Between allergies, fleas, mites, and standard dry skin, an itchy dog is a miserable dog. There are several reasons why Fido might be scratching more than usual, and it’s not always easy for dog owners to find the kind of relief they need. You can try bathing them and ask your veterinarian for medication, but there’s an all-natural way to stop the itch.
Neem oil is something humans have been using for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. It can strengthen hair, repel insects, and heal skin, and more people are beginning to recognize the benefits of using it to help itchy dogs. Here’s what you need to know.
What is Neem Oil?
Also called Indian lilac, Azadirachta Indica, or Neemba, Neem oil is a natural compound extracted from the neem tree. This culturally significant plant is native to the subcontinent of India and has been historically used for everything from medicines to religious ceremonies. Today, the tree is grown around the world, and its long list of health benefits has reached millions of people and their animals. It’s nicknamed “The Tree of Life,” and that in itself represents the powerful healing properties neem oil is known to have.
What Makes Neem Oil Special?
One of the reasons why neem oil is especially beneficial as a health supplement is because it has over 100 biologically active compounds. These vitamins, minerals, acids, and fats work together to create a substance that is antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory. Here are a few main components of neem oil.
- Omega-6 Fatty Acids
- Omega-9 Fatty Acids
- Vitamin E
- Palmitic Acid
Using Neem Oil for Itch Relief
All those fatty acids and other essential nutrients combine to help stop the scratching for itchy dogs. Omega fatty acids are great for reducing the kind of inflammation that triggers an itch. According to PetMD, they’re often used to lessen the intensity of allergies and can also treat other skin disorders that cause dry, scaly, and inflamed skin. The antiseptic properties effectively eliminate microorganisms that cause skin disease. Bathing dogs with neem oil shampoo on a regular basis and treating inflamed and itchy areas of skin with a topical treatment can bring about relief with only a few uses.
Besides skin diseases, neem oil also fights off external parasites that can bite and otherwise irritate a dog’s skin. It’s known as an all-natural flea preventative that both kills and prevents the tiny insects from coming back. CleanerPaws also writes biting pests like mosquitoes that carry heartworm and ticks that transmit Lyme disease hate neem oil and stay away from dogs that receive regular topical treatments.
It’s Safe for Pets
Pet owners are choosing neem oil for their dogs because it’s considered safe and nontoxic. Pethelpful reports, however, that it’s not meant for consumption. Neem leaves are safe to ingest, but dog owners are warned to keep their supply of neem oil out of reach of curious canines. When applied to their skin, the bitter, garlic-like smell usually deters dogs from licking it off. Unlike commercial drugs used to relieve itching in dogs, neem oil has few potential side effects.
Make sure to always discuss your dog’s itch problem with your veterinarian, to make sure nothing more serious is going on. If you’re looking for an organic and all-natural way to help your pup, consider the many benefits of neem oil.
Learn More About How Neem Oil Balm Could Benefit Your Itchy Dog
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.
h/t: PetMD, CleanerPaws, Pethelpful
