Neem: A Wonder Herb for Dogs

4/1/2021

Neem powder & Neem Oil have been used since centuries in India for dogs. Find out what benefits neem oil & powder can offer to your dog.

We recently discussed how neem leaves powder and neem oil can do wonders for your skin, hair and overall health. If you haven't read that article, then I highly suggest you first go and read this one - Neem Benefits for You.

Now, we know, that neem has so many benefits for humans, plants (as in organic gardening) and is an all around a 'Wonder Herb'. But what benefits does neem offer to your dog? And does it have benefits for other animals like horses, etc? Let's start and let's check it out in this article.

To Brush Up...

Biology & botanic name of Neem -

Neem is known as Azadirachta indica and is a member of the Mahogany family, Maliaceae. Neem trees are tall, and can reach height between 25-30 meters with wide, beautiful evergreen leaves. The branches of neem tree are wide and spreading. Neem tree is one that can grow and survive in drought conditions, needing very little to no water at all. This is why neem is considered a drought resistance tree. Neem is considered a weed in places like West Africa, Australia, Middle-East and even in some Indian states. A neem tree can live more than two centuries!

Ayurvedic properties of Neem & its relation to your dog -

In Ayurveda, neem is considered to be dry and light. This means that it is easy to digest and is therefore considered 'very digestible' and can be easily taken for many ailments. However, taking it for long duration internally can cause dryness in the body, therefore, it is best to be used for short time and then stop for sometime.

With this important aspect in mind, it is best to give neem to your dog with some healthy fats like organic coconut oil or olive oil or hemp oil or even some coconut butter and such. This is to help in off-setting the dry properties of neem and aid in better absorption by the dog's body. It is best to use neem between 1-month to 4-month duration and then stop, at least for few months. This will also help maintain its efficacy in your dog's body and at the same time, help with better results.

Neem taste and will my dog like it?

Neem is bitter in taste and so, probably your dog will not like it. Extremely picky dogs will do well by mixing neem with some enjoyable treat like raw honey (ethically sourced, of course) or some mashed banana or even some pumpkin puree will do! Easy!

Some dogs who are big-time foodies will take neem very easily by just mixing some neem powder in the food and that's it.

Topical application for your dog: To dilute or not to dilute?

Take note here that neem oil does NOT smell like roses or lavender!! It is strong and very pungent.
So, please, if you decide to buy neem oil, I request that you do NOT give any company, store owners or online sellers low ratings - it is frustrating and extremely unethical when I see this. Blaming a company for the scent of a product despite knowing that it does not smell great, by Nature's design, is a thoughtless act.

For Your Dog: I highly suggest you use neem oil withOUT diluting it on your dog (yes! NOT the advice you will get in most 'Western' articles). But take it from someone who is Indian and grew up with neem plant right outside the window!

So, why did I suggest to use neem oil without diluting it? Because, this is a great way to prevent fleas and make sure the pungent neem aroma stays strong till the next application. It will also help prevent any itchiness or infections on the skin since you are using it neat, not diluting it. This is how I use on my new rescues - who always come with bad, itchy, smelly skin!! I have also used it for one my rescues who had horrible mange and used it neat. Wonderful results and healed completely.

If this option is still not viable for you and your dog for some reason, then, what you can do is mix neem oil with just few drops of lavender or lemongrass essential oil and apply. Both lavender and lemongrass essential oils are safe for dogs and are a great tool to mask smells like that of neem. Plus, using these will help soothe your dog's skin even more and help prevent mosquitoes and fleas. You can also add little bit of carrier oils like olive or coconut or even hemp oil and make an amazing mix to apply on your dog!

You can also add a drop of neem oil to your dog's shampoo and massage the lather for few minutes till neem oil is absorbed into the coat fully. Rinse, towel dry and let sun dry.

Neem oil aroma has been often described as 'rotten garlic' or 'rotten onions' or well, roasted coffee. Well, now you know!

Neem oil at room temperatures?

Another fact about neem oil that I want to point out is that neem oil can harden at cooler room temperatures and definitely during the winter, freezing months. Simply take the neem oil bottle and put in slight warm water and this should do it. There is NO reason to freak out that your neem oil is going bad, rancid or that the company/seller has cheated you.

