6 Best Dog Shampoos for Mange
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When your dog starts scratching more often than usual, your first thought may be that he has fleas. While fleas are certainly a common cause for itchy skin, the next most common cause is mange.
Mange is a dog skin condition caused by tiny mites living on the dog’s skin. It is natural for your dog to have a few mites living in his skin and coat, but when they start to rapidly reproduce and spread across his body, it can become a big problem. When mites get out of control, your dog’s body may not be able to defend against them, and it can cause serious skin problems.
Knowing what mange in dogs looks like is very important for a dog owner but equally important is knowing how to treat it. Keep reading to learn more about demodectic mange and sarcoptic mange in dogs and how to use dog shampoo to treat it.
What is the Best Dog Shampoo for Mange?
6 Things to Know About Mange in Dogs
There are three different types of mange in dogs, though one of them is rarer than the other two.
Sarcoptic mange is caused by the highly contagious Sarcoptes scabei mite which burrows into the dog’s skin to lay its eggs. As you can imagine, those eggs then hatch and replicate the process, causing a widespread infestation that leads to serious itching and inflammation. If left untreated, these symptoms can worsen and progress to include excessive hair loss and the development of crusty red sores.
Demodectic mange in dogs is a less aggressive condition caused by the Demodex canis mite. Also known as puppy mange or red mange, this condition usually affects younger dogs and usually manifests in the form of itching and redness as well as patches of hair loss.
Cheyletiellosis mange is caused by the C. yasguri mite that moves under the keratin layer of skin, causing what is known as “walking dandruff.” This form of mange is rare but can lead to itching, red bumps, and hair loss.
Now that you have a better idea what mange is, you may be wondering how your dog gets it and what you can do about it.
Here are a few key things to know about mange in dogs:
- Most dogs have some demodectic mange mites at any given time, but it is only when the immune system becomes compromised that they spread and cause a serious infection.
- In many cases, mange mites are spread through direct dog-to-dog contact – both sarcoptes and cheyletiella mites are very contagious.
- Mange can also be spread through sharing brushes, bedding, or toys between dogs and some mites can live independently of the host for several days.
- The most common symptoms of mange include itchiness, redness around the ears and belly, crusty red sores, and secondary bacterial infections.
- Many dogs with mange do not show symptoms until the infestation spreads – this is why it is important to seek veterinary care at the first sign.
- Some types of mange require repeated treatments with dips and medicated shampoos – this is because the mites lay their eggs under the skin and these treatments are only effect on the surface level of the skin.
If you’re concerned that your dog might have mange, your first step should be to talk to you veterinarian. Your vet will be able to determine which type of mange your dog has and how to best treat it. In many cases, mange dog shampoo is a key element.
5 Things to Look for in a Good Mange Shampoo for Dogs
There are countless dog shampoos on the market, so how do you choose the best one for your dog’s mange? Here are 5 things to look for in a good mange shampoo for dogs:
- Medicated – A medicated shampoo for mange in dogs will likely contain benzoyl peroxide and other active ingredients designed to penetrate the top layers of skin to kill adult mites and eggs.
- Natural Ingredients – When your dog’s skin is already itchy and irritated the last thing you want to do is expose it to harsh chemical ingredients. Look for a mange shampoo for dogs that is made with gentle, natural ingredients and free from drying ingredients like soap and alcohol.
- Moisturizers – Mange can dry out and irritate your dog’s skin, so a good mange shampoo for dogs will contain natural moisturizing ingredients to hydrate and heal the skin. Some excellent ingredients to look for include oatmeal, aloe vera, shea butter, and coconut oil.
- pH Balanced – Your dog’s skin has a different pH balance than your own which is why it is important not to use human shampoo on dogs. A pH-balanced shampoo for dogs will help restore their natural pH to between 6.5 and 7.5.
- Antiparasitic – In addition to looking for active ingredients designed to treat mange and other skin conditions, you may want to look for a dog shampoo that offers general antiparasitic benefits. Salicylic acid helps fight parasites, for example.
Now that you have a better idea what a good mange shampoo for dogs looks like, you’re ready to start shopping! If you’re not sure where to begin, try one of our 6 top picks below.
