While mutts might get the brunt of the mange stereotypes, any mammal can be affected by the mange mite, an arthropod that burrows in the tissue of animals causing a variety of uncomfortable, unattractive skin issues. The mites move into the hair follicles all over the body, and, in addition to sparking hair loss and skin lesions, animals can end up with genetic disorders and immune system problems.
Despite the invasive nature of the mites, there are many ways to get rid of the pests and give your pets some relief. Try some of these top natural remedies for mange to see fast-acting and long-lasting results.
Identifying Mange
These tiny, mighty mites are extremely small — you won’t be able to see them with just your eye, but you will be able to see the noticeable changes in your pet’s skin and fur. While you’ll most likely be dealing with mange mites in your dog or cat, animals including the black bear, cottontail rabbit, coyote, raccoon, red fox, porcupine, and gray wolf have all been spotted with varying types and degrees of mange reactions.
The signs can be quite drastic:
- Hair thinning or loss
- Skin wrinkling or thickening
- Scabs and crusty skin patches
- Foul-smelling skin patches
- Weak and emaciated appearance
While the signs will typically be different in different species, it’s important to note that some mites stick with one species, while others can spread from wild to domestic animals and even humans. For example, the sarcoptic mange mite can affect humans, so if you’re concerned, wear rubber gloves, protective clothing, and wash your hands thoroughly.
If you suspect your dog or cat may have mange, pulling in some of these natural remedies can help clear up the infection and affected areas.
Natural Remedies for Mange
Head to the Vet
Most veterinarians will do a thorough exam to determine if your pet does, indeed, have mange. The exam could include blood tests, skin scrapings from the sores, patches, or crusted-over areas, and swab samples that might push the mites from the hair follicles to where a sterile scalpel blade can get the mite onto a glass slide for examination.
Some veterinarians might also take a stool sample and in extreme cases, the vet might also give your pet local sedation for a skin biopsy. In mild cases, most vets will opt for no or very little treatment, since the inflammation should clear up on its own. In fact, about 90 percent of cases will clear up on their own, disappearing spontaneously. If the mange is more seriously affecting your four-legged friend, the vet might prescribe a more rigorous treatment plan to help clear up the mites and bring your pet healing.
Focus on Good Hygiene
One of the keys to keeping the mange mites away is proper pet hygiene. Animals might be infected without showing signs, so it’s important to be vigilant when taking your pups to the park or when they are outside, or if you have more than pet that might be infected. This can even come from the tools used in pet salons, and can be passed from mother to puppy or even be a hereditary condition.
To help, make sure to give your dog regular baths with soap and water and grooming, focusing on cleaning fur at the follicle and root and being thorough and consistent in bathing your pet.
Check out the Kitchen
Honey, especially raw honey, can be one of the best natural treatments for mange mites. The beneficial properties of honey, including the antioxidants and antiseptics, can make a significant difference in your pet’s condition. Not only will it it help to clean your pet’s skin from the mange mites, but it will create a balanced environment that will make it difficult for mange mites to keep leaving. Rubbing honey into the affected areas will also help reverse the coloration and textural changes.
Yogurt is another safe and effective way to treat mange in your pet. Use pure yogurt, rubbing two tablespoons of the antioxidant, probiotic-rich ingredient into the ears of your pet to help prevent the crusting and discharge that can accompany mange.
Effective Essential Oils
Lavender, which has many healing, soothing and antiseptic properties, is an idea essential oil to treat mange in your pet (buy it here) . Mix it with natural Vitamin E and tea tree oil, another fantastic antiseptic, in a base of olive oil, rubbing the mixture into the affected areas.
Do a Diet Overhaul
Many pet owners have found that feeding their pets a grain-free, raw-food diet with ingredients that boost the Vitamin E have helped to treat cases of mange. This can include salmon oil along with Vitamin E, organic, grass-fed meats, and high-quality, fresh foods.I hope you liked the list!
If you know someone with a pet suffering from mange, please share this article with them, and tell us your favorite natural remedies to treat mange in the comments.