How Can I Treat My Dog for Scabies at Home? 10 Effective Remedies That Actually Work

Does your furry friend keep scratching like crazy? Those red, crusty patches and hair loss might be signs of scabies. As a pet parent, watching your dog suffer is heartbreaking, but don’t worry! While veterinary care is always the gold standard, there are several effective home remedies you can use to help your pup find relief.

I’ve been through this struggle with my own dog, and I know how stressful it can be. Let’s dive into the world of at-home scabies treatments that actually work!

What Is Scabies in Dogs?

Before jumping into treatments, let’s understand what we’re dealing with. Canine scabies (also called sarcoptic mange) is a highly contagious skin condition caused by microscopic Sarcoptes scabiei mites that burrow into your dog’s skin. These tiny parasites cause intense itching, inflammation, and discomfort.

Common symptoms include:

• Intense, persistent scratching and biting at the skin
• Redness and inflammation
• Hair loss, particularly around ears, elbows, and abdomen
• Crusty, scaly patches on the skin
• Thickened, discolored skin in chronic cases
• Secondary skin infections from constant scratching

Important note: Scabies can temporarily affect humans too! These mites can cause what doctors call “pseudo-scabies” in people, creating uncomfortable itching and skin irritation. This makes treating your dog even more urgent.

10 Home Remedies for Dog Scabies

While prescription medications from your vet offer the fastest relief, these home treatments can be effective for mild cases or as complementary care alongside vet-prescribed treatments.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Baths

Apple cider vinegar creates an inhospitable environment for mites and soothes irritated skin.

How to use it:

• Mix equal parts raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and warm water
• Apply as a rinse after bathing your dog (avoid getting in eyes or open wounds)
• Allow to air dry without rinsing off
• Repeat 2-3 times weekly

For a stronger solution, mix ½ cup apple cider vinegar with ½ cup of Borax and warm water Apply to your dog’s entire body (avoiding eyes and mouth), then allow to air dry. This mixture can also be used in a spray bottle for spot treatments

2. Honey Applications

Honey isn’t just tasty—it has powerful antiseptic and antioxidant properties!

How to use it:

• Apply raw, unpasteurized honey directly to affected areas
• Leave on for 15-20 minutes, then gently rinse off
• Apply daily to soothe skin and help fight infection

This can get messy, but the healing benefits are worth it. Honey helps cleanse the skin of bacteria while building immunities.

3. Olive Oil Treatments

Olive oil suffocates mites while moisturizing dry, irritated skin.

How to use it

• Apply warm (not hot) olive oil directly to scabies patches
• Gently massage into affected areas
• Repeat daily for best results

This is one of the simplest remedies but can be surprisingly effective for milder cases.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide and Borax Solution

This powerful combination helps kill mites and heal skin sores.

How to use it:

• Create a solution of hydrogen peroxide and Borax (following product instructions)
• Use for sponge baths, focusing on affected areas
• Apply weekly as part of your treatment regimen

Be careful to prevent your dog from licking this solution, as Borax can be harmful if ingested. An Elizabethan collar might be necessary.

5. Neem Oil Applications

Neem oil is a natural insecticide with anti-parasitic properties.

How to use it:

• Dilute veterinary-grade neem oil according to package directions
• Apply to affected areas 2-3 times weekly
• Continue for at least 2-4 weeks

Important: Use only pet-safe neem products, not garden or human formulations.

6. Aloe Vera Gel

Pure aloe vera can calm irritated skin and promote healing of sores caused by scratching.

How to use it:

• Apply pure aloe vera gel (without alcohol) to clean skin
• Use 2-3 times daily on irritated areas
• Continue until skin heals

This is especially helpful for soothing your dog’s skin between other treatments.

7. Lemon Infusion

This citrus solution creates an acidic environment that mites hate.

How to use it:

• Cut a lemon into slices and boil in water
• Allow to steep overnight
• Apply with a sponge to affected areas
• Use daily for best results

Make sure the solution has cooled completely before applying to your dog’s sensitive skin.

