Is Neem Oil Safe for Dogs?

Neem oil has a long history of being used for many things, including Ayurvedic medicine and natural insect control. But is this multifaceted product safe for dogs? Neem oil can be applied topically to dogs, but the concentration of the product and the application method are important. Although neem oil is generally considered to be non-toxic to dogs, it’s not risk-free and is not a good stand-alone product when it comes to treating infection or preventing parasites.

Can you use neem oil on dogs?

Neem oil can be applied topically to dogs, but should never be given orally. Diluted neem oil has been applied to dog skin to help it recover from infection and inflammation. It has also been used as an insect repellent to help protect dogs from fleas and ticks.

Neem oil is not effective enough to be used as a stand-alone product for parasite prevention or skin infection treatment, but some have found success when using it alongside other proven products.

Related article

Natural Remedies for Dry Skin: How to Help Dry Skin on Dogs

Spoiler: These at-home remedies are probably already in your pantry.

What is neem oil?

Neem oil is a vegetable oil derived from the seed of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), which grows in India and some parts of southeast Asia. It has been long-used for its skin benefits and as a natural pesticide. 

Many components of neem plants are considered to have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, or anti-inflammatory properties, which contributes to their various uses in traditional medicine. Neem oil contains many components that are beneficial to the skin, including fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants.

Although neem oil has many uses, it is often avoided because of its off-putting odor. Neem oil has been described as smelling like sulfur, garlic, onions, rotten peanuts, and foul body odor. The smell reportedly lingers. 

What neem oil can be used for

One of neem oil’s popular uses is as a natural insect repellent. Neem oil contains limonoids, which are chemicals commonly found in a variety of plants, including citrus fruits plants. Neem oil contains azadirachtin, a limonoid sought for its ability to repel and kill certain insects.

Azadirachtin affects insects by hindering their ability to feed and reproduce. The “antifeedant” properties of azadirachtin include an odor and flavor that cause insects to avoid the chemical, even to the point of starvation. Azadirachtin interferes with hormones required for insects to mate, reproduce, and lay eggs. It also interferes with insect development, making it more difficult for some insects to progress from larva to pupa to adult. 

Because of neem oil’s ability to keep pests away, it is commonly used to treat houseplants and gardens. It has the added benefit of being non-toxic to many pollinators like birds, bees, and butterflies. 

Benefits of neem oil for dogs

Pet parents who prefer a more natural approach to parasite prevention may apply diluted neem oil to their dogs to repel fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and small biting flies. Studies have shown that neem oil is effective against many types of parasites that dogs need protection from. However, studies also show that neem oil is not as effective as conventional preventatives. For example, neem oil has been shown to repel mosquitoes, but this effect only lasts up to four hours. 

Neem oil has also been recommended for the treatment of demodectic mange and ringworm. There is little evidence that supports any claim that neem oil will cure either of these conditions. It can play a supporting role though. Dogs with demodectic mange actually benefit from having a healthy immune system. This can be supported by ensuring they receive a healthy diet, adequate exercise, and routine medical care. 

Dogs with skin conditions may benefit from soothing baths with shampoos that contain small amounts of neem oil. This can help with the inflammation and itchiness, but it can’t be counted on to resolve the root issue.

Because of these shortcomings, neem oil should be used in conjunction with other products that are proven to be safe, effective, and long-lasting.

Risks of neem oil for dogs

Even though neem oil is generally considered non-toxic to dogs, it’s not necessarily safe for every dog and every situation. Some dogs may be sensitive to it and experience redness or irritation, especially at higher concentrations.

Neem oil should only be used topically and never given orally to dogs. Neem oil ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal upset or neurological symptoms. It has been shown to have detrimental effects on pregnant animals and young in other species, so it should not be used in dogs that are pregnant or that will be used for breeding. It should also be avoided in young puppies.

Because neem oil can affect hormones and blood sugar, it may not be safe for dogs that have endocrine diseases like diabetes. 

