Natural Topical Treatment For Mangeand Tick Infestationon Dogs Using Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Oiland Spent Barako Coffee (Coffea liberica) Grounds

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Dog owners want their pets to be clean, healthy and comfortable. Having a good hygiene plays a vital role in accomplishing this goal. Due to some reasons, there are instances that are inevitable such as insect bites, allergies, and excessive scratching that can lead to irritations and discomfort of the dogs. These can lead to infections. Knowing how to maintain the dog's skin and fur can prevent these problems. A natural ingredient found to be helpful in treating pests and parasites is coconut oil. According to Fife (2015), coconut oil is loaded with Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFA), which can defend animals from these harmful microorganisms. Coffee in general, acts as an antioxidant because of the presence of phenolic compounds and caffeine. The role of these antioxidants is believed to be considered essential to accelerate the healing of a wound. With these, the researcher was intrigued to make a natural topical treatment for mange and tick infestations in dogs using coconut oil and spent coffee grounds.

METHODS

The two key ingredients used are coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil and spent barako coffee (Coffea liberica) grounds. The oil from the coconuts was extracted using the cold pressed method. Moreover, the spent coffee grounds were obtained from a fast food restaurant. They were mixed in a 1:1 ratio and were put on glass jars. The product was applied to three dogs: one with mange and two with ticks whose ages range from 12-24months, for 14 consecutive days. The test for its effectiveness is determined by the reduction/ elimination of ticks, healing progress of wounds, and physical changes observed on the dogs after the treatment. The product was also compared to a store-bought treatment and undergone trials.

RESULTS

Significant changes were already observed on the first week of application in terms of the reduction/elimination ofticks, healing progress of wounds, and physical changes. Additionally, the effectiveness of the product was found to be almost the same as the store-bought treatment as shown in the trials which measured the time for the ticks to be eliminated.

DISCUSSIONS

The result of the study indicates that coconut oil and spent barako coffee grounds are both effective ingredients against mange and tick infestation. Due to the availability and affordability of these ingredients, dog owners can now switch to an effective treatment that will not cause them too much.