Neem oil’s effectiveness to treat Dog Mange

What is Dog Mange?

Mange is a skin disease caused by several species of tiny mites, common external parasites found in companion canines. It is similar to scabies on human skin. 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 proliferate to large numbers.

There are two common types of mange – Sarcoptic mange and Demodectic mange.

Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious and is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. These mites will burrow through the skin causing intense itching and irritation. The scratching that results from mange is what causes the majority of the animal's hair to fall out. This is a treatable but is highly contagious for other animals and humans. 

Demodectic mange is caused by various types of the Demodex mite. When the number of mites inhabiting the hair follicles and skin of the dog become exorbitant, it can lead to skin lesions, genetic disorders, problems with the immune system and hair loss (alopecia). The severity of symptoms depends upon the type of Demodectic mite inhabiting the dog.

How are mites different from other insects?

Mites are similar to ticks, spiders, scorpions etc., with 4 pairs of legs while insects like ants, flies etc., have 3 pairs of legs. Common treatments available to kill insects are generally not effective against mites.

Neem oil’s effectiveness against Mange

Firstly, Neem oil is very safe to use in and around the house as it doesn’t harm people, children, or pets when used as prescribed. It is bio-degradable and breaks down readily. It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to cure skin and hair problems.

It upsets the mites’ (and other insects’) digestive and re-productive systems. The mites stop eating and laying eggs. Neem oil also kills eggs and larve of these mites and affect their development.

These are the reasons why Neem oil has is so effective in treating and curing the mange disease in dogs. For the same reasons, it is also effective in killing ticks and fleas on pets. Neem oil is also an effective repellent against these parasites. Continued use will guard against re-infestation.

How to use Neem oil to treat Dog Mange, and to get rid of ticks and fleas

A little Neem oil goes a long way when it comes to treating pet skin issues. Mix 1 fluid ounce of Neem oil per gallon of water along with 1 fluid ounce of a mild detergent or soap and make a spray. The detergent helps the oil mix with water. Only make as much spray as you can use immediately as the oil will break down quickly in water.

Spray your pet taking care to avoid getting the spray into eyes and focusing on the affected areas. In case of severe infestation and damage, you can take a few drops of the oil directly in your palms and rub gently in the affected areas. Another option is to add the Neem oil in the pet shampoo in the ratio of 1:20 (1 part Neem oil to 20 parts shampoo). Repeat as needed.