Demodex and Neem Oil
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Demodex and Neem Oil
Submitted by CamoQ on April 20, 2010 - 9:30pmBrisket's Demodex is still there, although in smaller spots. The probelm is that he is now scratching them. The Vet put him on Relief Shampoo baths, which have been working great. All of the old, huge (2"-3") lacerations have healed up beautifully in only a weeks time. Problem is, I found a dog tick on him last night. Elaine gave me a technique, and I was able to remove it. But, while I'm still giving him his Relief Shampoo baths, the Vet does not want me to use K-9 Advantix. Once we stop the Relief Shampoo for good, we must wait 2-3 days, then we can do another round of the Advantix.
Right now, he has no flea or tick protection, and I'm worried that he'll get another mutli-legged hobo. I've been reading about Neem Oil, and its' flea/tick/mosquito repelling powers, as well as its' usage against the Demodex mites. It supposedly rids the dogs' follicles of the mites!!!!! There are several shampoos and sprays available for dogs.
Has anyone ever used the Neem Oil products to either help with Demodex or as a fleaa/tick preventative?
Poor boy is such a trooper, and he actually is very good in the tub, but he started scratching again, this time by both ears and the top of his head. I am constantly checking him now for "visitors", and I sprayed the yard to kill the critters too. Also, what can I give him to boost his immune system during this time?
Thanks a bunch.
All the best, Al and Brisket.
Thanks
Thanks for the advice. I'm asking for a referral to a dermatologist for him. I'm totally unhappy with the lacksadaisicle attitude toward treating this. It's getting worse, not better, and I'm sick of hearing to let it take it's course. We're not talking 1/2"-3/4" patches of lost fur. He's taking his paws to them and reopened an already healed one that's 3" long. Plus he's working on his ears too.
Thanks again.
All the best, Al and Brisket.
extra note on the garlic
I've read that it should be freshly chopped/minced garlic, that there's something special that's released or that happens as soon as it's chopped. Apparently, some people just use garlic powder or pre-chopped garlic and don't have much success and that's the reason why. Can't remember the details - something about the property of the garlic oil or something like that???
Neem Oil
I haven't used the Neem oil as a flea/tick repelent, but for healing hot spots and other skin conditions - it worked OK. What I use instead of the topical preventitives is to add garlic to their food, or give a daily garlic tab formulated for this. And then check often for any fleas or ticks.
To boost your dog's immune system you could give him some echinacea, Vit. B complex, Ester C and a probiotic such as Fasttrack, Benebac or Prozyme, yogurt would help too. Any time your dog is on antibiotics it is important to give them something to get their gut repopulated with good bacteria.
Re: Demodex and Neem Oil
I've read a lot about the benefits of Neem Oil, and I do use Neem Shampoo for Lucy. I alternate between that and the medicated Benzoyl Peroxide shampoo. I used Malaseb to begin with and found I liked the Neem much better. It does a great job with her skin and coat and she smells nice after the bath. Unfortunately, Lucy still has demodex after a year of being on Ivermectin, these shampoos, high quality foods, and supplements. Her case is unusual though (thank goodness for others!) and has everything to do with HER. To help boost her immune system, I give her The Missing Link, Solid Gold Seameal, and colostrum. I also give her fish oil. Others suggest using zinc and (I believe) vitamin C. I was giving her zinc for a while but then stopped - for no particularly good reason; I just got worried about overdoing the supplements.
Bottom line - I would recommend use of the Neem products and will continue using the shampoo for Lucy. It's wonderful for sensitive skin (canines and humans) and I've bought Neem soap for myself and my kids too. It's an ancient herbal remedy, and for canines is supposed to be comparable to Tee Tree Oil for humans.