Now that people have realised that this planet of ours has been polluted by the chemicals contained in the daily products we use, it’s time to find other natural options to protect our pets from ticks, fleas and other pests.
I’ll cover heartworm prevention another day. Today I’ll provide you with natural choices to fight external parasites. I rarely ever need to use any form of pest remover on my cats and dogs. Despite living in a place where Summer and Autumn are very humid times of the year, my pets don’t get these nasty pests.
Their immune systems are healthy because I give them a healthy diet, combined with probiotics, and so there’s very little need for drugs. I need to believe it works for my pets and it’s my own opinion.
I have found that essential oils can also help. However, make sure you don’t overdo it because your pet has a much more powerful sense of smell than you. Never spray oils near your pet’s face and only apply them when you’re in a space that’s well ventilated.
Natural Oils to prevent Ticks and Fleas:
Cedar oil has been a very useful scent for many of my clientele. You can use it in the environment or on your pet. However, not everybody likes that particular scent but the good news is that there are plenty to choose from.
I prefer using Vetrirepel because it has a pleasant scent. It’s also a great mosquito repellent. Lemongrass oil does a good job of killing fleas and lavender oil is very useful when combatting ticks. Peppermint oil attacks the nervous system of these pests without causing any harm to your beloved pets.
Rose geranium oil is another popular tool when it comes to pest control. You can use this oil in pure form, by applying a single drop near the base of your pet’s tail and one more between each shoulder blade. Other oils should first be diluted.
Neem oil has been used for a very long time and is very popular for eliminating pests. A spray called Ricochet contains Neem and smells wonderful.
Essential oils may be diluted and then you can rub the oil through your pet’s coat. You can dilute a few drops and add it to his conditioner or shampoo. You could put a bandanna around your pet’s neck, after adding a few diluted drops, and it will act like a healthy flea collar. However, his sense of smell is powerful so the oil you use must be very mild.
Coconut oil is a terrific way to repel and kill fleas because of the lauric acid it contains. You can rub some into his coat or add it to food. Add a single teaspoon per 20 pounds of your pet’s body weight and do this twice a day. The oil melts at 76°F so after you rub it with your hands, it will become liquid and can safely be rubbed into his coat. It’s a good moisturiser and eliminates yeast as well.
Bug Off Garlic for dogs is a very handy product. Despite claims that dogs can die if they get fed garlic, this is a fallacy, small amounts of garlic are a much safer option than deadly chemicals. Add small amounts of fresh crushed garlic to your dog’s food to protect him from fleas. However, if your pet has had haemolytic anaemia, avoid giving him garlic in any form and amount.
Don’t use Brewer’s Yeast tablets to protect your pet from fleas. While it does contain vitamin B, they’re degraded and processed. Instead, ensure his food does contain vitamin B for good health.
Beneficial nematodes are often utilised to destroy the flea larvae from your yard. Mice, rabbits, squirrels and other small creatures can also carry fleas. Nematodes can’t survive the sunny hot parts of your lawn but ticks and fleas are in the same boat so only spread in moist shady parts as that’s likely to be where most fleas congregate.
If your lawn is regularly cut short and gets plenty of sunshine, ticks tend not to infest them. Grow plants that are resistant to deer so they won’t enter your yard UNLESS you have tulips growing because deer absolutely adore them. Plant sage, rosemary, lavender, wormwood, mint and marigolds as these are greatly disliked by ticks and fleas.
If you’re in a position to do so, keep a few guinea hens and/or chickens so you’ll have plenty of organic eggs and ticks are less likely to be found in areas wherever the chickens and hens live.
You may consider sprinkling Food grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE) on your pet or in the environment where he lives. However, take care when applying topically because it’s not good if your pet breathes in this dust. DE dries out your pet’s coat as well as the pests on it.
Some people believe vinegar is a great deterrent to pests. You can mix a teaspoon of apple cedar vinegar in your pet’s water but no more than one spoon per litre of water.
Another safe tool you should have in your arsenal is a good flea comb. When you remove fleas, put them in a bowl of soapy water to kill them. This method is perfect for cats as it’s nearly impossible to bathe a cat. If you think your pet has fleas, comb him daily.
Regularly vacuum your home and take extra care in corners, beneath furniture and in crevices beneath cushions of your sofas if you allow your pet to sleep on your furniture. Using hot water, regularly wash your pet’s bedding and his toys.
You don’t have to use chemicals to protect your pet from parasites, tapeworms, Ehrlichiosis, Lime disease and Anaplasmosis. Common sense and keeping an eye on your pet should ensure he’s happy and healthy and is living in a safe environment. Using natural prevention methods will also help. Looking at the big picture, less chemicals means a reduced impact on the environment and the ongoing healthy of the world as we know it, now and into the future.
Copyright CaninePals.Com. All Rights reserved.