Neem leaf is supposed to kill ringworm (as well as neem oil shampoos), but I have no experience to know that. I do know it totally prevents fleas and ticks without all the chemicals--so am sending this info to you.
This is what I typed up a year ago from my research and experience:
My dog had terrible skin allergies that she would scratch constantly from spring to winter every year until she bled. The vets & canine dermatologist did every kind of test and tried all sorts of strategies and Rxs--to no avail--then threw up their hands. It was determined it wasn’t food allergies either. I did tons of research and talked to naturopathic and homeopathic vets and then tried Ark Naturals neem spray, Neem shampoo (there are many--for people and canines--any do), and especially the neem leaf capsules. There are no bad side effects and have been totally okayed by all of the vets I have spoken with who have taken the time to read what it is. It is totally safe. It has many beneficial health side effects as well as keeping your pet flea and tick free without having to use the chemicals of Advantage, Revolution, etc. It has been three years now and Sugar is virtually itch (and break-out) free--if she begins to have a spot--which is NOTHING like it used to be--I just spritz on and rub in some Ark Naturals neem spray and/or bathe her in the neem shampoo. Neither dog has had ONE flea or tick in all this time. It is thought to prevent AND kill heart worms--but that has yet to be scientifically tested. I can direct you to articles if you would like. There are many brands and prices for neem LEAF (never FEED neem oil) capsules, but I just use these and they work just fine:
http://www.vitacost.com/Natures-Way-Neem These also prevent further yeast infections in dogs. The jury is still out on whether this is safe for cats or not, but it is given to horses often with great results.
Our two dogs weigh 48 and 53 lbs and take two of the capsules (coated with Smart Balance--they love it) in the morning and two more in the evening each. Just trying to share this information with others as years ago we had a dog and she scratched and itched her entire life even after hundreds of dollars with vets. I wish I had the internet back then to research and find this on my own for her. Sugar is soooo much happier (me too), her groomer who works at our vet office said the first time after beginning the pills--"Wow--what are you doing for her allergies--she looks cured!" Also, if your dog doesn’t take capsules well, they can be opened and sprinkled on the food (“supposedly” they don’t mind the taste of neem, but I have not had to do that so I don’t know for sure). And if the dog is afraid of the neem “spray”—pour it onto your hands or a cottonball and rub over the areas.
Other links (vitacost.com also has Ark Naturals neem spray at the lowest price I’ve seen)
http://www.vitacost.com/Ark-Naturals-Neem-Protect-Spray And I get the shampoo from here:
http://www.organixsouth.com/downloads/Pet_brochure.pdf http://www.organixsouth.com/theraneem.html One of the articles that states the dosage amount is:
http://www.naturmix.com/pages/products/neem.html “The neem capsules are comprised of finely ground neem leaf and are best for internal use. Bulk neem powder is exactly the same as the contents of the neem caps. Most dogs don’t seem to have a problem eating it and we have found it to be a very convenient way of administering the dosage. Neem caps are 500mg. A good rule of thumb is to give one cap or 500mg. per 10 lbs. of body weight per day. Up to eight (
caps a day is sufficient for large breeds weighing 80 to 100 lbs. Dosage can be slightly increased for the giant breeds. We recommend using the loose powder in the food for economic reasons. You can calculate 1 teaspoon is equal to 5 grams or 5000 milligrams or 10 caps. It is virtually impossible to over dose on neem leaf powder so if you’re fairly close on the dosage the dog will be just fine. The safety of this product is one of the great things about it. If your dog is picky or not a good eater use the capsules. These dosages can be split for a twice a day regiment. If you have run out of neem leaf powder or cannot get it, neem LEAF extract can be substituted and put in to the food or water. One ml or one dropper full is equal to about 2500 mg. of powder. For long term use, after the initial dosage is given and results are obtained, the dosage can be reduced by at least one third to one half although I have kept them on the full dosage since it is healthy in MANY other ways for them, AND we are using it to prevent fleas and ticks. Neem LEAF is in the capsules, neem OIL is in the shampoo and sprays.
I do want to add that I have since, this past year, also done tons of research on feeding—and both dogs and cats are now on totally GRAIN FREE and (preferably potato free) foods—and all are doing WONDERFULLY!!!!
Sherry K. in IL