Best Mange Shampoos for Dogs
| Our 2024 Picks: Best Mange Shampoos for Dogs | |||
| Rank | Dog Shampoo | Price | Rating |
| Top Choice |
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$ |
A+
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#2 |
 Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Shampoo |
$ |
A
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#3 |
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$ |
A
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#4 |
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$ |
A
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#5 |
 Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo and Conditioner |
$ |
A-
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The best mange shampoo for dogs will be made from soothing natural ingredients including moisturizers, medication, and antiparasitic agents. Here are our top 6 picks for the best dog mange shampoos on the market:
Davis Benzoyl Peroxide Dog Shampoo
One of the best active ingredients to resolve mange is benzoyl peroxide, and this Davis Benzoyl Peroxide Dog Shampoo has plenty of it. This recipe features a 1-to-3 micron-sized benzoyl peroxide powder that is suspended in a deep cleansing and moisturizing base to flush the hair follicles without over-drying the skin. It is a natural recipe made with powerful moisturizing agents to rehydrate and heal the skin, allowing your dog to recover more quickly. It also acts as a degreaser for problem coats, and it is designed to promote healing. You couldn’t ask for more!
Pros: Benzoyl peroxide active ingredient, improved skin penetration, cleans and heals skin, works as a degreaser, contains natural moisturizers, prevents dryness and irritation
Cons: Contains some added fragrance, may require multiple applications
5 More Top Rated Mange Shampoos for Dogs
If the benzoyl peroxide shampoo above doesn’t seem like the right fit for your dog’s mange, don’t worry! There are still other options to choose from. Here are 5 more top-rated mange shampoos for dogs that we recommend:
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Shampoo
For serious skin problems, this Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Shampoo is a great option. It is made with salicylic acid, coal tar, and micronized sulfur to treat the symptoms of mange. This shampoo contains soothing natural ingredients like oatmeal to rehydrate and repair your dog’s dry, damaged skin and it is a soap-free formula. It contains no artificial colors or parabens and it is gentle enough to use 2 to 3 times per week. This shampoo will soothe your dog’s itchy skin while reducing redness and inflammation as well.
DermaBenSs Shampoo for Dogs
Though it is designed for dogs with seborrheic skin conditions, this DermaBenSs Shampoo for Dogs offers antimicrobial and antiparasitic benefits. It features 2.5% benzoyl peroxide as the active ingredient with salicylic acid for extra strength against mange. This soap-free shampoo contains natural moisturizers to rehydrate and restore dry, damaged skin while promoting healthy new growth. It has no harsh ingredients and no chemical odor.
Vetoquinol Benzoyl-Plus Shampoo for Dogs
If you’re looking for a good benzoyl peroxide shampoo for your dog’s mange, try this Vetoquinol Benzoyl-Plus Shampoo for Dogs. This formula features benzoyl peroxide as a powerful active ingredient to fight bacteria and parasites, plus it delivers long-lasting moisture to the hair follicles as well as the skin. It is safe for regular use and contains moisturizing ingredients to counteract the drying effects of benzoyl peroxide. Plus, it is mild enough for use on highly irritated and itchy skin.
EarthBath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo
Though it is not a medicated shampoo, this EarthBath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo is a great option for soothing and rehydrating your dog’s itchy, irritated skin. This shampoo features a soap-free formula made with natural ingredients including moisturizers like oatmeal and aloe. It works to soothe, remoisturize, and heal your dog’s dry, itchy skin while also neutralizing odors. It has a nice almond and vanilla scent, plus it is 100% biodegradable and free from parabens and phosphates.
Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo and Conditioner
If your dog is undergoing treatment for mange, you may still want to bathe him with a soothing dog shampoo to help relieve itching and irritation. This Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo and Conditioner is a great option because it is made from all-natural ingredients and designed to hydrate and condition your dog’s skin and coat. It is very gentle and soap-free so it will help heal and recondition your dog’s skin as he recovers from the infestation. Plus, it has a pleasant lavender scent.
FAQ Regarding Mange Shampoos
- How do you know if your dog has mange?
Unfortunately, many dogs don’t show obvious signs of mange until the infestation has become severe. If your dog starts scratching more frequently and if you notice inflammation or redness around his ears, chest, belly, and elbows, it could be a sign of mange mites. As the infestation progresses, your dog may develop patches or large areas of hair loss as well as red, crusty scabs and dandruff.
- What is the best home remedy for dog mange?
If you don’t like the idea of using a chemical dip or medicated shampoo on your dog, there are some home remedies you can try. The most effective option is a combination of borax powder and hydrogen peroxide. Take ½ cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide and mix it with 2 teaspoons of borax and 1 cup of water. Mix well then rinse your dog in the solution two or three times a day for a week. You can also try soaking a grooming brush in apple cider vinegar and then brushing your dog with it.
- How do I get rid of mange on my dog?
The best treatment for mange depends on the type of mange your dog has and the severity of the infestation.
Conclusion
Mange is never fun for you or for your dog but having the right dog shampoo for mange available will make both of your lives a little easier. Remember to follow your veterinarian’s instructions for treatment and use dog mange shampoo to help relieve the itching and irritation.
