How to Use Natural Neem Oil for Flea and Tick Control on Dogs
Dogs can be protected from ticks and fleas with natural neem oil products that really work. They are effective and easy to make and use.
Neem oil is pressed from the fruits and seeds of the evergreen neem tree (Azadirachta indica), and has been used in India for hundreds of years as a natural Ayurvedic remedy for treating a wide variety of medical conditions. It is also used in cosmetics and has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antifungal uses. It is a brown oil with a strong scent that is like garlic and peanuts mixed together, and will not mix directly with water.
As a natural product neem oil is much safer to use on dogsthan some of the commercial products available for flea treatment which can contain a bevy of noxious chemicals that may get rid of fleas on dogs but may also irritate the skin at the same time. The three main ways to use neem oil on dogs is as a spray, shampoo or rub.
Natural Flea and Tick Control Neem Oil Spray for Dogs
Dogs can be sprayed with ready-made commercial neem oil flea repellent spray every 7 to 10 days during the flea and tick season. Alternatively you can make your own spray to ensure all ingredients are natural. Only make a small amount at a time as the mix will not keep so any excess should be sprayed on the dogs bedding or where it spends a lot of time.
There are 2 ways to mix your own neem oil spray.
-
Mix 1 part neem oil, 2 parts white vinegar and 5 parts water.
-
Mix 3ml neem oil, 2ml mild soap or detergent and 500ml warm water.
Shake the bottle well before spraying and brush the spray through the dogs coat to ensure good coverage. Be careful not to get spray in the dogs eyes and remember the left-over spray won't keep.
Neem Oil Shampoo for Dog Flea Prevention and Tick Control
Neem oil dog shampoo gets rid of fleas, ticks, and mange mites and can also clear up ringworm. It helps keep the coat shiny and the skin healthy. Once again you can buy a ready made product or make your own. When you shampoo the dog leave the product in for a few minutes before you rinse it out so that it can go to work on any parasites. For dogs that don't like being bathed you can buy a dry neem dog shampoo.
Mix a small amount of neem oil in a light carrier oil at the ratio of about 1 part neem to 3 parts carrier oil. The carrier oil can be olive oil, almond oil, grape seed oil, jojoba oil or anything similar. If your dog has sensitive skin, dilute the neem oil at a ratio of 1 part neem to 10 parts carrier oil.
For dogs that are about to breed only use half the neem oil concentrations that you normally would.
-
Do not use the above mixes on cats are they are more sensitive to neem oil and it is better to use neem leaf tea rather than neem oil to control parasites on cats.
-
Neem oil is not as effective against the brown dog tick as it is on other parasites, and this particular tick is very resilient.
Yes
No
Flag
Comments
I had never even heard of Neem before!
Thanks for including the proportions for a mix of neem oil. That's often not included in articles. I am going to look for neem on the internet because it is a completely new substance to me, and I like natural remedies. Good job.
You must be logged in and verified to post a comment. Please log in or sign up to comment.