Mange mites are tiny parasites that can turn a once healthy-looking pet into a very uncomfortable animal indeed. Depending on the type of mite, an infestation can cause intense itching, inflammation, skin infections, scabbing and hair loss.
The good news is that identifying the type of mange and developing an appropriate treatment and management plan can make a significant difference to an affected animal's comfort and recovery.
At Greenpet, we have helped many dogs experiencing mange using a natural approach focused on external care, nutrition and supporting the animal's overall health. Every animal is different, so the first step is understanding what is causing the skin problem.
Types of mange mites
Several types of mites can affect dogs and cats. The most common forms discussed in this article are demodectic mange, sarcoptic mange, notoedric mange and ear mites.
The signs can look similar to other skin conditions, including allergies, fungal infections and bacterial skin disease. A veterinary examination is important to help establish the cause.
Your veterinarian may examine skin scrapings or hair samples under a microscope. However, some mites can be difficult to find, so further investigation may be needed even when the initial samples are negative.
Mange can range from a small patch of hair loss to a severe, widespread skin condition. Some forms are highly contagious, while others are not normally transmitted between animals. Knowing which type is present helps determine the appropriate approach.
Demodectic mange
Demodectic mange is caused by Demodex mites that live in hair follicles and associated glands.
Small numbers of these mites are normally present on many healthy dogs. Problems develop when the mites multiply excessively, often in association with factors affecting the animal's immune response.
Localised demodectic mange is more common in young dogs and may appear as one or several patches of hair loss, particularly around the eyes, muzzle and front legs. Some mild cases resolve without treatment.
Generalised demodectic mange can affect much larger areas of the body and may cause widespread hair loss, redness, scabbing, thickened skin and secondary bacterial infections. Adult-onset cases may be associated with an underlying health problem.
Cats can also develop demodectic mange, although the species of mite and the pattern of disease differ from those in dogs.
Sarcoptic mange
Sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies, is caused by mites that burrow into the outer layers of the skin.
It can cause intense itching, redness, crusting and hair loss. Commonly affected areas include the ears, muzzle, elbows, hocks and underside of the body, although the condition can spread more widely.
Constant scratching can damage the skin and lead to secondary infections. In severe, prolonged cases, the animal may become lethargic, lose weight and develop extensive skin changes.
Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious and can also cause temporary itchy skin reactions in people who come into contact with an affected animal.
Notoedric mange
Notoedric mange, sometimes called feline scabies, primarily affects cats. It is caused by Notoedres mites and is highly contagious between susceptible animals.
It commonly begins around the ears, face and neck, producing intense itching, thick crusts, scabs and hair loss. Without appropriate management, the affected areas can spread across the body.
If one cat in a household is affected, other cats should be assessed and managed also.
Otodectic mange (ear mites)
Ear mites are particularly common in cats but can also affect dogs.
They live in the ear canal and can cause itching, head shaking, scratching and a dark, waxy discharge. Persistent scratching may damage the earflaps, and secondary infection can develop.
Ear problems should be assessed appropriately before treatment, as other conditions can produce similar signs.
Greenpet's approach to mange
Our approach to natural animal care considers more than the visible skin symptoms. We look at the animal's overall health, nutritional status, toxicity, environment and external skin care, alongside the need to identify and address the underlying cause.
Over the years, we have helped many dogs with mange and have observed encouraging improvements using natural approaches.
Correct identification of the type of mange is important. Some forms require specific treatment to eliminate the mites, and widespread disease or secondary infection may need additional veterinary care.
Our aim is to support the animal's overall wellbeing while taking a considered approach to its individual needs.
Nutrition and general health
A nutritious, balanced diet is an important foundation for healthy skin, coat condition and normal immune function.
When an animal is experiencing ongoing skin problems, it is worth reviewing the quality and suitability of its diet, the variety of foods being fed and whether its nutritional requirements are being met.
