayurvedic Herbs

This method from Tejinsed Sodhi DVM is based on a three-part Ayurvedic herbal remedy using neem oil, ashwaganda and triphala.  Dr Sodhi reports great results with this method eliminating the mange within three to six weeks.

Neem is used for its antiparasitic properties, ashwaganda counteracts stress and enhances the immune system and triphala is the Indian herbal formula to cleanse the intestinal tract.

Part 1 - Neem Oil

To use neem oil effectively, dilute 10 - 15 drops of oil in warm water. If your dog is chewing its paws due to mange, soak paws twice a day for 5-10 minutes in the diluted neem oil.  Afterward, gently rub oil into affected skin.

For mange on other parts of the body (avoid eye area) wash area with warm water using a wash cloth then gently rub oil into the skin morning and evening.

Part 2 - Ashwaganda

Liquid Form

Capsules 500mg

Capsules 1000mg

Dosage: 

  • Dogs under 20lbs: 10 drops of liquid ashwaganda twice daily for each 10lbs of body weight
  • Dogs 20 - 30lbs: one 500mg capsule twice daily
  • Dogs 30 - 60lbs:  one 500mg capsule three times daily
  • Dogs over 60lbs: one 1000mg capsule twice a day

Give after feeding.

Part 3 - Triphala

Dr. Sodhi recommends using Triphala from Ayush Herbs, therefore the dosage below is based on this herb.

For triphala supplement from Ayush Herbs

  • Dogs up to 30lbs: 1/2 to 1 tablet twice daily
  • Dogs 30 - 60lbs: 1 tablet twice daily
  • Dogs Over 60lbs: 1.5 tablets twice daily

For store-bought triphala available in powder or capsules, Dr Sodhi recommends calculating dosage according to dog's size compared to a humans (good luck with that!).

3) Dog Mange Home Remedy Supplements

The below supplements are reported as being beneficial for treating mange.

  • Zinc - Either add ground pumpkin seeds or 1 chelated zinc tablet 10-30mg
  • Vitamin C (250 - 1,000mg) of ascorbate twice a day
  • Vitamin E - twice a day. (Small and medium sized dogs 800IU.  Larger dogs up to 1600IU)
  • Colloidal silver drops
  • Aloe vera (applied directly to the sores)
  • Pure Lavender oil diluted 1:10 with almond oil (painted on affected areas) or already prepared formula that contains oil of lavender. Use once a day.
  • Kelp - Sea Meal 

4) Lemon Skin Tonic

Sliced lemon

A simple solution to make the skin irritations easier is to rub fresh lemon juice on the affected areas every day.  Use this natural skin tonic daily:

Lemon Skin Tonic Recipe:

  • Slice 1 whole lemon (thin)
  • Add lemon slices to 1 pint of near boiling water
  • Let steep overnight
  • Next day - sponge the solution over your dog's skin
  • Allow to dry

This also works as a natural parasite repellent.

5) Switch to a Human-Grade Diet

Switching your dog to a human-grade diet that is based on whole-foods is recommended for restoring the immune system.  

Many dog foods are unfit for human consumption given the higher levels of toxins. By making dietary changes to your dog's food may result in the dog's own immune system being able to help fight the effects of mange dramatically. 

Consult with a holistic or homeopathic veterinarian or board-certified dietician before making any changes to your dog's diet.