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9 Best Dog Shampoos for Mange in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

A dog using a mange shampoo When your dog has been diagnosed with mange, your first thoughts can be overwhelming and you may not know where to start. Following your vet’s recommendation to use a shampoo for mange is a good idea, but how are you supposed to know which is the best mange shampoo for dogs?

Did you know that there are two types of mange that affect dogs? One is contagious and the other isn’t, so knowing which one you are dealing with will help you find the best course of action.

Our reviews guide of the top 9 shampoos for mange was developed to help you find the right one for your pet so you can help your dog feel and look better. The buyer’s guide offers considerations to keep in mind when shopping.

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A Quick Glance at the Winners of 2024:

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
RX 4 Pets Dog Shampoo RX 4 Pets Dog Shampoo
  • No harsh chemicals
  • Helps with a host of skin-based problems
  • Natural and organic ingredients
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Richard’s Organics Anti-bacterial Richard’s Organics Anti-bacterial
  • Heals and soothes skin
  • 100% natural
  • Affordable
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Arava Natural Medicated Arava Natural Medicated
  • Reduces inflammation
  • All-natural ingredients
  • Leaves coat silky and shiny
  • Davis Peroxide Davis Peroxide
  • Treats demodectic mange
  • Deep cleans
  • Opens hair follicles
  • Pet MD Medicated Pet MD Medicated
  • Relieves demodectic mange
  • Contains moisturizers and deodorizers
  • Made in the U.S.A.
  • The 9 Best Dog Shampoos for Mange:

    1. RX 4 Pets Dog Shampoo – Best Overall

    RX 4 Pets Dog Shampoo

    RX 4 Pets Dog Shampoo is made using homeopathic, natural, and organic ingredients. It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties primarily thanks to ingredients like colloidal oatmeal. Because it doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals, and because it has proven effective in the treatment of mange as well as other conditions like flea bites, hives, dermatitis, and eczema, we believe it is the best dog shampoo for mange and other skin conditions overall.

    Importantly, it also smells good. A lot of mange shampoos can have a strong and unpleasant smell, which not only deters dogs but is difficult for their owners to live with, too. As well as proving to be an effective treatment for dogs, it can also be used on your cats.

    Although you may start to see results after a single use, the shampoo can be applied between two and four times a week, with results improving over time.

    Pros
    • No harsh chemicals
    • Natural and organic ingredients
    • Helps with a host of skin-based problems
    Cons
    • Expensive

    2. Richard’s Anti-Bacterial Dog Shampoo For Mange – Best Value

    Richard’s Organics

    This anti-bacterial shampoo is the best mange shampoo for dogs for the money because it is formulated to heal dogs with dermatological conditions, at an affordable price. The ingredients are 100% natural with tea tree and neem oil, as well as being paraben and dye-free. It is recommended for use on dogs and puppies older than 12 weeks.

    It is ideal for treating conditions caused by yeast, fungus, and bacteria while remaining gentle on sensitive skin and relieving symptoms. The coconut oil won’t remove your dog’s natural oils, which could lead to further skin irritation.

    This shampoo will remove odors and leave your dog smelling pleasant because the scent isn’t overpowering. On the downside, this is not specifically formulated for mange, which is why this doesn’t reach the number-one spot on the list. But once the mites are treated, this shampoo is ideal for restoring the skin and preventing future problems.

    Pros
    • Heals and soothes skin
    • Affordable
    • 100% natural
    • Gentle on sensitive skin
    • Removes odors
    Cons
    • Not specifically formulated for mange

    3. Arava Medicated Dog Shampoo for Mange – Premium Choice

    Arava Natural

    If your dog is suffering from an extreme case of itchiness caused by mange, this shampoo will help reduce the symptoms and decrease inflammation. It contains a multitude of natural ingredients that are meant to gently cleanse your dogs and help heal skin infected by bacteria, fungi, or yeast.

    The scent is refreshing, and the shampoo leaves your dog’s coat silky and shiny. This can be attributed to the essential oils, while the Dead Sea minerals do a great job of treating the skin. The company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you aren’t completely satisfied.

    This shampoo did not make the first two spots on the review list because it is a pricey option that may not be affordable to some.

    Pros
    • Reduces inflammation
    • Includes Dead Sea minerals
    • All-natural ingredients
    • 30-day money-back guarantee
    • Leaves coat silky and shiny
    Cons
    • Pricey

    4. Davis Peroxide Medicated Dog Shampoo for Mange

    Davis

    The Davis shampoo contains benzoyl peroxide, which is known to help provide relief from demodectic mange. It works by formulating micron-sized benzoyl peroxide powder, which is more effective at penetrating the skin, and the moisturizing suspension deep cleanses and aids in opening and flushing hair follicles to promote healing.

