Most of the toxins found in dog and cat flea treatments are the same insecticides used for lawn care and commercial agriculture. Many of the chemicals have been linked to serious diseases such as cancer. These commercial treatments are also a source of indoor pesticide exposure. Healthy pets with a strong immune system are the least likely to have serious problems with ticks and fleas because they are less attractive to pests. But in same cases, exposure can’t be avoided. In addition to safe natural commercial options, here are some do-it-yourself safe tick and flea treatments you can try.
Vinegar
Not only can apple cider vinegar benefit dog and cat digestive systems by adding a teaspoon to their water bowl, but it is one of many safe tick and tick flea treatments. Spritz a little bit of raw and organic apple cider mixed with equal parts water on your pets to repel biting insects. Fleas and ticks do not like the smell and acidity of it and will stay away from anything that has vinegar residue on it. Vinegar is mild enough for cats as well. The same dilution of apple cider vinegar and water can also help soothe itchy skin if your pet has been bitten by a flea or tick, but it can help prevent bites altogether.
Essential Oils
Essential oils can be used by themselves or in addition to other safe tick and flea treatments. Although it’s common to hear that cats should not be exposed to essential oils, this is simply not true if done properly. According to the Animal Desk Reference (Second Edition) written by Melissa Shelton DVM, cats can tolerate the proper use of essential oils. For fleas in cats, she recommends applying oils such as Catnip, Geranium, or Eucalyptus citradora up to once a day. For dogs, there are dozens of options. You could experiment with Lemongrass, Rosemary, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Melaluca (tea tree), or Citronella to start. This can be applied directly on the dog or add a few drops to water for a bedding or body spritz.
Mixing essential oils with all-natural glycerin is great for a pet shampoo. Essential oils can also be added to a carrier oil like jojoba so that it can be rubbed in key spots on the body. Just be sure to use just a little bit on you or in a diffuser at first to “test out” how your animal responds to the essential oils you are going to try. Just like humans, pets will have their preferences. And because they can’t wash it off if they don’t like it, it’s best to make sure they are comfortable with the smell first.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is an all-natural substance made of the fossilized remains of ancient creatures called “diatoms.” It is usually sold as a fine powder that can be sprinkled into carpet or lawns. DE is deadly to tiny critters like fleas because it has microscopic sharp edges which make tiny slices in flea exoskeletons, causing dehydration and death.
Although DE is safe for animals and humans, it should not be inhaled, so be sure to wear a mask when applying it to carpet. Also make sure that none of your animals are around while the DE is on the carpet. Let the DE sit for several hours and then vacuum it up thoroughly. In addition, DE can be a great “dry bath” substance for kitties who are especially leery of water. Just be sure to keep it away from his or her face and use it sparingly.
Clean Living Areas
Most experts advise to keep your living areas clean as a proactive action to naturally keep fleas under control all year round. This is because flea reproductive cycles could last anywhere from two weeks to several months and females can lay to to 50 eggs per day. Cleaning up areas where fleas hide and lay eggs means you are getting at them before they repopulate. Weekly, or even daily, vacuuming of carpets and couch cushions, cleaning all pet bedding on a regular basis, washing and fine-tooth combing your pet, and using diatomaceous earth are all easy actions that can be combined with other safe tick and flea treatments.
Nematodes
It is also important to keep pests at bay in the areas directly outside your home – and you do not need to use harsh chemicals to do it. Nematodes are microorganisms that love to feed on flea larvae. Simply mix nematodes into your soil or spray them on your lawn and outside areas. They are harmful to fleas and their offspring but not to outside animals, humans, or pets.
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