Neem And Our Pets

The Neem tree (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) has been known as the wonder tree for centuries in the Indian subcontinent. Neem fruits, seeds, oil, leaves, bark and roots have such uses as general antiseptics, antimicrobials, treatment of urinary disorders, diarrhea, fever and bronchitis, skin diseases, septic sores, infected burns, hypertension and inflammatory diseases. Where our pets are concerned neem has been used mainly for the treatment of skin problems, and as a flea repellent.

Most dogs have a microscopic mite population In small numbers these mites are just a normal part of the flora of the skin of dogs and cause no clinical problems. The dog's immune system keeps them in check very nicely. When the immune system is not mature yet(puppies) or is suppressed, it may not be able to control the mites. They begin multiplying and attacking the dog. It is thought that dogs infected with demodectic mange are immunodeficient. In other words, they are not able to fight off the mites as a healthy dog would. Serious infection by Demodectic mange does require a trip to the Vet. As this can be life threatening.

Cheyletiella mange is also known as walking dandruff. It affects puppies and is caused by a large reddish mite that can be seen under a magnifying glass. This mange is identified by the dandruff flakes that occur over the dog's head, neck, and back. Cheyletiella is highly contagious but short-lived. It causes mild itching. The mite that causes the mange dies a short time after leaving the dog.

Sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies, is caused by a microscopic mite. The female mite causes the characteristic intense itching as they burrow under the skin to lay their eggs. The eggs hatch in a few days, develop into adults, and begin laying their own eggs in less than three weeks.Sarcoptic Mange can be transmitted to humans and visa-versa. Fortunately scabies (as it is also called) in humans is self-limiting, the mite can burrow under the skin and cause itching, but cannot complete its life cycle on humans and dies within a few weeks.Skin damaged by sarcoptic mange and secondary skin infections can take weeks or months to recover, depending on extent of the infestation. Frequent medicated baths may be necessary to soothe irritated skin.All pets in the household should be treated once a pet is diagnosed.

Neem oil is very effective for many situations when used externally but should be diluted with something else like shampoo, other oils or creams and lotions to enhance their effect. It is not recommended that neem be used internally at full strength. All dogs are different and the reaction may vary. Some will show no reaction at all while another may show a reddening or rash of the skin. A small test spot is a good way to check for sensitivity.
The ratio for neem to shampoo is 1/2 to 1oz. of neem oil to sixteen oz. of chemical free shampoo. This is the recommended mixture for the first step in most skin treatments, especially mange. This will place the neem over the entire animal, open the pores and clean the dead skin and scabs off the animal, allowing the extract, herbal outdoor spray or tea to do their job. Neem oil mixed with a good hand lotion or a base oil such as sweet almond or grape seed oil is also very effective and can be applied more liberally if the pure neem oil is too strong for comfort.

Remember also, that external treatment is only part of the total treatment. Pay very close attention to your dogs diet. In some ways you can view mange as a warning that diet plays an important role in a healthy pet’s ability to resist disease, and something is out of whack.