That period has come when you observe that your pet is restless, and constantly trying to get something off his body. Indeed, there exist several chemical treatments and collars that are effective in repelling these annoying pests. Still, you may be worried that these chemicals may be unsafe for your children to touch. You could also consider using oral drugs that can terminate these biting insects. But if you aren’t a fan of medication for one reason or the other, you could try natural flea remedies. According to several vets, if you choose to adopt natural flea remedies, you have to administer them alongside a more traditional preservative.
Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other biting insect are known to be carriers of certain life-threatening diseases such as heartworm, Lyme disease including tapeworms. For pets that are not on a traditional monthly medicated flea, blood testing every three to six months is highly recommended. The blood test will help to check for heartworm and tick-borne disease.
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Any individuals who own a pet with fur will surely face the nightmare of having to deal with fleas and ticks. Sometimes, finding a good way to prevent fleas from infesting the body of your pets may seem impossible. Therefore, individuals are usually left with the choices of spending huge amount of money to spray their homes with certain chemicals which unknown to them is detrimental to human health. Recently, people have embraced an effective and affordable method to get rid of these obnoxious pests. Essential oils can be quite effective in repelling fleas and ticks, and some of these oils can also help in eliminating these troublesome critters.
Ticks are naturally scared of essential oils. They look for their prey by picking up their scent, and essential oils don’t only mask the scent of a dog or a cat, they also help in driving away these obnoxious pests.
Essential oil boasts of several uses, which includes aromatherapy, natural medicine and beauty care. Since essential oils are gotten naturally, individuals often feel that they are the best alternative to standard medications like antibiotics and antiseptics. According to some essential oil manufacturers, these oils are effective pesticides, and I guess you currently think you could use these oils on your pets to repel fleas and ticks.
The genuine truth remains that essential oils are very effective and if used in an undiluted manner, they can end up harming your cats or dogs.
What are essential oils?
These oils are concentrated liquids that consist of certain volatile constituents that are derived from plants. Essential oils are known to be volatile simply because the molecules that are present in essential oils can quickly change its form from a liquid or solid state into gas or aroma form. Essential oil is normally diluted for various uses.
Benefits of using essential oils to repel fleas and ticks
Many people decide to adopt the approach of using essential oils to combat fleas and other annoying pests that trouble our pets because essential oils are natural and don’t pose as any harm to our pets when utilized in the right way and quantity. Of course, the use of medications is another great way to kill fleas. Still, with long-term or incorrect use, these medications end up causing some medical issues such as skin irritation, vomiting, and respiratory problems. Also, making your dog take certain medication can be a hard task. If you continue using the same medication, the fleas may eventually develop immunity.
Essential oils can repel fleas, and they can also help in relieving the inflammation and scratching that comes with the pest’s bite. There are several essential oils out there that boast of antiseptic properties which can be very helpful in healing flea bites as well as sores and skin irritation that is as a result of scratching. Trimming your dog nails is also an effective way of reducing this problem.
Dangers that comes with the use of some essential oils
As discussed, essential oils are great in repelling fleas and ticks, but not all essentials oils are right for your pets; some can affect the health of your pet. Ensure that you carry out in-depth research on whatever essential oil you plan on using on your dog or cat.
Also, ensure that you don’t use undiluted essential oils on either your pet or on yourself. It can be very harmful when your pet is exposed to anything more than a minute quantity of essential oils. In blending your essential oils before applying them on your pet, make sure that you utilize a carrier oil. Below are a few types of carrier oils:
- Coconut oil
- Evening Primrose oil
- Jojoba oil
- Castor oil
- Olive oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Avocado oil
Oils like pennyroyal oil can be harmful when it makes direct contact on your skin or that of your pet. There are few oils out there that can cause skin conditions like sun sensitivity, while some oils tend to react in a terrible way when merged with other medications. The bottom line is: make sure you perform your research on which essential oils are good, and the ones that are harmful to the health of your pets.
Safety First Tips
Be careful when making use of essential oils
Exercise care when applying essential oils and ensure that you don’t apply them in excess quantity. Always recall that the sense of smell of your pet is often greater than yours.
- Essential oils that are concentrated needs proper dilution before usage
- The essential oil should be applied to your pet in an area that is very ventilated and breezy
- Do not spray essential oils on your dog’s face.
Allow your dog to perceive each bottle, undiluted, with the cover still on; then afterwards, scrutinize his reaction. Don’t force the oils on your dog, let him refuse or accept it on his own accord.
Most people choose an easy safe PMD based oil
What is PMD?
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PMD (p-menthane-3,8-diol) is the substance found in essential oil compounds that is responsible for deterring biting insects, problem is it only exists in nature in very low quantities of 1/2%. Luckily a lab in the UK use a natural process to extract just the PMD from Eucalyptus citriodora oil making a highly effective concentration of 64%. So its still safe and natural but its scent has the effectiveness to rival even chemical pesticides.
Safe solution for pets
Because PMD gets its power from its citrus aroma it can function as a wearable (bracelet/collar) and can be infused into materials during the manufacturing process for long life span while having a strong repelling effect for pets and humans.
