The Neem tree is native to India and is mostly grown in tropical and sub-tropical zones.
More than 135 compounds that make up the Neem turn it into a strong insect repellant and protect it from other environmental germs.
Over the years, the botanical benefits of the Neem have been encapsulated in supplements, oils, and other products obtained from the leaf, bark, root, seed and oil.
Neem has been famously used as a traditional Ayurvedic medicine in India to bring relief to various ailments. The leaf extracts offer anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic effects.
Studies have also proven that Neem has extended its effects to being anti-carcinogenic, hepatic-protective and an immune system aid.
Neem oil is pressed from the seed and fruit of the Neem tree. Compounds like Nimbin found in Neem oil have proven to be anti-bacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal.
Neem extracts have been a healing elixir for humans, which have been extended to help dogs in many illness and circumstances.
Neem can be used holistically with pets as an internal supplement; a topical treatment and an oral cleanser and healer.
Neem Benefits when taken Orally
The benefits of Neem are visible in healthy skin and fur from the inside out. Neem can be fed to pets in a dosage of 1/8 teaspoon of ground Neem bark mixed with water and peanut, almond or cashew butter per 10 pounds of body weight.
This concoction can boost their immune system, provide antioxidant support, detox the liver, and buffer the intestines.
In the case of Neem capsules, dogs under 50 pounds can be given 1 capsule every alternate day.
It has oral and dental benefits and makes teeth stronger
Our pets also need adequate dental care to enhance oral health and hygiene. Dogs enjoy chewing Neem sticks and the juice squeezes out of the sticks provides more than dental benefits.
The juice out of Neem sticks makes teeth stronger, kills bacteria in the mouth and the remaining that is ingested kills intestinal parasites.
Neem bark powder mixed with coconut oil can be used to brush the teeth of dogs every alternate day.
Topically and externally, it is soothing, healing and moisturizing
This is where Neem shampoos and other products come into the picture. Here we discuss various ways Neem can be used topically for Dog health.
1. Neem Dog Shampoo?
Neem shampoo works as maintenance in the upkeep of healthy skin and a coat full of shiny fur.
It can also tackle an insect infestation, repair skin and relieve symptoms. It has proven to be a healing solution in skin conditions like ringworm, mange, bacterial and yeast infections.
Here is the list of Best Dog Shampoos with Neem –
Table could not be displayed.2. Neem Oil
In severe cases, if the entire skin is itchy and covered in rash, lesions, boils and dryness, Neem oil is most effective. Neem oil works wonders in soothing and calming prickly and sensitive skin conditions.
The oil is potent and should be diluted a with carrier oil, applied all over, and left on for a few hours to work its magic. It has to be washed off and repeated until the skin improves.
Check out some great Neem oil Brands –
3. Neem Powder
Neem proves it’s anti-fungal, anti-microbial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties when applied topically as a paste.
Neem powder combined with coconut oil can be used as a localized treatment on itchy patches and hotspots caused by summer sores.
Rubbing the paste into these hot spots disinfects and cools these spots on the body, which prevents the dog scratching and worsening the situation.
A Neem paste is also very helpful in treating mange.
Check out these great Neem Powder brands –
4. Neem Spray
Neem at just 1 to 2 percent is a powerful component in an insect repellant spray. It is a natural alternative to chemical insecticides, offering protection to a dog’s skin from fleas ticks and mosquitoes.
It is also effective in preventing insects from breeding and laying eggs and on a dog’s body.
Most popular Neem Sprays in the market –
Precautions
Herbal cures like Neem are therapeutic and natural but being potent can come with some chance of toxicity in its administration.
When the oil is pressed from the Neem seed, a chemical called Azadirachtin is released. Azadirachtin is registered in the United States as a pesticide with a deadly toxicity classification.
Studies have proven its toxicity in its mutagenic and antifertility effects.
Neem, when given orally to dogs, has to be introduced in small amounts and gradually increased over time. The dog’s weight and age should also be accounted for in this dosage.
Neem fed to dogs would be safest on pups older than 6 weeks. Pregnant dogs should not be treated with Neem internally or externally.
Neem oil is extremely powerful and should be always diluted when used on skin. For mild skin rashes in initial stages, a 1:10 ratio of Neem to carrier oil is appropriate.
Increasing the ration or using pure and concentrated Neem oil undiluted is best monitored and washed off after a few hours.
Dogs that lick their skin often can suffer toxic effects of Neem applied to the skin. It is hard to control a dog from licking himself and Neem oil can be harmful when ingested.
Summary
Neem has proven itself over the years as being a restorative and wellness aid. It speeds up the healing process and further enhances the health of skin and the coat.
As an ingredient in dog shampoo, it shields, supports and conditions even the most sensitive skin.
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API