Natural flea repellents for your pets

Natural flea repellents for your pets

Natural flea repellents for your pets

If your dog has fleas there are a number of ways that you can get rid of them without resorting to chemical sprays and collars. Some of the chemicals present in a number of flea control products have been linked with liver toxicity, seizures and other nervous system disorders, renal failure, and in the long run with cancer, diabetes, and other diseases. Natural remedies can be just as effective and far cheaper than those at your local pet supplies store, plus you get the added bonus of knowing that you aren't treating your dog with any nasty pesticides.

To discourage fleas from your garden in the first place, planting aromatic plants such as tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), eucalyptus, mint and rosemary near to the doorway all act as deterrents. Food grade diatomaceous earth (which can be found in gardening shops) can be spread in all dry areas of the garden where your dogs congregate. This dehydrates any fleas or ticks that come into contact with it. It can also be used directly on the dog if it has fleas by combing it through their fur. (NB. It is essential that the earth is food grade and not pool grade as this is toxic if ingested).

Inside the house, keep on top of fleas and their eggs by regular and thorough vacuuming. Sprinkle borax or a combination of salt and baking soda on to the carpet and dog bed and vacuum it off.

Essential oils can be used very effectively against fleas and can be mixed into pet shampoo, mixed with equal parts water to make a spray or even dropped onto a collar to deter pests. Lemongrass, citronella, cedarwood, eucalyptus and lavender oil are all effective insecticides. For a completely fragrance free repellent, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and mist directly onto your dog's coat then brush through.

Finally, you can tackle fleas from the inside out by feeding the dog food or supplements that will make the dog's blood less palatable to pests. Both garlic and brewer's yeast can be either mixed in to the dog food, fed directly or can be made into home baked dog biscuits. Take care not to overdose the dog, one clove of garlic or 1 tsp of brewer's yeast per 14 kg is plenty.

Whichever treatment you choose it is important that you treat the house and your dog's bed as well as the dog, as fleas and especially their eggs can live for long periods of time away from the dog.

These remedies are all ideal for use on dogs but care should be taken with any of these remedies if you intend to use them on cats.

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