Bug
Off: Natural Flea & Tick Prevention
By
Diane Krueger
With
warmer weather upon us, we’re able to get out and about more with our
dogs. Whether it’s longer, more frequent walks or just relaxing in the yard
soaking up a little vitamin D from the sun’s rays, our dogs are enjoying the
outdoor life once again. But that enjoyment can quickly fade with those pesky
fleas and ticks out there. There are many topical treatments on the markets
that can prevent a flea or tick infestation, but those products contain harsh chemicals
that can irritate your dog’s skin. These are the same products that are labeled
not suitable for children or expectant mothers to handle. I don’t know about
you, but if it’s not suitable for a child to touch then why do I want to apply
it to my dog? But I also know that I don’t want my dog to endure having fleas
or getting bitten by a tick. So what can be done? Well, there are several
natural, holistic treatments that can repel these invasive pests and are still gentle
for your dog.
Natural Oils
Essential
oils like lavender, peppermint, lemongrass and cedar oil have proven effective
in the fight against fleas and ticks. You need to dilute these essential oils
with water or a carrier oil, such as olive oil or sweet almond oil. An
important thing to know if you’re going to use essential oils for flea and tick
prevention is that a little goes a long way. Dogs have such a keen sense of
smell and it’s crucial to not apply too much of these aromatic oils, even if
they are diluted. Also, apply in a well-ventilated area. You can apply the
mixture directly to your dog’s coat or dab a little of the mixture on a bandana
and tie around the dog’s neck, again being very careful not to overdo it. Rose
geranium oil, good for both repelling and removing ticks, is okay to apply
directly to your dog’s fur. It’s recommended to apply one drop behind each
shoulder blade and one drop at the base of the tail.
Garlic
Turns
out garlic isn’t just good for warding off vampires, it’s good for warding off
fleas and ticks too. Fresh crushed garlic can be added to your dog’s food as a
way to protect him or her from fleas and ticks. The rule of thumb suggests using
no more than ½ clove per 20 pounds of body weight per day, but being sure to not
exceed two cloves a day for any size dog. It takes a couple weeks to for the
fresh garlic to build up that natural oil in your dog’s coat, so it’s best to
start either before or early in the season. And note if you’re going to try the
garlic remedy, you have to use fresh garlic, nothing jarred.
Vinegar
We
know vinegar is great for cleaning, but it is also a tested remedy for flea and
tick prevention. There are a couple ways to treat with vinegar. You can try
simply adding one teaspoon per quart of drinking water to your dog’s bowl. But
for those discerning dogs that can detect the slightest of changes to anything
they eat or drink, you can dilute in a 1:1 ratio and spray directly onto your
dog’s coat.
Coconut Oil
Coconut
oil kills and repels fleas too. It can be applied directly to your dog’s coat
or added to its food. If you’re going to add it to food, it’s recommended to
use one teaspoon per 20 pounds of body weight two times a day. It’s super easy
to apply topically too. Just rub some in your hands until it liquefies and then
rub through your dog’s fur. The added benefit here is coconut oil is a great
moisturizer and can kill yeast.
These
natural remedies in addition to a regular washing of your dog’s blankets or bed
coverings and a once over with a flea comb all provide safer, gentler
alternatives so you and your dog can enjoy the beautiful outdoors together
without the worry.