Some animals may benefit from a carefully planned fresh-food diet, while others need a different approach depending on their age, health and individual circumstances. A raw diet is not automatically appropriate for every animal and needs to be nutritionally balanced.
Nutritional support may include suitable sources of essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. However, supplements should be selected according to the animal's diet and requirements rather than given in high doses without guidance.
For example, zinc and vitamins A and E are involved in normal skin function, but excessive supplementation can be harmful. Vitamin C supplementation should also be considered in the context of the animal's individual needs.
If your pet has recently received antibiotics, a suitable prebiotic or probiotic supplement may be beneficial. Some animals may benefit from additional nutritional support during recovery.
External care and skin support
External care can be an important part of managing an animal with irritated, itchy skin. The aim is to keep the affected areas appropriately clean and support the skin while the underlying condition is addressed.
At Greenpet, we have used natural herbal preparations and other external approaches as part of our work with dogs experiencing a range of skin problems.
Any preparation should be suitable for the animal and the condition of its skin. Damaged, inflamed or infected skin can be particularly sensitive, and products that are too concentrated may cause further irritation.
Lemon and garlic rinse
One traditional preparation used in our natural-care approach is a lemon and garlic skin rinse.
The original preparation uses garlic cloves, including their skins, together with lemon skins simmered until the peel softens, cooled and strained.
We have used this preparation externally in our work with affected dogs. However, it should not be regarded as a scientifically validated treatment for eliminating mange mites.
Garlic and citrus preparations can irritate skin, particularly where it is already inflamed or damaged. For that reason, I would not recommend applying this homemade mixture to broken skin, near the eyes or mouth, or to sensitive areas. It should never be put into the ears or used on cats.
Herbal and other natural approaches
Herbs and nutritional products may have a role in supporting general health, depending on the individual animal and the ingredients used. Their suitability should be assessed carefully, particularly when the animal is taking medication or has another health condition.
Homeopathic remedies have traditionally been used by natural practitioners for skin conditions.
Managing the household and preventing reinfestation
Where mange is contagious, managing the affected animal alone may not be enough.
Depending on the type of mite, useful measures may include:
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Having other household pets assessed and treating those that require it.
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Washing bedding and regularly cleaning areas where affected animals rest.
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Avoiding close contact between affected animals and other susceptible pets until advised that it is appropriate.
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Following the recommended treatment schedule and attending follow-up examinations.
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Monitoring the skin for ongoing itching, new lesions, scabbing or hair loss.
Demodectic mange is generally not considered contagious between dogs in the same way as sarcoptic mange. The appropriate household measures therefore depend on the diagnosis.
What if the skin isn't improving?
If the animal's itching continues, hair loss spreads or the skin becomes increasingly red, swollen, painful or infected, seek further veterinary advice.
A diagnosis of mange may need to be reconsidered if the animal does not respond as expected. Allergies, fungal infections, bacterial infections and other skin conditions can resemble mange, and more than one problem may be present at the same time.
Severe lethargy, loss of appetite, marked weakness or widespread skin damage also warrant prompt assessment.
Early investigation can help prevent a manageable skin problem from becoming a much more serious one.
Supporting your pet naturally
At Greenpet, we believe in taking a thoughtful, individual approach to animal health. Immune support is essential as mange is more common in animals with a compromised immune system. Good nutrition, suitable external care and attention to the animal's overall wellbeing can all be important parts of supporting recovery.
We have worked with many dogs experiencing mange and have seen positive results from our natural-care approach. However, the most suitable plan depends on the type of mange, the severity of the symptoms and the individual animal.
Our natural-care options include nutritional products, herbal preparations and dietary guidance to help support general health and skin condition.
If your dog is experiencing skin problems and you would like help reviewing its diet and nutritional support, please contact Greenpet.
Customer experience: Woody
Woody before the treatment
Woody one month after commencing our natural health program
The photographs show Woody before and after the natural-care approach described in this customer case. Individual results may vary, and photographs alone cannot establish which factors contributed to the improvement.