How to use neem oil for dogs

Before using neem oil, dog parents should consult with their veterinarian, especially if their dog has previously diagnosed medical conditions. 

If using neem oil for the first time, start with a lower concentration, like 10 percent, and a patch test by applying the oil to a small area and monitoring for at least 12 hours for a negative reaction. Do not apply neem oil to open wounds. All products with neem oil should be kept away from a dog’s eyes and mouth. 

When using neem oil as an insect repellent, be sure to use cold-pressed neem oil. Heat inactivates azadirachtin, the component that’s effective against bugs. For best results for parasite prevention, neem oil should be paired with other effective products. 

Topical neem oil treatments 

Neem oil is commonly used in a few forms. Dog parents should can keep these options and precautions in mind:

• Neem oil: Cold-pressed neem oil is recommended; make sure it comes from a reputable source. Because full-strength neem oil can cause skin irritation, dilution is recommended. Neem oil can be diluted at a 1:10 ratio using a carrier oil like grapeseed oil. 

• Commercial pet products: There are commercially available shampoos and sprays that contain low concentrations of neem oil. Make sure to purchase from a company that is transparent about its ingredients and manufacturing process. 

• DIY shampoo: A few drops of neem oil can be added to pet-safe shampoos. Mix well before use.

Related article

How to Keep Flies Off Your Dog

Shoo, fly!

Alternative natural remedies to neem oil for dogs

Dogs are best protected from fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes with clinically proven products. But dog parents can still use natural strategies to help protect their pups. Focusing on environmental control is also key, using strategies such as:

• Vacuuming regularly 

• Having carpets steam cleaned

• Washing bedding regularly

• Avoiding tall grass and brush (where ticks like to hang out)

• Using window screens to keep mosquitoes away

Bottom line: Is neem oil safe for dogs?

Neem oil is not toxic to dogs, but it can cause skin irritation in high concentrations or gastrointestinal upset if ingested. It can be effective against external parasites, but it is not as effective as veterinary-recommended products. Neem oil is best used to support skin treatments and should not be used as a cure. Neem should only be applied to a dog’s skin and never given orally. 

FAQs

Can neem oil be used on puppies?

Neem oil should not be used on young puppies without veterinary recommendation and guidance. 

What to do if a dog ingests neem oil?

If a dog ingests neem oil, monitor for signs of stomach upset or behavior changes. If seen, seek veterinary evaluation. 

Should neem oil be diluted before use?

Because full-strength neem oil can irritate a dog’s skin, a dilution ratio of at least 1:10 is recommended. 

Is neem oil safe for dogs to smell?

Neem oil is safe for dogs to smell, though they may not appreciate its garlicky, pungent odor. 

References

• “Can You Use Neem Oil for Skin Care?” Healthline, 14 Feb. 2018, www.healthline.com/health/neem-oil-for-skin.

• ‌Joshi, Shraddha, and India. “OA01.24. A Study of Effect of Neem Oil on Clinical Signs of Canine Atopy.” Ancient Science of Life, vol. 32, no. Suppl 1, Dec. 2012, p. S24, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3800901/.

• Kilani-Morakchi, Samira, et al. “Azadirachtin-Based Insecticide: Overview, Risk Assessments, and Future Directions.” Frontiers in Agronomy, vol. 3, 20 July 2021, https://doi.org/10.3389/fagro.2021.676208.

• “Neem Oil Fact Sheet.” Orst.edu, 2024, npic.orst.edu/factsheets/neemgen.html.

• ‌Suraj, Rachel‐Ann, et al. “A Comparison of the Efficacy of Two Commercial Acaricides (Fipronil and Amitraz) with Azadirachta Indica (Neem) on the Brown Dog Tick ( Rhipicephalus Sanguineus ) from Canines in Trinidad.” Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 19 Nov. 2019, https://doi.org/10.1111/tbed.13388.