Mange is rough to look at. The hair loss, the constant scratching, the raw and inflamed skin.
It can spread fast, too.
It comes from a microscopic mite, and a medicated shampoo is one of the more common ways owners tackle it. Some types of mange are contagious to other pets and people.
This article reviews ten mange dog shampoos, from benzoyl peroxide options like Davis and Pet MD to natural picks like RenuPlex. It covers active ingredients, how to use them, and what signs of mange to watch for.
This is informational only, so work with your vet on treatment.
Mange Shampoos That Help Calm the Skin
Each one pairs an active ingredient aimed at mites with something to calm raw, itchy skin. That combination is what makes a bath worth the effort.
Think of these as one piece of a fuller treatment plan. Talk to your vet about which type of mange your dog has before you start.
Quick Comparison Chart
| # | Product | Our Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Davis Benzoyl Peroxide Dog Shampoo | ★★★★★ | Check Price |
| 2 |  |
RenuPlex Medicated Dog Mange Shampoo | ★★★★★ | Check Price |
| 3 |  |
Pet MD Benzoyl Peroxide Medicated Shampoo | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 4 |  |
Veterinary Formula Antiparasitic Medicated Shampoo | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 5 |  |
Curaseb Chlorhex 4% Dog Shampoo | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 6 |  |
Arava Natural Medicated Dog Shampoo | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 7 |  |
Truseb Ketoconazole Chlorhexidine Dog Shampoo | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 8 |  |
RenuPlex Plus Dog Shampoo | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 9 |  |
Curaseb Benzoyl Peroxide Dog Shampoo | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 10 |  |
DermaPet Benzoyl Peroxide Plus Shampoo | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
1. Davis Benzoyl Peroxide Dog Shampoo
A 2.5% benzoyl peroxide shampoo that deep-cleans hair follicles and cuts through greasy coats. Made in the USA and safe for dogs and cats of all ages.
Pros
- 2.5% benzoyl peroxide flushes hair follicles thoroughly
- Excellent degreaser for problem coats
- Natural moisturizers prevent excessive dryness
- Safe for dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens
- Ready-to-use formula with no dilution needed
Cons
- Can cause dryness with frequent use
- Doesn't lather like regular shampoo
- May bleach fabrics on contact
Davis Benzoyl Peroxide Medicated Shampoo uses 2.5% benzoyl peroxide to clear grease from the coat and flush the buildup that collects around mange-affected hair follicles. It’s safe for dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens.
Wear rubber gloves during application and keep the shampoo away from mucus membranes and eyes. You can use it daily or follow your vet’s schedule.
The formula contains benzoyl peroxide, ammonium Laureth sulfate with ethanol, a proprietary polymer, a natural coconut-based lathering agent, preservative, propylene glycol, and purified water. If itching and discomfort continue, stop use and switch to a hypoallergenic tearless shampoo.
How to use this shampoo:
Wet your dog’s coat with warm water, then work the shampoo in from the ears and head down the rest of the body. Avoid the eyes.
Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. The bottle is 12 ounces.
2. RenuPlex Medicated Dog Mange Shampoo
An all-natural formula with colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, and essential oils that soothes inflamed skin while targeting mange and mites. Made in the USA with an unconditional guarantee.
Pros
- Natural ingredients with no harsh chemicals
- Colloidal oatmeal and aloe soothe irritated skin
- Effective against mange, mites, and scabies
- Pleasant, mild scent
- Backed by an unconditional guarantee
Cons
- Some owners report it doesn't work for every dog
- Manages symptoms rather than treating the root cause
- A few users question how medicated the formula truly is
RenuPlex Medicated Dog Mange Shampoo takes a natural approach, relying on essential oils and proven safe ingredients rather than harsh chemicals. It’s one of the more popular natural picks in the US market for dogs dealing with mange, mites, and scabies.
The formula includes natural Zinc-PCA along with healing essential oils. It also contains aloe vera, silk amino proteins, calendula flower extract, and other natural oils to help soothe inflamed, irritated skin.
Because the ingredients are gentle and free of allergenic chemicals, it suits dogs that react poorly to heavier medicated formulas. It works against multiple stages of dog mange and can also be used for mites and other skin parasites.
3. Pet MD Benzoyl Peroxide Medicated Shampoo
A benzoyl peroxide and sulfur blend that deeply cleanses pores and removes excess oils. Federally regulated USA manufacturing ensures consistent quality.
Pros
- Benzoyl peroxide and sulfur target problem coats
- Degreases and deodorizes in one step
- Supports healthy skin and coat with regular use
- Safe for dogs and cats
- Manufactured in federally regulated USA facilities
Cons
- Extended use can dry out the skin
- May worsen irritation in very sensitive dogs
- Scent can be strong for some pets
Pet MD Benzoyl Peroxide Medicated Shampoo addresses a range of common coat and skin problems in dogs, including mange. It relieves the itching caused by mites and skin infections, which helps reduce scratching.
The formula acts as an antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal, giving it broad utility for infected, dry, or irritated skin. It contains micronized sulfur, peroxide, and salicylic acid, which are strong degreasing and cleaning agents.
