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Fleas!!

It's that time of year again & in some areas like here in TX fleas & ticks are a big problem.   Sadly lots of prescription flea preventives are unsafe or simply don't work because over the years fleas have build up a resistance to them.  If your pet is sensitive like mine you might not want to run the risks of putting chemicals on their skin.  Here are a few of the things I use.

Lavender water-

This can be purchased pre-mixed from most health food stores or you can make some your self with lavender oil & water (use filtered water not tap water) Give it a good shake before using & spray your pet down before they go outside.  If your dog has a thick coat rub it in a bit after spraying.  It also helps with mosquitos & I even spray myself before going out side. Spray your pets bedding and around it with this mixture lightly as well.

 Flea collar

A flea collar is a great way to ward off fleas without always having to reapply something topically, and it keeps the flea control constant and steady.

You will need…

-3-5 drops of cedar oil or lavender oil I use both because it's a nice smell but the cedar oil might be to strong for some people, also make sure your pet doesn't have allergies to cedar before using. 
- 1-3 tablespoons of water
-Bandana OR your dog’s collar
-an eyedropper (optional)

Directions

Dilute 2-3 drops of your chosen oil in 1-3 tablespoons of water. Some people use the oil undiluted, but I personally feel it should always be diluted, even if it’s only by a little. Next, pick out a bandana to be the flea collar-I think a bandana is preferable because you can take it on and off and your dog’s collar won’t smell. It’s always fun to get creative with patterns and colors here. If you go up to ½ teaspoon you can use up to 5 drops of the liquid. Using an eyedropper or other similar means, apply 5-10 drops of the mixture to the bandana and rub the sides of the fabric together, and then tie it about your dog’s neck in a snazzy way. Reapply oil mixture to the collar once a week. 

 

Topical Oil

A good easy to use topical oil is mix a few drops of lavender oil or cedar oil with olive oil. Apply with an eye dropper to the base of the neck & base of the tail, the same places you would normally put a flea preventive.  Rub in a little, reapply weekly or after bathing. 

Flea deterring drink- can be used alongside any of these remedies.

You will need…

-1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar

Directions

For every 40 pound dog add 1 teaspoon of white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar to 1 quart of their drinking water.  My dogs seam to like the apple cider vinegar.  I add about 2 teaspoons to a full large bowl of drinking water. This can be done weekly. Not only does it deter fleas, it improves a pups skin and coat condition from the inside-out.

Flea be-gone bag

This little sachet contains things that smell pleasant to us, but that drive pests away from your pet.

You will need…

-Breathable fabric bag (such as muslin) You can make your own but lots of stores carry them. Little gossamer jewelry bags work great too!

-a rough handful of cedar chips
-1-2 teaspoons of dried lavender buds
-the peel of 1 lemon

Directions

Fill with a rough handful of fragrant cedar chips, 1-2 teaspoons of lavender, and 1 lemon peel. Place under your pets bed/bedding or near it to ward off fleas. Change the mixture every month or so. If you don't care for cedar or if your pet has an allergy just fill a bag with dried lavender buds.  Not only does it smell great but it will ward off most bugs!

 

Flea bath- wash your pup with this weekly to deter fleas.

You will need…

-A half a cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice*
-1 ½ – 2 cups of fresh water
-1/4 –1/2 cup of mild pet-friendly soap or shampoo

Directions

Stir together a half a cup of lemon juice, 1 ½ cups of water, and ¼ cup of mild pet-friendly shampoo or soap. Bottle and label and bathe weekly to keep fleas away.

*amounts will vary depending on the size of your dog. As a general rule of thumb, use 2 parts water to every ½ cup of soap and lemon juice.

 

*Always check with your vet before hand if your pet has been known to have reactions to anything in the past. 

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