Bid Farewell to Fleas, Naturally. Fleas love dogs and cats because they are simply easy targets,” said integrative veterinarian Carol Osborne, D.VM., of the Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic in Ohio.”Fleas only jump on dogs, cats, and people long enough to get a meal, then drop down to the ground and lay more eggs’ Dr. Osborne said fleas are tricky because they enjoy long life cycles.”One female flea will lay 20 eggs at once that can (go on to) reproduce up to thousands of babies’
Lots of products fight fleas, but many contain chemicals that pet lovers find hard to understand or even pronounce, so some people prefer more natural solutions. Even with natural products, research the ingredients to get a clear understanding of their effectiveness. Some repel fleas, some kill fleas, and others kill the eggs.
Today, many companies make natural ingredient shampoos and sprays formulated specifically for dogs or for cats. If you are willing to do some extra work, you can also find homemade spray and shampoo recipes online. (Check with your vet to make sure the ingredients are safe. Also, watch your dog for allergic reactions.) “Shampoos made of chrysanthemum flowers are most effective against fleas and are safe for dogs and cats,” Dr. Osborne said.”Neem is a herb that also repels fleas – and is available as a shampoo or spray.”
Ingredients you’ll see in natural flea solutions (store bought or homemade) are lemongrass, citronella grass, eucalyptus, lavender neem expeller oil, diatomaceous earth, lemon oil, apple cider vinegar; and nutritional yeast. Some natural solutions, such as essential oils, are safe to use on your dogs as long as you properly dilute them are never safe for use on cats. Do your homework.
For natural prevention in your yard, try live nematodes, microscopic insects that kill fleas, but won’t hurt other beneficial insects like earthworms and ladybugs.
Homemade Dog Remedies – By Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM
Try this Herbal Flea Remedy and Bid Farewell to Fleas
- 2 Cups of Fresh Rosemary or Fresh Peppermint.
- Mix with 5 Quarts of Warm Water
- Steep Solution for 20 Minutes
- Let Cool and begin dipping.
And if your Dog still itches.
here is a holistic remedy. (these herbs can also be used externally for dogs)
- 5 Drops of Licorice Root
- 5 Drops of Dandelion Root
- 5 Drops of Cat’s Claw
- Mix all 3 together
- Give 5 drops of the final solution by mouth once a day for 14 days in a row.
Interview by Melissa L Kauffman. The Group Editor of Puppy Magazine, Dogster and Catster Magazine.