8. Sea Water and Olive Oil Spray

Sea water contains minerals that help fight parasites and heal skin.

How to use it:

• Collect sea water (or purchase sterile sea salt solution)
• Mix 250ml sea water with 10ml olive oil in a spray bottle
• Shake well and spray entire body once daily
• Continue for up to 60 days

If you live near the ocean, taking your dog for sea swims can be incredibly therapeutic!

9. Yogurt for Ear Scabies

Plain yogurt can help treat scabies in the ears, a common problem area.

How to use it:

• Apply plain, unflavored yogurt to your dog’s ears
• Use no more than 2 tablespoons
• Gently massage and allow to sit for 10-15 minutes
• Wipe clean with a soft cloth

The probiotics in yogurt may help fight infections while soothing irritation.

10. Environmental Control

Remember, treating your dog is only half the battle! To prevent reinfestation:

• Wash all bedding in hot water (at least 122°F/50°C)
• Vacuum thoroughly and dispose of vacuum bags in sealed plastic
• Consider pet-safe environmental sprays for non-washable items
• Continue cleaning for at least two weeks after symptoms improve

Supporting Your Dog’s Recovery

Beyond direct treatments, support your dog’s healing with:

Immune-Boosting Diet

• Feed high-quality dog food
• Consider adding omega-3 fatty acid supplements
• Ensure adequate hydration

Prevent Scratching

• Use an Elizabethan collar if necessary
• Keep nails trimmed short
• Provide distractions like toys or chews

Isolation and Preventive Care

• Keep infected dogs separate from other pets
• Treat all household pets simultaneously
• Maintain regular parasite prevention after recovery

When to See the Vet

While home remedies can be effective, some situations require immediate veterinary care:

• Severe, unrelenting itching
• Large areas of hair loss or open sores
• Signs of infection (pus, swelling)
• Lethargy or loss of appetite
• No improvement after a week of home treatment
• Worsening symptoms despite treatment
• Households with young children or immunocompromised people

Your vet may prescribe more powerful treatments like:

• Ivermectin (oral or injectable)
• Selamectin (Revolution, applied topically)
• Moxidectin (Advantage Multi, applied topically)
• Prescription-strength medicated baths

Preventing Future Scabies Infestations

Once your furry friend has recovered, take these steps to prevent recurrence:

• Examine your dog’s skin weekly for early signs of irritation
• Maintain monthly parasite prevention
• Be cautious at dog parks or with unknown dogs
• Keep your home environment clean
• Seek prompt veterinary care if you notice excessive scratching

Final Thoughts

Treating scabies at home requires patience and consistency. Most dogs show significant improvement within 2-4 weeks of treatment, but complete elimination typically requires 4-6 weeks of dedicated care.

Remember that these home remedies work best for mild cases or as supplements to veterinary treatment. For severe infestations or if your dog is in obvious distress, please consult your veterinarian first.

Have you tried any of these remedies with your dog? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before beginning any treatment regimen for your pet.

While some online sources suggest using a hydrogen peroxide and borax mixture for certain types of mites, veterinarians generally do not recommend using hydrogen peroxide on dogs for mite treatment because it can harm healthy skin cells, irritate skin, and doesn’t penetrate deep enough to be effective against mites. Instead, you should consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and prescription treatment, as there are more effective and safer medications available.

To treat mites naturally, you can apply substances that suffocate the mites, such as coconut oil, olive oil, or even plain yogurt to the affected skin for a short period before wiping it off to remove the dead mites. Other natural remedies include topical applications of apple cider vinegar baths and diluted tea tree oil or neem oil. For ear mites specifically, a mixture of warm water and a teaspoon of baking soda can be applied with a cotton ball. It is crucial to use an Elizabethan collar to prevent ingestion of these substances, and always confirm any mite diagnosis with a veterinarian before attempting home remedies.

Dogs typically get scabies through direct contact with an infected animal, such as another dog, fox, or coyote.