Together those ingredients remove scale and excess oils from the skin while also deodorizing, leaving the coat cleaner and the dog more comfortable.
4. Veterinary Formula Antiparasitic Medicated Shampoo
A vet-recommended shampoo with coal tar, salicylic acid, and oatmeal that targets scaling, mange, and seborrhea. pH balanced and free from soap, paraben, and dye.
Pros
- Coal tar and salicylic acid shed dead skin cells
- Oatmeal and allantoin hydrate as it works
- Soap, dye, and paraben free
- pH balanced for canine skin
- Affordable 16 oz bottle
Cons
- Strong medicinal coal-tar scent
- Some dogs see extra shedding after early washes
- Didn't show improvement for all dogs
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic and Antiseborrheic Medicated Dog Shampoo uses micronized sulfur, salicylic acid, and coal tar to address coat and skin scaling from mites and other parasites. Those same ingredients also help with bacterial and fungal skin infections.
Allantoin and oatmeal are added to hydrate the skin and support healing as it works. The shampoo targets waxy and greasy skin, bald spots, inflamed and flaky skin, and red rashes.
During the first days of treatment, use it 2 to 3 times per week, then reduce frequency as the skin improves. It’s vet recommended, pH balanced for dogs, and safe for puppies 12 weeks and older.
5. Curaseb Chlorhex 4% Dog Shampoo
A veterinary-strength 4% chlorhexidine shampoo that tackles hot spots, skin infections, and mange-related irritation. Doctor formulated and batch tested in the USA.
Pros
- 4% chlorhexidine delivers maximum antibacterial action
- Treats hot spots, paw licking, rashes, and acne
- Deodorizes and leaves a light blueberry scent
- Safe for dogs and cats of all ages
- Each batch independently lab tested
Cons
- Avoid eye contact and open wounds during use
- Small 8 oz bottle runs out quickly on large dogs
- Not a standalone mange treatment without vet guidance
Curaseb Chlorhex 4% is a veterinary-strength chlorhexidine shampoo that covers a wide range of skin problems in dogs, cats, and horses. The 4% chlorhexidine gluconate concentration delivers real antibacterial and antiseptic action against mange, skin infections, ringworm, allergies, pyoderma, dermatitis, and acne.
It can also be used to clean skin wounds, and some owners use it as an ear cleaner to prevent infections and remove parasite eggs. Mange sometimes causes dogs to develop a strong unpleasant odor, and this formula helps address that too.
Dandruff, redness, and rashes are common during mange flare-ups, and the shampoo provides noticeable relief in those situations as well.
6. Arava Natural Medicated Dog Shampoo
A Dead Sea mineral formula with 28 natural botanical oils that cleanses deep into the undercoat and helps with mange, hot spots, and skin infections. Moisturizing and safe for all ages.
Pros
- Premium Dead Sea minerals and 28 active botanical oils
- Deeply cleanses undercoat and enriches follicles
- Antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-yeast action
- Moisturizing and suitable for dogs of all ages
- Pleasant light scent for smelly dogs
Cons
- Doesn't lather much and requires more product per wash
- Strong scent can persist on some dogs
- Costs more than most competing shampoos
Arava Natural Medicated Dog Shampoo is built on a Dead Sea mineral base and includes up to 28 natural botanical substances. It’s designed to help with skin irritations, inflammation, hot spots, and parasitic infections.
The Arava Bio-Care formula cleans deep into the undercoat and enriches the follicles, which is useful for mange-affected skin that’s lost coat density. It also addresses dandruff and suits dogs with dry skin.
Beyond mange and scrapes, it works as an antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-yeast, covering a range of infection types. It’s moisturizing, safe for dogs of all ages, and has a light scent that helps with dogs that smell from skin problems.
7. Truseb Ketoconazole Chlorhexidine Dog Shampoo
A 16 oz veterinary-strength shampoo combining ketoconazole and chlorhexidine with soothing aloe to fight bacteria, fungi, and yeast. GMP certified and made in the USA.
Pros
- Ketoconazole and chlorhexidine fight bacteria and fungi
- Aloe vera soothes irritated skin during treatment
- Soap-free and paraben-free formula
- Works on dogs, cats, and horses
- GMP certified facility, made in the USA
Cons
- FDA hasn't evaluated this label for safety and efficacy
- Discontinue use if skin irritation increases
- Scent may be noticeable for sensitive owners
Truseb combines ketoconazole and chlorhexidine gluconate, the two active ingredients that target bacteria, fungi, and yeast together. That dual-action approach makes it useful for yeast infection, mange, and ringworm as well as acne and skin rashes.
It can also be used as a disinfectant on skin wounds to clean out germs. If your dog is dealing with pain, itching, and irritability from a skin infection, the combined formula addresses those symptoms directly.
The GMP-certified, US-made formula is soap-free and paraben-free, and it works on dogs, cats, and horses.
8. RenuPlex Plus Dog Shampoo
A gentle natural shampoo with colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, and essential oils that promotes a soft, healthy-looking coat while calming skin prone to mange and irritation.
