Natural Flea Repellent for Pets

Natural ways to get rid of your pets' fleas:

Natural Flea Repellent for Pets
Treat Dogs and Cats with Garlic, Essential Oils to Repel Insects

© Victoria Anisman-Reiner
Apr 8, 2009
Natural Flea Repellents Protect Dogs and Cats, Mark Miller, morguefile.com
Essential oils and garlic offer a fool-proof natural way to control fleas and repel insects that bite and irritate dogs, cats, other furred pets, and humans.

If you have pets of any kind, chances are you've had the not-so-pleasant experience of fending off fleas, ticks, or other biting insects. Most people turn to flea control products offered by veterinarians and pet stores, but these can be toxic and even poisonous to children, adults, and even the dogs and cats themselves. There are natural, safe alternatives that will kill and repel fleas and other insects without harming people or pets.
Problems with Commercial Flea Products

Although the flea powder or flea collars offered by your local pet stores may look like the easiest solution, it's worth doing a bit of research before you buy. Chemicals present in most of the leading brands in flea control products have been linked with liver toxicity, seizures and other nervous system disorders, renal failure, and in the long run with cancer, diabetes, and other diseases.

Cats and kittens have died from overdoses of pesticides present in flea sprays. Some of these dangerous products have been withdrawn, but others remain on store shelves despite their potential to do serious harm.


Is There a Natural Option to Repel Fleas Without Poisoning Pets?

Although companies like Frontage and Advantage scoff at natural flea treatments, and even some vets dismiss their efficacy, there are a number of natural options that work wonders in eliminating fleas from pets, carpets, and homes.

The best time to use natural flea repellents is before your pet has fleas. Dosing your dog or cat with garlic or essential oils should start in early spring (in temperate areas), before flea season begins, and continue well into the fall. If you live in a region that is always warm enough to make fleas an ongoing risk, it's wise to take preventive measures to prevent fleas on an ongoing basis.
Garlic Repels Fleas and Biting Insects

One of the oldest and best natural remedies to repel fleas is garlic. Garlic can be administered fresh, ground onto pets' food, but the easiest (and less messy) way to use it is by purchasing dried or "odorless" garlic tablets from the health food store. These can be given to pets whole, or ground and fed on top of kibble or other food. Odorless garlic is coated so you won't smell it as much – but the fleas sure will, and they stay away.
Essential Oils for Flea Control

Essential oils are another tried and true, traditional way to repel fleas and biting insects. Almost any spicy or sharp essential oil will repel insects, but the best for getting rid of fleas are:

* Peppermint
* Lavender
* Spearmint
* Lemongrass
* Melaleuca

These oils and others can be applied to your pet's collar, or mixed in a spray bottle with water and misted onto your dog or cat's fur with care. Avoid citrus oils with cats; additives in non-organic citrus rind can be toxic to cats (as can additives and impurities in cheap essential oils). Essential oil quality is paramount, especially when using the oils on children or pets.
Reference

Stewart, David, Ph.D. "Essential Oils for Things That Bug You Around the House," Raindrop Messenger, 2007.

The copyright of the article Natural Flea Repellent for Pets in Herbal Medicine is owned by Victoria Anisman-Reiner. Permission to republish Natural Flea Repellent for Pets in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.


Natural Flea Repellents Protect Dogs and Cats, Mark Miller, morguefile.com
Natural Flea Repellents Protect Dogs and Cats


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