Keeping FIDO Pest Free the Natural Way!
February 01, 2013 • Health & Wellness
Keeping FIDO healthy and safe from pests can seem like a full time job. Yet, thanks to the power of natural alternative treatments, your favorite pup can stay healthy and active for many years - saving you frequent trips to the vet's office. (FIDO likes that !) The following comes from our new friend, guest blogger Bill Sweeney:
Dog Safe Pest Control Options: Fleas, ticks, worms, oh my! These are the common pests that are attracted to man's best friend. But if you've ever taken the time to read the ingredients found in some of the pest control products found at your vet's office, pet stores, and retailers; you'd probably realize fast that those are made of substances that potentially be harmful to your pet's health.
For an alternative to OTC pest control products for your favorite pooch, there are some safer options.
Lemongrass Oil for flying pests.
If your dog spends a lot of time outside during the warmer months, he may be prone to bites from flies, mosquitoes, and gnats - which can leave itchy and painful marks on your dog's skin. To stop these flying pests from biting, add 10 drops of lemongrass oil to a spray bottle filled with clean water, when spritz your dog from head to toe before heading outdoors. This natural pest deterrent works well on people too.
Getting rid of fleas with peppermint.
Fleas are one of the hardest pests to eliminate for your dog, but it's important to do so for his health. To repel fleas effectively, add a drop of peppermint oil to the back of your dog's neck behind his ears once a week. The scent of peppermint is noxious to fleas and they will stay far away. You can also use this on other furry pets, such as cats and gerbils, and it's also safe for young puppies and kittens. Avoid the eyes and nose of your pet as it can cause irritation.
Garlic keeps the bugs away.
An all-natural pest treatment is as close as your kitchen pantry. Garlic, which has long been revered for its disinfecting and bacteria fighting properties, is also an effective way to deter fleas and ticks. Simply grate a fresh clove of garlic into your pet's food once a week. Your dog won't smell the strong scent, but the bugs will.
Tea tree oil for hot spots and itchy skin.
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, Fido gets a few bug bites from playing outside or being exposed to flea bites. When this happens, he may start to bother a certain area of his tail or fur because it's irritating and itchy. This is called a hot spot, because the skin gets inflamed and hot. Rub a couple of drops of tea tree oil into your dog's hot spots to reduce itching and discomfort so they can heal.
Cloves and pumpkin seeds to eliminate worms.
Intestinal worms and heart worms can make your dog very sick if you don't take steps to prevent them. Fortunately, you can do this the natural way. To prevent worms, grind up pumpkin seeds and add a teaspoon to your pet's food once per day. To treat existing worms, add a teaspoon of ground cloves too. For severe cases of worms, which can be life-threatening, consult with your veterinarian.
About the Author: Bill Sweeney works in the pest control arena in Chicagoland. He lives with his wife and 2 kids in Naperville. He likes to write about pest control, click here to learn more by. In his free time he enjoys fishing and spending time with his children.