Pros
- Colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, and essential oils calm skin
- No harsh chemicals or allergenic ingredients
- Promotes a soft, healthy-looking coat
- Good for dogs with persistent skin problems
- Backed by a 100% unconditional guarantee
Cons
- Some owners find the scent unpleasant
- Manages symptoms rather than treating root cause
- May not work for every dog's skin type
RenuPlex Plus is a natural-formula shampoo built for dogs with persistent skin issues, including mange. The ingredients are free of allergenic chemicals, so it suits dogs that tend to react to harsher formulas.
It contains Zinc-PCA, essential oils, aloe vera, jojoba oil, colloidal oatmeal, silk amino protein, and calendula flower extract. That combination aims to soothe inflamed skin and support recovery from mange-related damage.
The formula is gentle enough for regular use, and it’s backed by a 100% unconditional guarantee.
9. Curaseb Benzoyl Peroxide Dog Shampoo
A veterinary-strength benzoyl peroxide shampoo from Bexley Labs that deep-cleans follicles, controls dandruff and scaling, and deodorizes with a pleasant blueberry scent.
Pros
- Benzoyl peroxide penetrates and flushes hair follicles
- Targets mange, dandruff, scaling, and folliculitis
- Deodorizes face folds, paws, and underarms
- Small-batch made in a federally regulated facility
- Safe for dogs, cats, and horses
Cons
- Itch relief may last only a few hours in some dogs
- Can cause dryness requiring a follow-up moisturizer
- Strong blueberry perfume scent isn't for every owner
Curaseb Benzoyl Peroxide from Bexley Labs combines salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and sulfur for a broad antiparasitic action against mange and other skin diseases. It strips excess oils, parasites, and debris from the coat while deodorizing with a blueberry scent.
It also works as an antiseptic for cleaning wounds. The formula targets itching and irritability from allergens and parasites alike, and the benzoyl peroxide concentration is strong enough to flush and clear hair follicles where mites tend to settle.
10. DermaPet Benzoyl Peroxide Plus Shampoo
A triple-action shampoo combining benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and sulfur with a pleasant herbal scent. Treats mange, hot spots, greasy skin, and staph infections.
Pros
- Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and sulfur work together
- Treats mange, lick granulomas, hot spots, and acne
- Pleasant herbal coconut scent unlike most medicated shampoos
- Removes infected hair follicles
- Moisturizers support quick skin healing
Cons
- Small 12 oz bottle runs out quickly on large dogs
- Doesn't lather like regular shampoo
- May cause dryness if used too frequently
DermaPet Benzoyl Peroxide Plus uses a triple combination of 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and sulfur. It’s aimed at mange, lick granulomas, hot spots, acne, greasy skin, pyodermas, infected skin folds, and staph infections.
The formula can clear infected hair follicles, and built-in moisturizers support skin healing after treatment. Unlike most medicated shampoos, it carries a pleasant herbal coconut scent rather than a medicinal smell.
An Important Point To Remember During Using Mange Shampoo
Keep all medicated shampoos away from your dog’s eyes. If contact happens, rinse immediately with water.
Store these shampoos out of reach of children.
Signs And Symptoms Of Mange In Dogs
Mange is a skin disease caused by a mite infection. Mites are microscopic parasites that resemble ticks.
Dogs with mange typically show some combination of the following signs:
- Itching, redness, and rashes on the skin
- Excessive hair loss
- Wounds and lesions
- Infected and inflamed skin
Instructions
Wet your dog’s coat with warm water, then apply the shampoo starting at the head and ears and working down the body. Avoid the eyes.
Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Use daily or as your vet directs.
When To Use Mange Shampoo?
Vets sometimes recommend mange shampoos even for healthy dogs as a preventive measure. Using one every few weeks can help protect against a range of skin conditions.
They also keep the coat clean between treatments. If your dog has allergies, choose a formula free of ingredients that trigger a reaction.
What Happens When Mange Skin Infection Is Not Treated?
Untreated mange keeps the mites active, and the irritation gets worse over time rather than better. Your dog will scratch more aggressively until the hair falls out from the affected areas.
Once significant hair loss has occurred, recovery takes longer no matter what treatment you use. Left alone, mange can also open the door to secondary skin infections that complicate treatment further.
Final Thoughts
Mange is hard to watch and miserable for your dog to live with, but the right medicated shampoo used consistently can make a real difference during treatment. The key is pairing an effective active ingredient with something that soothes the raw, inflamed skin underneath.
Davis Benzoyl Peroxide Shampoo earns the top spot because the 2.5 percent formula flushes hair follicles where mites settle, and built-in moisturizers prevent the over-drying that makes mange worse. For dogs with sensitive skin, RenuPlex with its colloidal oatmeal and aloe base is a gentler alternative that also helps with fungal skin concerns alongside mange.
The type of mange matters, since demodectic and sarcoptic mange respond differently and some forms are contagious to other pets and people. Confirm the diagnosis with your vet before committing to a shampoo routine so you know what you’re actually treating.
Think of these shampoos as one piece of a larger plan, not a standalone cure, and check in with your vet regularly as treatment progresses.
