The safety and efficacy of topical clove oil for the treatment of naturally occurring Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis infestation in dogs.

INTRODUCTION: Canine sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious parasitic skin disease of dogs. On the basis of previous in vitro investigations confirming the acaricidal activity of clove oil, this study evaluated the safety and efficacy of topical clove oil for the treatment of dogs naturally infested with Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis. METHODS: A total of 100 naturally infected dogs were randomly assigned to 7% clove oil-treated groups, a positive control group, and an untreated control group. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed using mite counts, reduction rates, and clinical scores. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Following a 14‑day treatment, the decline in the comprehensive infection index reached 93.25% (high dose), 85.12% (medium dose), 84.18% (positive control), and 65.23% (low dose). At D14, significant between-group differences were observed in mite-burden score (H(4) = 58.381, P < 0.001), mite count (H(4) = 76.161, P < 0.001), and MDD score (H(4) = 72.487, P < 0.001). Mite-free rate, complete MDD resolution rate, and cure rate also differed significantly among groups (all P < 0.001), with the high-dose group showing the greatest efficacy. The exploratory CII reduction rate likewise differed significantly among groups (H(4) = 79.052, P < 0.001). Reductions in mite count and MDD score were positively correlated (Spearman's rs = 0.727, adjusted P < 0.001). Notably, mite reduction was tightly linked to the alleviation of dermatitis symptoms. Hematological and biochemical abnormalities observed before treatment, including elevated white blood cell and globulin levels, gradually returned toward normal ranges following clove oil therapy. Safety pharmacology studies in rats demonstrated that topical administration of clove oil at the different doses caused no apparent adverse effects on the cardiovascular, respiratory, or central nervous systems. These results indicate that topical clove oil is a safe and effective treatment for dogs naturally infested with S. scabiei var. canis and supports its potential for further investigation.