Can coconut oil treat mange in dogs? Get Your Pet Thinking

Mange is a simple problem, easily fixed with the right know-how.

Mange is a big problem for street dogs in Sri Lanka. Often it is left untreated and can create misery and extreme illness in dogs.

The climate in Sri Lanka doesn’t help. Monsoon rains bring out mites, ticks, let alone other nasty bacterial infections, and often result in the healthiest of dogs contracting mange. What’s sad is the many homed dogs are kicked out on the street after contracting mange, due to a lack of education of how to treat these basic problems. Many Sri Lankan owners don’t know what to do and don’t think they can afford the treatment or the vet visit.

Often, the result is expulsion of an otherwise healthy dog onto the street.

Can coconut oil treat mange in dogs?

A dog can’t die from mange, specifically, but they can from the secondary infections. Just think how you’d feel if you had scabies and no treatment!

Mange is a skin disease caused by several species of tiny mites, common external parasites found in other canines. Some mange mites are normal residents of your dog’s skin and hair follicles, while others are not. All mites can cause mild to severe skin infections if they are left untreated.

There are two types of mange: “Sarcoptic” mange and “demodectic” mange. Sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabei) is also known as canine scabies, and is caused by mites that are oval-shaped, light-colored and microscopic. This type of manage is transferred easily between hosts.

All dogs raised normally by their mothers possess demodectic mange mites (Demodex canis), transferred from a mother to a pup via cuddling during the first few days of life. Most dogs live in harmony with their mites, never suffering any consequences.

There are three types of demodectic mange that affect canines.

Localized cases occur when these mites proliferate in one or two small, confined areas. This results in isolated scaly bald patches-usually on the dog’s face-creating a polka-dot appearance. Localized demodicosis is considered a common ailment of puppyhood, and approximately 90% of cases resolve with no treatment of any kind.

Generalized demodectic mange, in contrast, affects larger areas of skin or a dog’s entire body. Secondary bacterial infections make this a very itchy and often smelly skin disease. This form of mange could also be a sign of a compromised immune system, hereditary problem, endocrine problem or other underlying health issue. Treatment depends on the age at which the dog developed the disease.

One of the most resistant forms of mange, demodectic pododermatitis is confined to the foot and accompanied by bacterial infections. Deep biopsies are often required to locate these mites and make a proper diagnosis.

What are the Effects of Mange?

Mange can cause irritation leading to the dog scratching more than usual. You might notice your dog rolling around, or constantly rubbing up against stationary objects more frequently. Often mange goes undetected until the dog starts to show more visible signs of complications.

Hair loss, reddened skin and body sores because of the intense scratching is the most noticeable effect and is usually caused by allergic reaction to the mite. This can lead to complications such as secondary bacterial infections.

Bacterial infections are common with mange, especially if left untreated. This can lead to more severe issues, and should not be taken lightly.

It is important to note that if your dog has an infestation of the natural occurring Demodex mite, then it could be a sign of a more serious immune deficiency problem with your dog.

Demodectic mange is a natural occurring thing in pets; it is when they become overpopulated that it becomes a problem. Demodectic mites are not contracted by environmental factors or transference. In other words, Demodectic mange is not contagious.

Sarcoptic mange can be contracted not only by transference from other animals but environmentally as well. Taking your dog to a pet sitter, Veterinarian, kennel, or other places that pets are treated or cared for can put your dog at risk for catching Sarcoptic mange.

Please note that these places are aware of this and take precautions, so there is no cause for alarm. It is advisable to ask questions about their procedures to keep your pet safe, and give yourself a little peace of mind.

Skin Conditions You Want To Notice

  • Scratching, licking or chewing at skin
  • Scabs
  • Redness or inflammation
  • Hot spots (one particular area where itching is intense)
  • Round, scaly patches on the face and paws
  • Dry, flaky or otherwise irritated skin
  • Hair loss, bald patches
  • Rashes
  • Lesions
  • Drainage of blood or pus
  • Swellings, lumps or skin discoloration
  • Rubbing face against furniture or carpeting
  • How To Treat Mange In Dogs Naturally (100% Effective Home Remedy)

    Coconut oil is an excellent natural treatment for dog mange. You can either use the coconut oil in a shampoo or apply it directly to the affected areas. Not only will coconut oil kill the mites, but it will soothe the irritation and discomfort your dog is experiencing.

    Having a dog comes with many responsibilities. This includes maintaining routine vet visits, a healthy diet, exercise, socialization, and grooming. Critters such as ticks, fleas, and parasites can get into the fur of our best friends and cause irritation, infection, and disease.

    Don’t feel too guilty if your dog has mange. You may not have been responsible for the infection, but it is your responsibility to ensure your dog gets the treatment required to recover properly.

    In this article, we will go over what dog mange is, how coconut oil can help, and how to reduce the chances of your dog getting mange again in the future.

    Whether your dog is mostly indoor or a lover of the great outdoors, they are susceptible to little critters. Ticks, fleas, and mites are common irritants for dogs, causing rash, inflammation, and infection.

    Ticks burrow into the skin and expose your dog to disease. Fleas feed on your dog by biting. Dogs can react to a flea bite that causes trauma and wounds.

    Mites cause skin irritations that typically begin around the ears and lead to infection. Dog mange can result from mite exposure.

    Dog mange is an infection of the skin from parasitic mites. This results in hair loss, sores, scabbed skin, redness, and itching on the surface.

    Another term for dog mange is canine scabies. It’s a painful condition that requires veterinarian guidance and treatment.

    Dog mange is typically caused by one of two specific mites. The first signs of dog mange appear around the ears, chest, and stomach.

    Mange in dogs is caused by mites burrowing into the skin and laying eggs. Though fleas are similar in how they infect your dog, mites attack under the skin’s surface.

    These mites are spread through direct contact with dogs. Sharing bedding or common areas where mites can remain, such as an animal shelter or the groomers, can also do this.

    If your dog has been exposed, you may find them intensely scratching at their ears and other areas of their body. You may notice your dog losing hair and their coat becoming patchy. Their skin may even become red and flakey due to itching. This is especially prominent around areas where the hair is thinner.

    Coconut oil has many purposes. It’s been known to have many health benefits when ingested and when applied topically.

    Coconut oil derives from the meat of coconuts. It’s been used for oral health, skin moisturizer, increasing metabolism, aiding with skin disparities such as eczema, hair health, and reducing inflammation.

    There are many benefits to using coconut oil on dogs. One of the biggest benefits is treating mange.

    Coconut oil has been used to aid dogs in losing weight, absorbing nutrients, improving digestive health, and reducing inflammation.

    It has also been used to moisturize the nose, paws, and skin. In small amounts, coconut oil is safe for dogs to ingest and has been added to their food.

    Some medication is even coated with coconut oil for easier swallowing. One of the key things to remember when purchasing coconut oil is to ensure it is virgin and organic. You want to make sure you are getting a pure form as opposed to others that contain additives.

    Coconut oil has been successfully used as a natural remedy for dog mange. This can be with coconut oil shampoo along with direct application of the oil.

    Because of the antibacterial properties, coconut oil can aid in not only soothing the skin but killing the parasitic mites causing the mange.