Canine Fleas and Ticks

Combat with Herbs and Essential Oils

No matter how much of a nature lover one can be, it sure is another thing to have these critters on you and your dogs. Fleas are everywhere and though we live in a city, I still battle fleas on my German Shepherd. If your dog is allergic to fleas as our dog is, you will especially need to stay on top of your combating tactics when it comes to these bloodsuckers.

For those holistic followers the following recipes can be wonderful remedies. Since they are all natural, they will only help repel fleas, ticks and flies etc. and must be applied more frequently as well.

Herbal Critter Repellent Mix:
Dried peppermint, eucalyptus, bay leaf herbs, marjoram, eucalyptus, rosemary, sage, clove buds.

Crush your botanicals well and fill a muslin bag or use it in the cedar chip mixture of your dogs bed. The muslin bags can be placed near your dogs bedding area.

Tick Spritzer Blend:

• 2 drops of Lavender, Basil, Lemon, Opoponax, Eucalyptus
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vodka
• 1 cup of dried marjoram, eucalyptus, rosemary
• 2 cups of water

Flea Spritzer Blend:

• 2 drops of cedarwood, lemongrass, rose geranium
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vodka
• 1 cup of dried peppermint, eucalyptus, bay leaf herbs
• 1- 2 cups of water

Add the essential oils and vodka in a bottle, tighten the lid and shake well. Once the mixture blended (should turn white), add apple cider vinegar. If you have some herbs mentioned above you can make an herbal tea to use in your spritzer.

Boil 2-4 cups of water and remove from heat. Add your dried herbs in the water and let is simmer for 30 minutes. Once cool, drain and use instead of plain water in your spritzer. If you are using an herbal tea, this mixture must be kept in the refrigerator as the herbal teas have the tendency to go bad faster.

Once you have your spritzer you can use this by gently spraying it in to your dogs coat, legs, tummy and back. Rub it in well and apply it as necessary. Do not use any of the essential oils on your dogs face or around nose, ears and eyes. Respect the sensitive nose he/she has and go easy when using aromatic substances such as essential oils.