Ethics goes both ways - I take my time to write all this so that you will not buy and then complain to a company for false product! Be thankful to the companies that work hard to bring us all these products.

Neem oil benefits for dogs -

Neem oil for dry, itchy dogs - Have a dog that suffering from allergies? Or have a dog that has dander and dryness that pulls the skin? Well, neem oil is excellent in combating dryness in dogs as it is rich in omega fatty acids as well as sulfur. This is the reason why neem oil is often used for conditions like mange, which we will see in next point.

Neem oil for mange & yeast infections in dogs - In India, where herbal remedies are much loved and respected, neem is THE solution for dog's mange issues. Neem oil is also used for yeast infections in dogs. Neem oil is applied directly to the dog's skin several times a day and for weeks, until the dog has healed completely. Neem is also given internally to the dog suffering from mange to help lift the immunity and also to flush out internal parasites, bacteria, yeast and germs!

Neem oil for preventing heart-worms in dogs naturally - Heart-worms happen when a mosquito bites a dog and then the worms grow in the heart. Well, if you can prevent the first step - as in, prevent the mosquitoes from coming near your dog, then you have prevented heart-worms for good! Applying neem oil will keep mosquitoes at bay from your dog and give you complete peace of mind that you are not using anything toxic from the vet's office but using neem oil that is good for your dog on so many levels!

Neem oil for fleas & ticks in dogs - Again, this is due to neem's pungent smell and its ability to act as an insecticide without any side-effects to the dog or person applying it. Therefore, neem oil can be safely used to prevent fleas and ticks in dogs.

Neem leaves powder for parasites in dogs - You can buy neem leaves powder or capsules and give it to your dog to flush out parasites and other pathogens. Neem leaves are antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, and well, anti-pathogens! Dogs who have skin issues and allergies as well as dogs with parasites will benefit greatly by taking neem leaves powder daily, for a month or so, until the condition is no more.

Neem for dogs with cancer & neem for detoxification - Neem is a powerful blood purifier - make no mistake about it! This is the reason why it is so widely used everywhere in India - from small herbal shops to Ayurvedic doctors to animal sanctuaries and animal shelters. Neem for people, planet and the animals is the mantra in India! Neem is used to increase body's immunity by cleansing the blood and the digestive tract of impurities and this is why it might be a great addition to a dog's health care plan, who is suffering from conditions like cancer.

Neem oil for healthy gums and teeth in dogs - Neem oil has been used widely in toothpastes since centuries in India and this is because it is antibacterial and kills germs in the mouth very effectively. The same benefit can be given to our fur babies, especially those poor dogs who are fed a diet of kibble and commercial treats! Kibble and such 'treats' that have been sitting on shelves since months have many germs that our eyes can't see. These pile up overtime in your dog's mouth and here comes the bad breath, a.k.a, the doggy breath! Yikes! So, take a drop of pure organic neem oil and simply add some coconut oil, little bit of organic toothpaste and massage it with your finger in your dog's mouth. If you don't want to use your finger, then use a very soft, old baby's brush and clean very slowly and gently. This is it! You will prevent lot of expenses later on and best of all, your dog will be forever safe....from the toxic anesthesia!

Neem oil for healthy backyard for your dog! - One more point...Keep your backyard insect and bug free for your dog by simply spraying some neem oil all over the plants, grass and even the outdoor patio! Take a water-spray bottle, add some water, few drops neem oil and few drops natural dish soap and now spray this all around your plants and the yard area. This prevents any mosquitoes from coming near your yard...and your dear dog!

Neem for horses - Neem is often used for other outdoor animals like horses. Spraying the horse with neem water prevents flies and mosquitoes coming near and also helps in keeping the skin healthy. If you have any outdoor animals or run an animal sanctuary, then look into neem as an effective and economical way to add to animals's well-being.

So, this is it! Now, you can see how wonderful this neem plant is and how to use it for your dog's benefit. Make note that IF your dog shows some reaction to neem, then by all means, stop using it immediately. You can even work with a holistic veterinarian to determine the best way to use neem for your dog's condition. Other than that, I say, you have found a wonder ally in neem for your beloved pooch or pooches!

