No, neem oil toxic to dogs is not a major concern when you use it the right way on your plants. Research shows neem oil is low-toxicity for mammals like your dogs and cats. The EPA has registered neem oil products with a finding that they pose no unreasonable risk to your pets.
I have two dogs and a cat at home, and I spray neem oil on my houseplants all the time. My pets have never gotten sick from being around treated plants. I do take some basic steps to keep them safe, but I do not stress about neem like I would with harsh chemical pesticides in my home.
Studies on neem oil pet safety found it poses little risk to your dogs and cats. Your pets would need to eat a large amount of pure neem oil to get sick from it. The diluted spray you put on your plants contains such a small dose that it will not harm your pets who sniff or lick treated leaves.
Stomach upset is the main issue if your dog eats a lot of freshly sprayed plant material. Your pet may vomit or have loose stools for a day if they munch on wet foliage right after you spray. This passes on its own and does not need a vet visit in most cases you might worry about.
The concentrated neem oil in your bottle is stronger and should stay out of your pet's reach. Pure neem oil can cause more stomach problems if your pet drinks it straight from the container. Keep your neem oil stored in a closed cabinet where curious pets cannot knock it over.
When I first started using neem oil, I worried about my curious dog who sniffs everything. Now I just keep him out of the plant room for 2-3 hours after I spray. By then, your plants are dry and pose even less risk if your pets decide to investigate with their noses.
Research confirms that neem oil safe for animals is true for most common household pets you might own. Birds are the main exception since they can be more sensitive to oil-based products. If you have birds, spray your plants in a different room and wait until they dry before moving plants back.
Call your vet if your pet shows signs beyond mild stomach upset after contact with neem. Symptoms like shaking, drooling, or trouble walking need your attention right away. These reactions are rare but worth knowing about so you can act fast if they happen to your furry friend.
Read the full article: Neem Oil for Plants: Complete Guide to Use
