Chemical flea and tick treatments can be highly toxic for your dog. Natural alternatives are a much healthier option.
So, let’s take a look at the key ingredients in a little more detail so you know exactly what investment you are making in your dog’s health.
First up, Neem
Neem Tree, also known as 'Azadirachta indica' is a tree native to India. In Sanskrit, neem is arista, which means something that is perfect, imperishable, and complete. Its leaves, seeds, roots and bark contain compounds that have a range of properties. The tree is thought to denote 'good health' in Ayurveda.
Neem is thought to have the following benefits:
- Antioxidant – helps to keep cells healthy
- Supports liver health
- Stops bacteria from forming
- Staves off viruses
- Aids oral health
- Supports a healthy nervous system
- Calming
- Aids mobility
- An effective insect repellent!
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333683177_Neem_the_Wonder_Herb_A_Short_Review
Garlic (Allium sativum)
People are cautious about feeding garlic to their dogs because of the link to Heinz body haemolysis. It has been reported that garlic is unsafe and not to be fed to dogs. However, when garlic is fed in safe amounts and correctly, it provides umpteen health benefits for your dog. For information, the toxic level of garlic is far in excess of the daily feeding amounts found in Keep off Me!. In dogs, toxic effects have been reported after administration of garlic extract for 7 days equivalent to 5g per kg of body weight per day of fresh garlic (100g of garlic for a 20kg dog!). A 5g dose of Keep Off Me! (the amount to give to dogs up to 20kg) will supply just 0.50g garlic powder (equivalent to 1.7g fresh garlic) per day. This daily amount is perfectly safe for your dog.
More about the benefits of garlic;
Garlic is a member of the onion family and is one of nature's most multipurpose plants which is widely cultivated all over the world. Its chemical constituent is made up of alliin which is an odourless sulphur, containing chemicals derived from the amino acid cysteine. When garlic bulbs are crushed, Alliin is converted into another compound called Allicin. Allicin is further broken down to a compound called Ajoene.
Allicin (released when crushed) is an amino acid which gives garlic its strong odour. It contains magnesium, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin C, volatile oil of which about 0.5% is composed of sulphur-containing compounds and zinc.
Garlic has been found to have the following benefits:
- Stops bacteria from forming
- Stops the growth of micro-organisms.
- Stops intestinal worms and/or parasites from forming
- Antioxidant
- Blood thinner
- Supports a healthy digestive system
- Supports healthy blood function
- Staves off viruses
- Cleansing
- Aids respiration
- Helps to maintain good energy
- An effective parasite repellent!
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330761861_Proven_Health_Benefits_of_Garlic-A_Review
Ginger
Ginger has at least 115 constituents which helps to support many aspects of health. This amazing herb is a fab antioxidant, surpassed only by pomegranate and some types of berries. Ginger helps to keep joints and heart healthy.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, or Melissa officinalis L., grows natively in West Asia, North Africa, and parts of Europe. As the name suggests, lemon balm has a lemony scent and flavour.
Lemon Balm is thought to have the following health benefits:
- Keeps viruses at bay
- Aids mental clarity
- Aids a healthy digestive function
- Antioxidant
- Supports a healthy immune system
- Supports a healthy heart
- Calming
- An effective parasite repellent!
http://www.isca.in/IJBS/Archive/v2/i12/15.ISCA-IRJBS-2013-166.pdf
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/6/11/4805/htm
Peppermint
Not just a breath freshener, peppermint stops bacteria & fungi from forming and supports a healthy digestive system. It helps to stave off internal parasites
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319529691_Peppermint_and_Its_Functionality_A_Review
Brewer’s Yeast
There are a range of nutritional benefits associated with brewer’s yeast.
Brewer’s yeast is thought to support digestive & cognitive function and keep blood sugar levels healthy. It also supports a healthy immune system.
It also contains a range of other nutrients including:
- B Vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, Folate)
- Minerals (Potassium, Chromium, Zinc, Selenium, Lithium, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Copper
- Protein
- Probiotics
- Prebiotics (Mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS), (beta-glucans)
- Anti-inflammatories and immune stimulants (beta-glucans)
- Nicotinamide riboside
- Nucleotides: DNA and RNA
Brewers yeast acts as a catalyst to intensify the power of ingredients it is added to https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6228160_Panax_Ginseng_in_combination_with_brewers'_yeast_GerivetR_as_a_stimulant_for_geriatric_dogs_A_controlled-randomized_blinded_study
Brewers yeast includes beta-glucans;
As research suggests, brewers yeast helps to intensify the effect of the other herbs in this blend, being Neem, Ginger, Garlic, Peppermint & Lemon Balm, and as such does the job of repelling fleas, ticks and other unwanted guests - much better!
Key Benefits of Keep Off Me!
- Effectively repels fleas, ticks and other external parasites
- Provides nutritional benefits, Vitamin B complex and essential trace minerals
- Aids digestion & respiration
- Supports a healthy immune system
- Calming & relaxing
- Supports healthy skin
- Aids intestinal hygiene
More information about feeding and storage of Keep Off Me! please click here