For any questions or comments that relate to this article, please post below and I will reply. Please do NOT send in e-mails.

Share! Share! Share! If this article has helped you and your dog, then I encourage you to share it with your loved ones and invite them to join The Garden Recipe newsletter! Let's get more dogs healthy!

Help Your Loved Ones! Post it on your FB page! Send in an e-mail to all your loved ones! Invite them to join TGR so they can get such detailed articles too!

-Somyata

22 Comments

Michelle

1/19/2020 19:17:01

can neem be used enternally and/or internally for cats?

Somyata

1/19/2020 22:52:05

Sorry no idea..:( Work with a holistic veterinarian and that should help. -Somyata.

Michael Depasquale

11/25/2020 15:29:25

Thank you very much for your information. Currently, I waiting to receive some Neem oil and powder from India as I know how much benefits it has for humans. As a dog owner, I wondered if Neem would also be beneficial for my dog. I consume also Moringa everyday and I also give my dog moringa slmost everyday. It also works wonders as far as energy. Thank you once again.

11/25/2020 16:25:35

Hi Michael! You are so welcome..:) Are you subscribed to my newsletter? (Sorry I don't remember everyone's name on my list..:). If not, then subscribe right away as I regularly send out articles and holistic/Ayurvedic tips related to dogs health and cancer prevention in dogs.

BTW, depending on your location, you can easily get Neem oil and powder from any Indian store (much greener and affordable option than having it come all the way from India!). Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any question anytime! -Somyata.

Michael Depasquale link

12/16/2020 08:30:41

Hi Somyata, Thank you very very much for your comments. I really appreciate it alot when someone like you corresponds with me. I would like to ask you how much Neem powder should I give my dog? She is a cross bred between a german shepherd and an alaskin malamute. She will be 10 years old on the 14th February 2021.. I feed her raw food only and she weighs 42kgs. How should I apply the neem oil? Should I pure some on my palm and try to rub it on her coat as it is hard to reach her skin due to her thick undercoat? And do I have to cover her whole body with neem oil? Many many thanks for you kind patience.

12/16/2020 14:20:14

Hello dear Michael! No problem! I am happy to assist you and glad that all this information is helping you. Most of the points are answered in the article but since your dog needs specific care, I am happy to help you one-on-one.

I would need to know more about your dog to understand why you are trying to use neem on her coat and diet, etc. I would need to ask you few more quick questions and so, that will give you the best value. Since that requires my time, plz. use this option - https://www.thegardenrecipe.com/store/p2/You-Pay-You-Ask.html

It is created especially to help my readers/followers like you to get detailed answer from the comfort of their home. It is only for 1 question, but I will allow you to squeeze in both. Once you pay, I will email you to ask some more questions regarding your dog and we will work together from there to get you and your dog the best results. I also have the paypal option, so if you need that, just email me - somyata@thegardenrecipe.com

I hope this helps! I look forward to helping you even more! -Somyata.

Dena

5/23/2021 08:37:00

My dog takes Atenolol daily. Is it safe to give Neem with this heart medication?

5/24/2021 11:39:51

Sorry - I have no idea as my dogs don't take any medications, but they do take neem powder. You need to consult a holistic vet - it should be fine, but still ask your vet. -Somyata

Karen Mitchell

6/4/2021 10:34:54

Hi, I've enjoyed your site content, thank you for sharing everything.
I've been researching Neem off and on for 6 yrs..
Going by my findings, I would never give my dogs neem internally.

Anyone who reads this really should do their own research thoroughly and consult a holistic vet BEFORE tempting to give their dogs neem oil or powder internally

6/4/2021 11:28:47

Do you understand that I am from India and in India, we are NOT so scared of neem? We grow up with this plant and yes, in India, people take neem almost daily during summer and SO DO THEIR DOGS. We give neem to pets to clean their body.

You write here as if all that I am writing is unfounded and misinformation - NO. This is all written very well "RESEARCHED" and is based on centuries and centuries of native remedies that have been applied.

