Fleas can be a big problem for your dog, but you don’t have to get rid of them. This list of natural solutions can help you keep these blood-sucking critters at bay.
Flea season is upon us, and the goal is to get your dog through the season without an infestation. In addition to a good diet and lifestyle, which should be the foundation of any flea control strategy, the eight suggestions in this article will help you keep fleas away and keep your dog healthy, happy and content.
Rosemary rinse
A rosemary rinse will chase fleas away from your dog: it’s easy to use and works wonders. Boil a couple of liters of rosemary tea – you can buy rosemary tea or make it yourself with fresh or dried rosemary leaves. Let the tea cool to room temperature, strain the leaves, and use it as a final rinse when bathing your dog. You can also put some of the infusions in a spray bottle and spray your dog with it once a day. Many herbs also work as natural flea repellents, such as peppermint, rosemary, lavender, and catnip.
Make a protective cloth
A lavender oil-sprayed handkerchief for your dog will help keep fleas away. Mix 5 drops of lavender essential oil with 3 tablespoons of water – make sure the oil is pure and of good quality. Put 5 to 10 drops of the mixture on a fancy bandana and rub the sides to distribute it evenly. Tie the bandana around your dog’s neck; make sure it is not too tight or too loose. You can reapply this solution to the bandana once a week to maintain its protective properties. Don’t leave your dog outside unsupervised while he’s wearing it: he could get caught on something and hurt himself.
Prepare a holistic flea bath.
Dr. Carol Osborne, a veterinarian, suggests the following two recipes: Cut a whole lemon into thin slices, boil it in a liter of water and let it sit overnight for eight hours. Cool and use it as a bath or daily squirt. Mix 2 cups fresh rosemary or 2 cups fresh mint with 5 quarts of hot water; let steep for 30 minutes, cool and use as a dip.
Feed it brewer’s yeast.
Brewer’s yeast is a proven remedy for keeping fleas away. If your dog doesn’t like the taste, try mixing it with coconut oil or other healthy oil. This makes the dog’s blood smell and taste like brewer’s yeast to fleas, which deters them from biting.
Remove fleas from your home.
Take the time to vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture, as well as other floor coverings, regularly and thoroughly. Be sure to vacuum in corners and along baseboards. Although labor-intensive, vacuuming is a very useful way to keep your home flea-free. Food-grade diatomaceous earth is another good way to eliminate fleas in your home. It kills flea larvae and adult fleas by cutting off their exoskeletons and drying them.
Introduce nematodes into your garden.
If you are outdoors, try treating your garden for nematodes. These microscopic worms are harmless to humans and pets, but they kill fleas. Keep in mind that different nematode products may require different application methods. Some are gels containing nematodes, while others must be dissolved in water and sprayed in the garden. Read the instructions carefully.
Plant flowers and herbs that repel fleas
. Add flea-repellent plants and herbs to your garden or landscape. Flowers such as chrysanthemums, marigolds, and geraniums can help keep fleas away. Many herbs also act as natural flea repellents, such as mint, rosemary, lavender, and catnip. All of these can be grown in pots or flowerbeds, although mint is very invasive if not contained. Place plants or pots near areas of the garden that your dog likes to frequent. Here are a few plants that will help repel fleas and ticks from your garden.
Basil
Catnip
Chamomile
Chrysanthemum
Eucalyptus
Fleawort (plantain)
Garlic
Lavender
Lemongrass
Marigolds
Mint
Pennyroyal
Rosemary
Rue
Sage
Tansy
Thyme
Wormwood
Yarrow
Check for other flea-carrying animals in your home.
Your dog may not be the only animal that brings fleas into your home. Mice, squirrels, and bats can also bring these pests into your home if they enter your attic or garage. It’s a good idea to watch for signs of these invaders in your home and call a wildlife removal service to get rid of them. Keeping fleas away from your dog doesn’t have to involve the use of chemicals, sprays, or commercial flea collars. Using a combination of natural solutions, such as those described in this article, can be just as effective if implemented in early spring and maintained through the summer and fall. Yes, it takes commitment, but it’s much healthier for your dog. Additional Tips Groom your dog as often as possible, if not daily. Use a flea comb to remove fleas and brush off excess hair. If you wish, soak the brush in water infused with lemon slices as well as mint and lemongrass leaves; both herbs are easy to grow. If you choose to use essential oils, make sure it is a high-quality product. Wash your dog’s bedding regularly. If his bedding is not machine-washable, cover it with removable, machine-washable fabric, buy a new bed with a cover, and regularly wash it. Fleas (and ticks) are attracted to tall grass, which provides a good hiding place, so keep the grass mowed.
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