DEMODECTIC MANGE IN DOGS, HOME REMEDIES & SYMPTOMS

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Last Updated on December 13, 2023 by Thee Puppypreneur

Table Of Contents

WHAT IS DEMODECTIC MANGE

Demodectic mange in dogs is caused by Demodex a mite. The demodex mites in dogs is known as Demodex canis. This mite lives in the hair follicles and the sebaceous glands of your furbaby normally and there are other species of demodex that live in humans in their eyelashes and hair follicles as well.¹ However, there are instances where this mite can multiply at an uncontrollable rate and cause problems for your furbaby.

Mites are passed to puppies from their mothers from the first day of life and since their immune system is still developing this can make them even more susceptible to demodicosis.²

If your dog’s immune system is compromised or suppressed due to things like Cushing’s, Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, tumors or even chemotherapy this could be an underlying reason why your dog has demodectic mange or demodicosis.³ ⁴

WHAT ARE DEMODEX DOG SYMPTOMS

HOW IS DEMODECTIC MANGE DIAGNOSED IN DOGS

Your vet will more than likely want to;

Other methods of testing might be used as well as skin scrapings are not always reliable and may need to be repeated.⁸

WHAT IS THE DEMODEX TREATMENT FOR DOGS

There are several different options your vet can prescribe for demodex mites in dogs and some of the most notable are Amitraz brand name Mitaban® which is a topical. In one study applied daily only cured 73% of dogs.⁹ It should also be noted that Amitraz has been shown to cause liver tumors in mice.¹⁰

Milbemycin oxime or brand name Interceptor® is an oral medication¹¹ 85% of dogs were cured after up to 6 months of treatment.¹² Your furbaby will need to be tested for heartworm prior to treatment.¹³

If there is a secondary skin infection or any other underlying factors then other medication will be prescribed as well.

HOME REMEDIES FOR DEMODECTIC MANGE

I use this shampoo to open up the hair follicles, to make the medicated shampoo solutions easier to penetrate and reach the mites. I didn’t just use this for mange either, as this is also good for certain other skin conditions.

Pet Shampoos : Amazon.com: Dav i s Sulfur Benz Shampoo for Pets, 12 oz

I then used the product listed below,

Amazon.com : Bundle – 2 Items: Classic’s Lime Sulfur Shampoo (8 oz) and Classic’s Lime Sulfur Spray (8 oz) : Pet Supplies

when my dog had sarcoptic mange BUT it can be used in both demodectic and sarcoptic mange instances.¹⁴

This shampoo is a yellowish color, scented with lavendar, although you will not really be able to tell at all because it just smells like rotten eggs and it will probably stain your furbaby if they are lightly colored, stain your tub and possibly tarnish your jewelry as well.

So, I wore gloves and made sure the area was well ventilated as the smell is strong. I kept a cone on the whole treatment for months as it can be toxic if ingested.

We switched between these two cones as this one is for the day and sturdier but allows light to come through the sides of the cone

Amazon.com : Supet Dog Cone Adjustable Pet Cone Pet Recovery Collar Comfy Pet Cone Collar Protective Collar for After Surgery Anti-Bite Lick Wound Healing Safety Practical Plastic E-Collar : Pet Supplies

and then at night I use a softer cone like this one;

Amazon.com : Soft Dog Cone After Surgery,Pet Recovery Cones for Small Medium Large Dogs Cats Adjustable Cone Collar Help Dog Wound Healing(XL) : Pet Supplies

and I have found that those trendy donut looking cones don’t actually stop all dogs from licking their paws.

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR DEMODEX MITES IN DOGS

If you suspect the ears though, then there is this solution, I love for ear mites that is made up of essential oils called

Amazon.com : Arava Natural Ear Mite Treatment – for Dogs & Cats – Pet Ear Mites Infection Cleaner – Treat Inaccessible Areas & Prevent Infections – NOT for Cats Under 13 LBS & Puppies Under 9 Months : Pet Supplies

and contains peppermint, cinnamon, thyme, lemongrass, clove, cedarwood and geranium and you apply it for 10 days according to the direction. As with any of these topicals you will want to discuss with your veterinarian first as herbs, medical conditions or other medications could interfere with each other.

There is this product as well that contains lots of herbal essential oils

Pet Shampoos : Amazon.com: RenuPlex Medicated Dog Mange Shampoo. Extra Strength Mange Shampoo for Dogs Eliminates Mange, Scabies & Severe Skin Problems. All Natural Dog Shampoo. Unconditional Guarantee. Made in USA…

this contains essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, tea tree, aloe vera juice, colloidal oatmeal and other natural ingredients and treat both mange and scabies which are the 2 different types of mites.

Make sure you consult your veterinarian to discuss which option is best suited for you and your pup. Herbs can interfere with other medications, herbs or medical conditions.

Check out our other article on the other types of mange in dogs and learn the difference between sarcoptic mange and demodectic mange, below.

SARCOPTIC MANGE IN DOGS BEWARE ITS CONTAGIOUS TO YOU TOO

AND

EAR INFECTIONS IN DOGS. THE DANGERS, SYMPTOMS, AND TREATMENT OPTIONS