Have you ever been to India??? Here - take a trip there, learn some Ayurvedic knowledge and herbs, and before you come on my website and insult my hard work, and claim that I am writing wrong information, it would be a very WISE decision that YOU research, travel and learn about herbs!!! My dogs - all of them take neem daily, and thank God, I did not "CONSULT A HOLISTIC VET", my dogs would be sick, fat, just like Western dogs.

I am going to leave this comment here - I could have deleted it. I want people to see how scared and ignorant some people, like you, are. And because of their ignorance, they try to act smart and try to make it sound like others are writing wrong information and misleading others. Let Indians esp. come and see your statements, and they would laugh!! Neem is like turmeric for us - we know it better than YOU would ever know, despite your 'Western research". Got it?! -Somyata.

Ana

6/21/2021 05:19:13

Please help me. My old dog has had bad diarrhea for several days. Nothing the vet has done, no medicine he has given, has helped. I fear my dog might have gotten the same thing I had a week before. It was most horrible. I believe it was from some bad water in my city. I took neem capsules and the attacks went away. Can I give my dog the same thing and stop giving him all these chemicals the vet gave that haven't done anything? Thank you.

6/21/2021 11:24:46

Probably your dog has some infection or germs from the bad water. Yes - you can give him neem leaf powder or neem bark powder internally. Give him about 1/3rd teaspoon to start with for every 10lbs. of body weight and see. Neem is superb herb and it will kill the germs/infection.

Let me know how it goes. You can also give him some aloe vera juice (inner fillet) and mix with neem and/or give separately. Aloe vera juice will help calm his tummy down and help the inflammation. But organic and of a good quality. Good luck!

6/21/2021 13:51:05

Thank you so much. I will try and let you know how it goes.

6/21/2021 14:10:41

Sure! I also wanted to add that give your dog some pumpkin puree - it is THE remedy to stop the diarrhea in dogs. You can get a can of pumpkin puree easily in any grocery store - buy organic, and BPA free can if possible.

When you get back home, mix pumpkin puree (about 1 Tablespoon for a typical 10 lbs. dog) along with some really, well boiled rice (can be white or brown rice, but in this case, white rice is better). Mix both and give to your dog for few days. Add 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil and give. You can also add 1/2 teaspoon of flax seeds powder. DON'T give any commercial treats or kibble for now. Let the inflammation and the diarrhea heal naturally - here, diarrhea would be considered a symptom, not the root problem.

In between, give aloe vera juice to your dog 2-3 times per day - about 1/2 cup each time for 10 lbs dog. And then, include some neem leaf powder or neem bark powder - however your dog will take it. These all will help and heal the tummy. Good luck and do keep me posted...:) -Somyata.

6/21/2021 20:06:39

Somayata, thank you so much for that important information. I went to the health food store and got everything you recommended. Already, he seems much better. I got the neem capsules, that have leaf and bark, because they were easier to get into him. When I put it in food he wouldn't eat it. The problem is that he must have a severe stomach issue as he doesn't want to eat much of anything, though thankfully, he is not throwing up. I did manage to get a few pieces of plain boiled beef into him (he would not eat the pumpkin or rice) about an hour after giving him the aloe vera juice, which surprisingly, he liked. So it seems the aloe vera did sooth his stomach. After he ate I gave him one of the capsules of neem. It is several hours now and I have not had to open the door once to let him into his yard to relieve himself. (FYI- I clean his yard several times a day because if he has anything contagious I don't want him to keep reinfecting himself.) Before I was opening the door so much (every 10 minutes, day and night) I felt like a doorman. Apparently, the neem and aloe vera are helping to control his diarrhea and making him feel much better already. I will continue to keep you updated on the progress, but I can't thank you enough for all your help. I wish I would have found you before this as I could have saved myself several hundred dollars in vet bills. I will tell everyone about your site as I find it to be a life saver. Thank you again, Ana
PS - I will continue to update you on his progress :-)

6/21/2021 21:35:41

Awww...thanks Ana! I have been so concerned about your dog and have kept you both in my thoughts. Trust me, here it is night time (almost 10pm!) and I came to check if you replied back and if anything is better.

