Spring is upon us but with the good comes the bad and over the next few months pet owners will be heading to their vet clinics and pet supply stores looking for solutions to fight fleas and all of the other usual pests of spring and summer.
As with most other pet products there are a countless number of products to choose from when it comes to fighting fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. Because my focus is staying away from chemicals as much as possible and my goal is to provide you with the best information possible on how to treat your pet naturally, I will focus this post on natural remedies for fleas.
I do think it's important to explain why I stay away from the chemical products available through pet supply stores and even veterinary clinics. Through self education, seminars and hearing from my customers about their experiences, I have learned there is a chemical free way around just about everything, so why not choose that option when it is available? I have been dealing with cats and dogs with compromised immune systems for several years and because of everything I have experienced, it only makes sense to me to take the chemical free route whenever possible, to put as little stress on their bodies as possible. This is not to say that because these things are natural they are completely safe. There are always possible dangers and that is something everyone needs to keep in mind. I have weighed the options for myself and for my pets and I have chosen this path.
So what can you do to eliminate some of the chemicals and keep fleas and other pests away?
First of all, healthy animals with strong immune systems are rarely bothered by flea infestations or other pests. Good quality foods, unprocessed "live" foods (I don't mean breathing, I just mean they have not been cooked to the point there is no nutrition left), quality supplements, exercise and a stress free environment will all contribute to a healthier animal. Limiting chemicals and keeping vaccines to a minimum are also important factors for maintaining a healthy immune system.
There are several natural flea sprays on the market that work effectively as repellents against insects and contain various herbs or essential oils. Many people purchase their own essential oils and dilute them in water or put the essential oils directly on a nylon collar or bandanna their dog can wear outside. I personally use Halo Purely Pets Herbal Dip. I add a few drops into a spray bottle filled with water and some apple cider vinegar and spray my dogs as needed when we are going outside in the summer. I occasionally make my own sprays and shampoos out of essential oils and herbal infusions, but I would suggest to anyone wanting to do this at home to consult someone educated in using essential oils with pets, as essential oils are highly concentrated and some are extremely toxic to animals.
Some of the more popular essential oils used for repelling fleas are citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary, tea tree, sage, wormwood, rose geranium, cedar wood and pennyroyal (highly toxic if ingested and should NEVER be put directly on an animal's skin) and there are many more.
I do not recommend that anyone use essential oils with cats unless they are under the guidance of an educated holistic veterinarian who uses aromatherapy. Cats lack the liver enzyme which allows other animals, like dogs, horses and people, to break down the compounds most essential oils are made up of. Even when cats are breathing in essential oils, their body's have to process these compounds. As with anything, any animal may have a reaction to certain essential oils so educating yourself and taking things slow is the best way to start.
There are many herbs, which are effective in repelling fleas and the good things about herbs and barks is you can also use them around the house, in your garden etc. Black Walnut leaves and boughs can be used around the house and in your garden to keep fleas away. Cedar chips in your pet's bed can also be used as a repellent against fleas and other insects. Many of the herbs used to make essential oils are just as effective in their natural state at repelling fleas.
Another useful product for flea control is food grade diatomaceous earth. Although it looks and feels like a fine powder to the human hand, insects with an exoskeleton experience diatomaceous earth much like we would if we stuck our hand in a glass full of fine glass shards. When the insect comes in contact with diatomaceous earth, it cuts the protective waxy layer of the exoskeleton, dries the insect out and it dies. the great thing about diatomaceous earth is you can use it inside, outside, on your pet and give it internally, as it can also be used as a natural de-wormer. The bad thing, it's messy and caution should be taken when applying it as you do not want your pet to inhale the fine powder.
Borax is another natural mineral that can be used around your home.
Garlic, apple cider vinegar and brewers yeast can be added to your dog's food in small amounts, during the spring and summer months to help keep fleas and other insects away. Apple cider vinegar can also be used in a diluted solution after your dog or cat has been bathed, a light spray after his/her bath can aid in keeping the fleas and other insects away.
Use a flea comb on your pet regularly during flea season to help expel any flea eggs or larvae.
So there are many options for pet owners who would rather stay away from the chemical choices on the market. Please use caution with all herbs and essential oils and do your research when you are not certain.
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