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Ensure you dilute concentrated essential oils
Before applying essential oils on your pet, make sure you dilute them with a carrier oil. Ensure that you make use of carrier oils like
- Jojoba oil
- Avocado oil
- Grapeseed
- Coconut oil
Make use of 5 drops and dilute 80-90%
RECOMMENDED ESSENTIAL OILS FOR FLEAS AND TICKS
Below are a few effective and harmless essential oils that you can use for your pets.
Lavender oil
The aroma that comes with this oil can help safeguard your dogs from fleas. This oil which can repel ticks, also makes it quite impossible for the eggs of these troublesome pests to hatch. Lavender oil calms the skin of your dog, and it also keeps it away from infection. Include about five drops of undiluted lavender essential oil to the shampoo of your dog. To keep the fleas and the ticks at bay, diffuse your lavender oil in your home.
Lemongrass oil
Just like lavender oil, the lemongrass oil repels fleas as well. Generally, fleas despise the fragrance of this oil. The major ingredient of this oil (Citral and geraniol) tend to act as a natural repellent. Include about five drops of this oil to a bowl of water so you can mix your spray, then use this spray on the coat of your pet. You can as well diffuse the oil at home.
Peppermint oil
Unlike other essential oils, this oils does not kill fleas, but they help terminate flea larvae. Peppermint oil helps to relieve the skin of certain unpleasant conditions that comes with flea bites such as skin irritation, and inflammation. On the area that is affected, apply a moderate amount of peppermint oil to help your pet recover.
Rosemary oil
This oil is known to irritate the skin more than other essential oils. A little drop of this oil on the collar of your dog and bedding makes it an effective flea repellent. Include about 5-8 drops of this oil to the shampoo of your dog, doing so can help chase the fleas and fasten the healing process.
Neem Oil
This oil can help in repelling ticks and fleas. It is a well-known natural remedy for several ailments. The neem oil can be diluted 1:10 with the aid of any light carrier oil you can lay your hands on. You can also include little drops of this essential oil to the shampoo of your dog or cat to chase away ticks and fleas. For the optimum outcome, bathe your dog 2-3 times a week.
Rose Geranium oil
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Using the diluted form of this oil on your dog isn’t bad. Apply a drop behind each shoulder blade and a drop close to the base of the tail.
Cedar oil
This oil is known as the go-to repellent for your pets. You can use cedar oils on your dogs and pets or in your home. Cedarcide is a very effective flea and tick spray which can be used for humans and pets. Include little drops of this oil to carrier oil.
Diffusing this essential oil will cause the release of anti-parasitic molecules that helps in terminating fleas and ticks on the body of your pets.
Thyme essential oil
Thyme naturally is a great bactericide, pesticide, and fungicide. This oil can help repel fleas, ticks, and other troublesome insects.
Citronella essential oil
This oil is very effective in repelling fleas, ticks, and all sorts of pests! Citronella can be used on dogs, but shouldn’t be used on cats.
Clove essential oil
The clove essential oil is another effective insecticide that can be very helpful in your fight against fleas. Clove oil can be included in your laundry when your dog bedding is being washed. For the best outcome, you can also add this oil to your dog’s collar. Ensure you don’t use this oil for your cat; as cats and clove oil are incompatible.
Basil essential oil
This oil consists of some compounds that can repel obnoxious pests such as fleas including mosquitoes. The basil essential oil isn’t just a natural repellent; it is also a plant. The basil plant can beautify your landscape, and it can also help in keeping the fleas at bay.
Note: In making use of these essential oils, you should have it in mind that the oils that are good for dogs may not be good for cats.
ESSENTIAL OIL FOR CATS
Cats can only tolerate neem oil. Neem oil is effective in repelling ticks and fleas from the body of cats. Include a small quantity of this oil into the shampoo of your cat. You can also add a small quantity of this oil to the collar of your cat; as it can help in repelling fleas.
Rosemary and geranium can also be used to repel fleas and ticks on your cat, provided you dilute them. Mix four drops of geranium and rosemary oil to a cup of water and spray on the fur of your cat while avoiding its face.
Other ways to safeguard your pets
Aside from using essential oils, you can adopt a few measures to ensure that ticks and fleas have no business with your pets. Yard maintenance is a way to keep the ticks and fleas at bay. Ensure that you mow your grass frequently, discard piles of leaves which could be breeding place for these pests, and also clean up bushes around.
Ultimately, if you are making use of an anti-tick product for your pets, ensure you carry out a regular check up on them, the same way you would assess yourself for ticks after going on a hike.
The use of insect repellent spiral bands
Here lies another effective strategy that can be used to ward off pests. Our insect repellent spiral bands are very effective in repelling stubborn pests from your pets. These bands which can be used as collars can help in defending your pets against various harmful pests. They come in several designs and colours and are very affordable. If you don’t support the use of essential oils on your pests, you can go for this repellent spiral bands here
Source: https://gardencourte.com
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