    It is easy to use, but you need to allow the medicated shampoo to sit on the skin for at least five to 10 minutes before rinsing from the hair. This could be difficult if you have a dog who doesn’t have a great deal of patience when getting a bath. You can use this daily or as often as prescribed by your vet.

    Pros
    • Treats demodectic mange
    • Contains moisturizers
    • Deep cleans
    • Opens hair follicles
    • Contains benzoyl peroxide
    Cons
    • Hard to use with impatient dogs

    5. Pet MD Medicated Dog Mange Medicated Shampoo

    Pet MD djbv

    For relief from demodectic mange, Pet MD offers an option that contains benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, and salicylic acid. All these ingredients help provide powerful cleansing and degreasing. It also contains moisturizers and deodorizers so your dog is left with a soft, fresh-smelling coat.

    It is made in the U.S.A. in a federally regulated facility to ensure quality and safety. To be effective, the medicated shampoo will need to stay on for at least five to 10 minutes before rinsing. But for your dog to receive the best results, following the directions is a must.

    On the downside, this medicated shampoo is quite pricey for the 12-ounce bottle, especially when following the directions and using it three times a week for 4 weeks, then reducing down to once per week. You will go through a large amount of the product in a short time.

    Pros
    • Relieves demodectic mange
    • Powerful cleanser and degreaser
    • Contains moisturizers and deodorizers
    • Made in the U.S.A.
    • Contains benzoyl peroxide
    Cons
    • Pricey
    • Must be left on for 10 minutes

    6. Curabenz Medicated Dog Shampoos

    Curabenz

    Curabenz is a veterinary-grade medicated shampoo that contains benzoyl peroxide as its main ingredient. It penetrates deep into the pores and hair follicles to remove excess oil, bacteria, and yeast. We like that it leaves a lingering citrus scent on the dog’s fur that is pleasant to smell.

    Made in the U.S.A. and federally regulated guarantees a safe and high-quality product is produced. The company offers a money-back guarantee if you do not like the results of the shampoo. It works well at treating the skin that has been affected by mange, but it doesn’t offer any moisturizing components. Curabenz is a pricey product, but with the added sulfur and salicylic acid, it is an effective antimicrobial.

    Pros
    • Veterinary grade
    • Satisfaction guarantee
    • Medicated
    • Federally regulated
    • Antimicrobial
    • Contains benzoyl peroxide
    Cons
    • Pricey
    • No moisturizing effects

    7. VetWELL Micoseb Medicated Dog Shampoo

    VetWELL Micoseb

    This medicated shampoo is ideal for treating bacterial and fungal infections because it contains 2% miconazole nitrate and 2% chlorhexidine. It provides veterinarian-strength ingredients that treat mange while relieving symptoms so your dog can feel more comfortable.

    It is fragrance-free, pH-balanced, and safe to use on puppies. VetWell is made in the U.S.A. in a federally regulated facility to ensure that you receive a product that performs well. On the downside, this product won’t leave a soft, silky feel after using it on your dog.

    Pros
    • Treats bacterial and fungal infections
    • Veterinarian strength
    • Relieves irritation and itching
    • pH balanced
    • Made in the U.S.A.
    • Federally regulated
    Cons
    • Doesn’t leave fur silky and soft

    8. Strawfield Pets Medicated Dog Shampoo

    Strawfield Pets

    This family-owned company produces a medicated dog shampoo that is made in the U.S.A. following strictly regulated guidelines within an independent lab that tests for safety and efficacy. It is formulated to treat skin conditions caused by mites and is an effective demodectic and sarcoptic mange treatment.

    The active ingredients include 2.5% benzoyl peroxide and 2% micronized sulfur that provide anti-microbial benefits, as well as treat deep cutaneous infections. There are no parabens or soap in this formula, and only the highest, quality ingredients are used when making the medicated shampoo. The disadvantages of this product are that it has to stay on for 10 minutes and it doesn’t moisturize the hair.

