3 Ways to Guard Against Ticks and Fleas
Without Toxins
Toxins in flea and tick products has been in the news a lot more over the past few years. Reactions have included diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, drooling, difficulty breathing, seizures, and even death. As a responsible and loving pet parent, you can find out more about natural, safe alternatives here!
photo courtesy Jing, pixabayStarting with Your home and Yard
Applying diatomaceous earth to areas where fleas or ticks can hide is a safe way to help control the flea and tick population..
Diatomaceous earth or D.E. is made from the fossilized remains of tiny, aquatic organisms called diatoms.Their skeletons are made of a natural substance called silica.
D.E. works by compromising the waxy shell of these bugs causing them to dehydrate.
In applying D.E., be certain to apply gently, without it becoming airborne, and to apply sparingly onto surfaces, to avoid it becoming airborne. You don't want to inhale the substance into your lungs, or have your pet inhale it either.
D.E. can be sprinkled onto the dog bed, couches, carpet, and yard.There is no danger if your pet licks it.
Purchase food grade diatomaceous earth only!
Pool grade Diatomaceous earth is designed for filtering pool water in swimming pools.
Shampooing Does More than Merely Clean
Shampooing your dog is an effective method of removing dirt.
It can also be helpful in keeping bugs at bay.
Our family members have noticed that simply by shampooing the dogs with our natural dog shampoo, the dog seems to be protected. This is not an advertised feature but has simply been noted.
We use a readymade pet shampoo, but you can make your own. Castile soap with a couple drops of lavender essential oil, and palo santo essential oil works well.
If your dog has fleas, when bathing your dog, before sudsing the body, make a ring of suds around his neck and up behind his ears. The little critters, when your pup is sudsed up, will climb up the body to the head otherwise. With this little trick, they are stopped in their tracks.
Another method to kill fleas already on your dog’s body is to wash him with a natural dish detergent, with only a little water added. The thick dish detergent literally suffocates the little blood suckers!
courtesy Amanda Cullingham, pixabay
photo courtesy Mimzy, pixabayYour Own DIY Spray: Effective and Inexpensive!
The third way to naturally defeat the fleas and ticks is to make your own DIY spray. I have done this for several years, and during the summer, I always carry a little spray bottle in the car,, at the ready.
I have used it on the dogs, and also myself. There are many essential oils that have qualities about them that are not liked by fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other bugs. I have a recipe below that I like. I often try different variations for fun.
I do want to include the main safety points of essential oils with pets. First: dilute, dilute, dilute! And use oils recommended for pets. I have a reference book that I highly recommend for you to get. It is very complete in what it covers!
In addition, it is extremely important to use essential oils that are from a company you can totally trust. You do not want a little bottle of concentrated chemicals with little bit of essential oil thrown in. Those chemicals can cause a lot of serious side effects, like the ones you are already trying to avoid.
I use essential oils from a company that is dedicated to purity and transparent about how the oils are made,and the farms where the plants are grown,that are used in the essential oils.
This is the brand that I use, and I highly recommend using this brand.
DIY "enjoy your summer better" Spray
8 ounce spray bottle, filled with 6 ounces of water
3 drops Citronella Essential Oil
10 drops Lavender Essential Oil
10 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oi
1-2 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
Since oils do not dissolve in water, it is important to briskly shake
the spray bottle before each use.
Let me know how this works for you and your pet;
We are pet lovers, and are excited about
helping you with finding the best options possible for you and your pet!
-photo courtesy Thomas Geider, pixabay Do you recall that I mentioned the importance of knowing the source of your essential oils?
It's important to know that not all essential oils are created equal.You can't run to the nearest retailer and buy a bottle of the good stuff right off the shelf.
Luckily, you easily have access to the highest quality essential oils right here!
This is also the company we use to buy our human bath products and great supplements that help us stay young! Click the button below to get in touch!
