Have you ever heard of Neem? It’s a tree. Producers extract oil from the seeds and bark to make Neem oil. It’s a very smelly oil that is solid at room temperature.

So what’s so special about this oil, you say? Well, let me tell you, if you own a dog, you want to limit the chemicals you use on or near your pet. This oil is a MUST-HAVE!

Neem oil is useful for so many things:

• It repels and kills insects. This is rare in the natural world. Most pet-safe, natural substances only repel.  It is effective against mosquitos, mites, internal parasites, fleas and ticks.

• It is also very useful for skin ailments. The oil stops itchiness. In addition, it treats fungal infections and ringworm. It fights skin infections and microbes.

• When applied topically, it gets absorbed through the skin and improves immune function.

Neem oil is completely non-toxic for dogs, but you should only use it externally and never internally. But no worries if the dog licks some off his fur, as it is non-toxic.  But it’s rare that dogs will lick it anyway, as it doesn’t have a pleasant taste or smell, so they usually leave it alone.

• Dilute with olive oil or grapeseed oil, 1 part neem oil to 10 parts other oil, and apply on head, ears, tail, shoulders and flanks every 2 to 3 days to keep insects away.  You can also apply this dilution to hot spots.

• Mix in with their shampoo.  Mix 1 teaspoon Neem oil with 2 tablespoons pet-safe shampoo.  Leave in for 5 minutes before rinsing.

• Use as a body spray.  Mix 1 part Neem oil with 10 parts filtered water and spray on coat, avoiding the face, eyes, nose and mouth.