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Originally published June 14 2010

How to Use Natural Neem Oil for Flea and Tick Control on Dogs

by Susan Laverie

(NaturalNews) Using neem oil for flea and tick control for dogs is different than for cats and preparations have different quantities of active ingredients. Commercially available toxic pesticide products are being advertised everywhere; although they may be fast and easy, they may also be deadly to some animals. Using organic neem oil promotes healthy dogs by protecting their livers against damage from poisons, their immune systems against neurotoxins, and their skin against allergic reactions to commercial products. What follows are suggestions for using natural neem oil as a natural flea and tick control for dogs.

The seemingly miraculous substance known as neem comes from the bark, leaves and oil of the neem tree and has been used in India for centuries as a natural Ayurvedic remedy for a multitude of ailments and preventatives. Neem oil promotes a shiny, healthy coat in animals, a strong immune system and healthy skin. And lucky for us, it is a wonderful organic product that can easily and safely be made into a natural flea and tick control mixture for pets. It's safe for humans too - and it works, incredibly well on dogs, for flea and tick control.

Using Neem Oil as a Rub for Flea Control on Dogs

-Place a few drops of neem oil on palms and simply rub hands through your pet's fur for effective flea and tick control. Neem oil is best used this way for dogs, only, not for cats.

-For sensitive dogs, dilute the neem oil 1:10 in a light carrier oil like almond or jojoba and rub palms first. Then run hands thoroughly through the dog's coat for natural, effective flea and tick control.

Organic Neem Oil Makes an Excellent Flea and Tick Spray

-Prepare a general flea and tick spray by mixing 2.5 ml (1/2 ounce) of organic neem oil with 1-2 ml (1/4-1/2 ounce) of mild soap or detergent and .5 liter (2 cups) water. For a stronger solution if there is a problem or the dog will be going into deep bug country, mix 5 ml neem oil, 2 ml mild soap or detergent and .5 liter (2 cups ) water. Use warm, not hot, water to dissolve the oil. Mix water and soap first and then slowly add neem oil for flea and tick control. Add to sprayer and use immediately. Discard after use. Neem oil is unstable and breaks down after 8 hours. Mix anew each time.

Make a Natural Flea and Tick Control Shampoo for Dogs from Neem Oil

Add neem oil into pet shampoo at a rate of 1-5 ml (roughly 1/2 ounce) for every 100 ml (8 ounces) of shampoo. Use the lesser amount for a preventative maintenance shampoo adding more neem oil to the mix if the dog has an existing or severe infestation. Blend shampoo well into the coat. It will leave an odor that will continue to repel unwanted pests. Treat weekly or more often for effective flea and tick control for dogs and to catch all insects in their various stages of development.

Tips:

-Use only pure, 100% organic neem oil.

-Be aware: neem oil smells terrible. But it works and it's safe for animals and humans.

Warnings

-Caution is advised when using neem oil on animals that are breeders or about to be bred. Use neem oil at half strength for flea and tick control.

-Do not treat cats with concentrated neem oil that is left on the skin. Using neem leaf tea is far safer for felines. See accompanying article for recipes for natural flea and tick control for cats.

http://www.discoverneem.com/neem-safety-and-...
http://www.health-care-clinic.org/alternativ...
http://www.organeem.com/neemoilitsuses.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/028970_neem_fleas...
http://www.naturalnews.com/028969_mosquitoes...
http://seasonal-home-maintenance.suite101.co...
http://seasonal-home-maintenance.suite101.co...
http://homemanagement.suite101.com/article.c...

About the author

Susan Laverie is a freelance writer whose focus is on alternative healthcare, holistic nutrition, foods that heal and green living. Laverie has written articles for Homeopathy Today, The American Homeopath, LiveStrong.com and Suite101.com, as well as elsewhere online. With a passion for history and design, her hobby has been collecting and selling antique jewelry. Having retired from practicing classical homeopathy and natural medicine for 25 years, Susan now spends much of her time writing about health, nutrition and alternative methods for healing body, mind and spirit.

Follow her at http://www.suite101.com/writer_articles.cfm/... and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile....






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