Plz. continue giving your dog aloe vera juice - you can increase the dose of aloe vera juice by tomorrow morning (so give him like 1/2 cup every 2 hours - that is, 1/2 cup per 10 lbs dog body weight). Also, I HIGHLY advice to NOT give him any beef or for that matter, any inflammatory foods for now. Let the body heal - if the dog is not eating, then that is OK. It is the body's way of fasting and healing it self. For now, let him starve until he eats the pumpkin puree + rice + coconut oil recipe + milled flax seeds. That is it for 1 week - so that this issue heals and is gone forever!

So, tmrw, inc. the aloe vera juice dose + only this food and take the bowl away after 15 mins if he doesn't eat until next dinner time. And then, ofcourse, keep with the neem caps. Let me know how he is doing and tomorrow, you can perhaps do 2 neem caps. Keep me posted.

And yes! to telling everyone about the site so we can help more dogs. I am glad you don't have to be a doorman anymore! I will keep my fingers crossed for whole week..:)

Remember, he might again have some diarhhea but that is normal - so don't worry as healing takes time. Take down my notes and follow them for tomorrow. Good luck! He will be fine.-Somyata.

6/30/2021 14:43:59

Hi Somyata, just want to update you that everything worked and my dog is now back to normal, or as normal as can be for a 15 year old dog. He's back to eating normally now and hasn't had diarrhea since last Friday. He also no longer seems stressed out and is much calmer now too. Thanks so much for this site. It was a life saver for my dog.

7/1/2021 13:05:19

WHEW! Thanks for updating! I was concerned about your dog and had emailed you to check. Have you subscribed to the newsletter? It will help you and your dog even more. keep at my tips and let him heal even more - honestly, had this diarrhea not stopped, he would have eventually died from it, as the nutrients, protein and electrolytes are leaked out in chronic diarheaa.

I am glad he is well. Keep me posted and if you feel like, subscibe to newsletter.

Tina

7/24/2021 12:12:06

Somyata can you please help me? My little 4 yr old male Yorkie has had skin issues for a couple of years now but his little feet are really pitiful. I have just started researching more natural and holistic approach but I don't know where to start with all of the information on the internet. I've been reading through your website when I have time. I have an appointment with a holistic vet for him but it's not until the end of August. So my question is what can I use on his red, swollen nail beds and little bumps in between his toes for some relief until we can go to his appointment. I feed freeze dried food.
Thank you,
Tina Dugger
tinadugger25@gmail.com

7/24/2021 13:09:56

Hi Tina - You can try giving him bath with some neem water and that should help! Other than that, I can only say to enroll in my course and that will help you! So, outside of the aricles and the many tips and tricks that I share already in the newsletter, I am no longer giving any advice as I got to eat my bread and butter too and support my dogs..:) and I truly feel I already cover a lot to help dog owners in my list..:)

So, yes, neem should help you a lot, and if you like, enroll in the course or good luck with the holistic vet. I truly hope it works out for you and your dog..:) -Somyata.

Naini Khajanchi

9/1/2021 00:20:26

Hey Somyata, thanks for this article. It's great! When you share how helpful neem is for dogs, could also share the quantity of neem leaf powder, bark powder, and oil should be given per pound of dog's weight? Also, if neem leaf powder, bark powder, and oil are interchangeable?

My puppy seems to have developed a wet cough yesterday that she gets after barking or sudden activity. Not quite sure what it is.. already gave her some honey-lemon-turmeric with warm water (1tbsp honey, 1pinch turmeric, and a few drops of lemon with some water - half of the mixture twice a day) - I think she's improving but wondering if I can give her some neem leaf powder too as it's drying and might help dry out the cough..

9/2/2021 13:09:42

Hi Naini - Plz. post your comments on the new website which is exclusively for dog owners like you! Also, make sure you subscribe if you haven't so you can get helpful articles like this one - https://thegardenpooch.com/

As for your puppy, you can give her pich of neem bark powder mixed with pumpkin puree and that will help. However, the root cause of her cough might be something diff. like heart or lung condition or kennel cough...and so on. Try neem 2x per day or 3x per day since we are only giving pinch's worth of neem bark powder at each time..and see..It should help.

Plz. post your new comments on the new site and also, check out some more articles as they will help you from the get-go for taking care of your puppy and preventing high vet bills down the line. -Somya.

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Neem: A Wonder Herb for Dogs

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