More Natural Flea and Tick Control

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As previously mentioned, many flea and tick medications warn us to use rubber gloves when applying. Often the package warnings say to apply in a well ventilated area, or while wearing a mask. Surely something so toxic shouldn't be put on our closest friends and companions. Thankfully, there are many ways to naturally help control or repel fleas and ticks on your dog. These natural alternatives are much safer and healthier for both people and the animals we love.

Let's look at several home and natural flea and tick remedies:

Easy Flea Collar for dogs and Cats

Place 4 drops of cedar essential oil (use Cedrus atlantica, not Juniperus mexicana or Juniperus virginia as they can be toxic to pets) on a fabric collar, piece of rope, or bandanna. Seal it in an airtight plastic bag or jar and leave overnight. It will permeate the entire cloth and remain effective for two weeks. Just tie it around the animal's neck. When it needs charging up, place it back in the jar and repeat.

To make a tick repelling collar, follow the same directions above but also add 1 to 2 drops each of opopanax and palmarosa essential oils.

Flea Powder

You can also dilute essential oils in powders. Baking soda, which also deoderizes, is great for this; however you can also use rice flower, cornstarch, or any other non toxic powder. If you use clay, use a mild one that won't dry the skin excessively.

Flea Powder (for dogs & cats)

Combine 3 parts atlas cedar, 2 parts pine, and 1 part niaouli or tea trea oil.

Other Natural Flea and Tick Remedies

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.

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.

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.

Reference: The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care