    Pros
    • Treats both types of mange
    • Anti-microbial
    • Paraben free
    • Family-owned
    • Made in a federally regulated facility
    Cons
    • Doesn’t moisturize
    • Has to stay on for 10 minutes

    9. BlueCare Chlorhexidine Medicated Shampoo for Dogs

    BlueCare Labs

    The BlueCare shampoo works well to relieve symptoms of itchiness and hot spots to soothe the skin. It contains 4% chlorhexidine, which is an anti-microbial and can help fight skin infections. There are also aloe vera, oatmeal, cucumber, and melon, all of which help heal the skin and promote regrowth.

    It is effective once the mites have been treated, but it is not a specific formula to get rid of the mites in the first place. It is recommended to use daily, which may be difficult for some people to accomplish, and the 12-ounce bottle is pricey.

    Pros
    • Relives symptoms of mange
    • Ingredients to heal the skin
    • Anti-microbial properties
    Cons
    • Not specific for mange
    • Pricey
    • Have to use daily

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    Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Mange Shampoo for Dogs

    This section will provide resources that will help you decide which mange shampoo is right for your dog. There are many things to consider when buying medicated shampoo—most of all, you want your dog to feel better and get back to living a healthy life.

    Types of Mange

    Let’s start out with the two types of mange: demodectic and sarcoptic.

    Demodectic: The mites involved with this mange affect the skin and the hair follicles. It is not contagious and can be easily treated. This usually affects dogs who have weakened immune systems, such as when they are sick or stressed. Young and old dogs also have immune systems that aren’t as strong.

    Sarcoptic: This is the same mite that causes scabies in humans; as such, it is very contagious to humans and pets. The mites burrow under the skin, causing inflammation and itching. Your dog will have to be quarantined for a period of time and your home decontaminated.

    Shampoos for Mange: The Basics

    Know the type of mange that you are dealing with, then you can find the shampoo that corresponds to your dog’s symptoms. Not all medicated shampoos will kill the mites. If your dog has sarcoptic mange, they will have to be dipped in a scabicidal shampoo once a week for at least a month, and this isn’t a treatment that can be done at home. Demodectic mange, if it becomes severe, will need lime-sulfur dips under the supervision of your vet.

    Remember that medicated shampoo for mange is to help treat the symptoms of mange, such as itching and dry skin, and to help prevent infections from occurring.

    German shepherd dog takes a bath
    Photo Credit: Korneeva Kristina, Shutterstock

    Common Ingredients

    • Sulfur: This helps kill sarcoptic mites.
    • Salicylic acid: This softens the skin and loosens dead skin cells.
    • Oatmeal and other moisturizers: These provide moisture to the dry skin.
    • All-natural ingredients: These can be varied; some will offer nourishment to your dog’s skin, while others are great at deodorizing and providing a soothing effect.
    • Benzoyl peroxide: This flushes the hair follicles, which then reduces inflammation. The powder form is more effective because it can penetrate deeper into the skin.
    • Antibacterial and antifungal medications: These can help keep your dog’s skin healthy while dealing with the mites. They can also prevent other infections from occurring.

    Considerations

    Ease of Use

    Some medicated shampoos will need to be applied daily and may have to be left on for 10 minutes to be effective. Think about how much time you have and if your dog can be patient enough to go through the cleaning procedure every day.

    Cost

    Most are going to be expensive, especially the ones that are medicated. It depends on what your goals are for the medicated shampoo. If you want to nourish your dog’s skin after the mange has been treated, you may find that a basic shampoo that offers gentle healing and contains antibacterial properties may be adequate.

    Also, if you need to provide frequent baths, don’t forget that the cost will begin to add up because you are using more of the product.

    Satisfaction Guarantee

    If you are unsure if the product will be effective, find one that offers a money-back guarantee. It may make it easier to buy if you have that extra reassurance.

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    Conclusion

    Even though it can be difficult to deal with mange, it is a treatable health issue as long as you follow your vet’s advice. Using a shampoo for mange will help ease the symptoms and help your dog’s skin begin to heal. Some will kill mites and prevent skin infections from occurring during the recovery period.

    Our pick for the best mange shampoo for dogs overall is the RX 4 Pets, which is made in the U.S.A. with natural ingredients that treat the mange without using any harsh chemicals. For the best dog shampoo for mange for the money, Richards Organics offers a shampoo with tea tree and neem oil that provides gentle anti-bacterial healing that is fast-acting. If the price isn’t a concern, our premium choice is the Arava, which incorporates Dead Sea minerals and other natural ingredients formulated to treat dermatological conditions such as mange.

    We hope our reviews list is a great resource and helps you find the best dog shampoo for mange so your pup can feel better and get back to being healthy and happy.

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    Featured Photo Credit: 135pixels, Shutterstock

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