What is Mange?
Mange is a highly contagious skin disease caused by mites that burrow into a dog’s skin. There are two main types of mange mites that affect dogs:
- Sarcoptic mange – caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite
- Demodectic mange – caused by the Demodex canis mite
Both types of mange cause severe itching, redness, and hair loss in dogs. Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious and can spread rapidly between dogs through direct contact. Demodectic mange is not contagious but is often a sign of a compromised immune system in dogs.
Some common symptoms of mange in dogs include:
- Intense itching and skin irritation
- Redness and inflammation
- Hair loss, scaly skin, bald patches
- Thick crusty skin
- Skin lesions and scabs
If left untreated, mange can cause severe skin infections, discomfort, and hair loss in dogs. Some dogs may also become lethargic and depressed due to the incessant itching and discomfort caused by mange mites.
Can Coconut Oil Help Treat Mange?
Coconut oil has gained popularity in recent years as a natural treatment for skin conditions in humans and pets. Some pet owners have reported success using virgin coconut oil to treat mange and eliminate mites in dogs.
Coconut oil contains lauric acid which has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties. This may help soothe skin irritation, inflammation, and secondary skin infections caused by mange. The fatty acids in coconut oil may also help moisturize dry, irritated skin and reduce itchiness.
Some veterinarians cautious that more research is still needed to conclusively prove the effectiveness of coconut oil in treating mange. But many holistic vets recommend coconut oil as a safe supplemental treatment when used along with prescription medications to eliminate mange.
Some potential benefits of using coconut oil to treat mange include:
- Has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
- Helps moisturize and soothe dry, inflamed skin
- Safe for dogs to ingest or apply topically
- May help reduce itchiness and discomfort
- Natural alternative to harsh prescription mange treatments
- Improves skin and coat health
Always consult your vet before using coconut oil on dogs with mange, especially if they have open wounds or damaged skin. Introduce coconut oil slowly to check for any allergic reactions. And use it as a supplemental treatment, not a sole remedy for mange.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Mange
There are a couple of ways coconut oil can be used to treat mange in dogs when used along with prescription medications:
Topical Application – Apply virgin coconut oil directly onto affected areas of your dog’s skin. Focus on areas with hair loss, lesions, or irritated skin caused by mange mites. Gently massage the oil into your dog’s skin to moisturize the coat and soothe inflammation. Apply 2-3 times a day.
Oral Ingestion – Add a small amount of coconut oil to your dog’s food or treats. About 1 tsp per 10 lbs of body weight is a good dosage to start with. The fatty acids in coconut oil will get absorbed into your dog’s skin from inside out to improve coat health.
When using coconut oil topically or internally, always monitor your dog closely for any adverse reactions like digestive upset. Stop use if you notice any negative effects. Consult your vet on the safe dosage amounts based on your dog’s health condition.
Some tips when using coconut oil to treat mange:
– Use pure organic extra virgin coconut oil. Refined versions lack the beneficial fatty acids.
– Apply onto clean skin after bathing your dog. Warm a small amount in your hands to melt before massaging onto skin.
– Increase dosage slowly over a week to check for allergies. Start with 1/4 tsp per 10 lbs body weight.
– Apply over medicated shampoos to lock in moisture and improve efficacy.
– Oral ingestion provides benefits internally while topical application targets external symptoms.
– Monitor condition closely and use consistently along with vet recommended treatments.
– Discontinue use if you notice any irritation or worsening of symptoms.
Other Home Remedies for Mange
In addition to coconut oil, some other home remedies believed to help soothe mange symptoms in dogs include:
Apple Cider Vinegar – Contains acetic acid that may help kill mites and balance skin pH. Dilute with water and apply topically or add to food.
Oregon Grape Root – Has berberine which acts as a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Brew as a tea and use topically or internally.
Neem Oil – Extracted from the neem tree, it has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that may help treat mange. Dilute and apply onto affected skin.
Turmeric – Contains curcumin which has natural antiseptic qualities. Make a paste with water and apply onto skin lesions caused by mange.
Colloidal Oatmeal – Soothes irritated skin and reduces inflammation. Make a bath soak to help relieve itching.
Always check with your vet before using natural remedies. They may interact with prescription medications or cause adverse effects in some dogs. Use home treatments only as supplemental care, not as sole solutions.
Prescription Medications for Mange Treatment
While some natural remedies can provide relief for mange symptoms, prescription medications are essential to fully eliminate mange mites. Some common medications veterinarians prescribe include:
- Ivermectin – Kills mites and other parasites. Given orally or by injection.
- Milbemycin – Also kills mites and deworms dogs. Given orally in tablet form.
- Selamectin – Topical medication applied onto skin to treat mites.
- Amitraz – Used in medicated dips or shampoos to kill mange mites on skin.
- Lime Sulfur Dip – Topical sulphur solution to eradicate mites and infections.
Your vet will prescribe appropriate medications based on your dog’s health, age, and type of mange infestation. Follow dosage instructions carefully. Continue treating for a month after symptoms resolve to ensure all mites are eliminated.
This table compares different treatment options for mange in dogs:
| Treatment | Method | Benefits | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coconut Oil | Applied topically or given orally | Natural remedy, safe, soothes skin, boosts coat health | Not a standalone cure, check for allergies |
| Prescription Medications | Oral, topical, or injections | Kills mites, eliminates infection | Potential side effects, short and long-term use required |
| Medicated Shampoos | Used in baths | Treats skin irritation and infections | Drying to skin with frequent use |
| Topical Dips | Immerse dog into solution | Kills mites on skin | Risk of ingestion by licking, skin irritation |
Tips for Prevention and Management of Mange
In addition to treatment, following some preventative measures can help protect your dog against mange:
- Isolate dogs infected with mange to avoid spread.
- Treat all dogs that come in contact with an infected dog.
- Clean bedding and living areas thoroughly to remove mites.
- Groom dogs regularly and check skin for signs of mites.
- Boost immune health with diet and supplements.
- Apply essential oil sprays that repel mites.
- Kill mites in yard by spraying with solutions of citrus oil, salt water, etc.
Environmental control and immune boosting supplements like omega fatty acids are key to prevent recurrent mange infections. Follow up with your vet to monitor skin health even after symptoms resolve. Seek prompt treatment at first signs of mange to avoid worsening.
With prescription topical and oral treatments coupled with natural remedies like coconut oil and proper management, most dogs fully recover from mange. The prognosis is good if treatment begins before secondary skin infections set in. Working closely with your vet is key to successfully control mange.
Conclusion
Mange is a highly uncomfortable skin condition caused by mites that requires prompt treatment. While coconut oil may help soothe itchy skin and improve coat condition, prescription medications are critical to eliminate mange mites. Use coconut oil as a supplemental treatment to medicated shampoos, dips, and oral medication prescribed by your vet. Combine medical treatment with preventative care for optimal control over mange. With a multi-pronged approach, your dog’s skin health can be restored and protected from recurrent infections. Consult your veterinarian to develop an effective integrated treatment plan using both conventional and natural remedies to get rid of mange and provide lasting relief for your dog’s skin.
