Toxin-Free Flea Remedies
With the advent of spring and the longer days upon us, we’re apt to be spending more time outside, and so are our pets.Welcome to flea and tick season.
Even if your cats and dogs don’t go outside, they are at risk of picking up fleas from visitors to your house. And once infested, fleas are an insidious nightmare to get rid of.
You can go the high-tech chemical route with nasty flea collars and toxic flea medication… or you can try one of these natural and inexpensive solutions.
Pet Shampoo – DOGS ONLY
This is a great dog shampoo you can make out of things you might just have lying around the house already. This shampoo should not be used on cats, because they are very sensitive to citrus.
- 10oz water
- 1 T liquid castile soap (like Dr. Bronners)
- 1 t vegetable oil
- 1 t orange oil (fleas hate it), or 5-10 drops of rosemary oil
Skin Rub
This one is safe for dogs and cats, albeit potentially messy. Simply mix it together, and rub it into their coat.
- ½ teaspoon rosemary oil
- ½ cup olive oil
Flea Powder
Safe on both dogs and cats.
- ½ t dried eucalyptus (you can substitute fennel or rosemary)
- ¼ cp cornstarch
Grind the herb(s) up in a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle. Mix into the cornstarch and then sprinkle on your pet’s fur, taking the time to rub it into the skin.
NOTE: With most natural remedies, using them sooner is better. Although these herb-based medicinals won’t go bad quickly, most herbs lose their potency after a few weeks.