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Natural Flea and Tick Control
Springtime is here and anyone who has a dog knows this is the time of year
fleas and ticks start invading. Dogs start scratching and biting, and fleas
can be found almost anywhere. They live outside in leaf and yard debris,
bushes and any other dark place. They also thrive indoors within the carpet,
in the furniture cushions and particularly in the dogs bed or favorite
sleeping places.
Now, unfortunately, most commercial products available for sale at just about
any store you visit, are made with very harsh and dangerous ingredients. It's
not uncommon to see flea collars that say to wash your hands well after touching,
or even avoid touching if at all possible.
Flea and tick medications and even shampoos, both of which are put directly on
our dog's skin, tell us to use rubber gloves when applying. Some even say to
put this stuff on our beloved animals in a well ventilated area or while
wearing a mask.
Now I don't know about you, but it seems to me that if this stuff is so
dangerous to humans, it surely shouldn't be put on our closest friends and
companions either. Thankfully, there are many ways to naturally help
control or repel fleas and ticks on your dog, and these natural alternatives
are much safer and healthier for both us and the animals we love.
Let's look at several home and natural flea and tick remedies:
1. Vinegar. Use organic white, red, or apple cider vinegar only. Mix one part
vinegar to one part water, and put it in a spray bottle to spritz the spots
which are itching the most. Vinegar soothes and relieves skin irritations and
itching. You can also mix vinegar into the bath water for you dog, and you can
even add a small teaspoon to his water bowl to help repel fleas and ticks
internally. When using vinegar in spray bottle or both form, try to avoid
getting it in the dog's ear or eyes because it can sting.
2. Lemon. Lemon juice or essential oils work wonderfully to naturally repel
ticks and fleas from your dog. Just mix one part lemon juice to one part
water, then dab it on the problem areas. You can also use a spray bottle to
apply the lemon water mix, or simply dip the dog's brush into the mixture and
apply it while brushing him. Like vinegar, the lemon juice can sting the dog's
eyes and ears, so be careful around those areas.
An alternative to lemon juice is to use lemon based essential oils such as
lemon balm or lemongrass. Simply put a drop or two at the back of the neck and
on the dog's rump, and this will help keep the fleas and ticks at bay. If you
grow fresh herbs, you can tuck a fresh leaf of lemon balm into his collar too.
3. Garlic. This is an excellent natural repellant that most dogs love. Simply
feed them a little garlic several times each week, and their body will
naturally have an odor that repels the fleas and ticks.
Garlic comes in large bulbs which contain multiple smaller pieces called
cloves. Feeding one clove at a time about three times each week is usually
more than enough for dogs up to 50 pounds. You can chop or grind the garlic
into the dog's food if you'd like, but many dogs will eat a clove of garlic
whole anytime it's offered to them.
Garlic will also give your dog additional nutrient and boost his immune
system.
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