Helping Our Pets in the Summertime

Hot weather can be pretty tough on the furry members of our family.  The heat brings out fleas, ticks, causes dry skin and dehydration.  Here are some natural remedies to help you, and your four-legged children, get through the rest of the summer.

Flea Remedies

One of the biggest problems our pets have (and us) in the summer are those darn fleas.  Try these simple, but effective remedies to eliminate them:

Lemon – There is a chemical in lemons called limonene that kills and repels fleas.  You can juice lemons, mix the juice with water and spray your pets.  Lemon juice can also be added to your pet’s shampoo.

Apple Cider Vinegar – This is another great flea deterrent.   Always use an unpasteurized variety of vinegar (such as Bragg’s).  It can be used externally as a spray on both cats and dogs, or you can add 1 teaspoon to your dog’s water.  This will also help improve your dog’s skin and coat.

Lavender –  Lavender is a natural flea repellent.  You can use a concentrated lavender essential oil or make your own lavender water.  To make your own lavender solution, soak some lavender seeds overnight in some water.  Strain out the seeds and put the water in a spray bottle.

Lemon/Vinegar Flea Spray – Combine 2-3 drops of lavender oil (cedar oil can also be used), 1 c apple cider vinegar and 1 qt of fresh water.   This can be sprayed topically.  Be sure to avoid the face.  This is also an excellent combination to spray on pet beds or anywhere your pets spend a lot of time.

Fleas in the Yard – Go to your local garden shop or pet store and buy nematode worms and spread them around your yard. These worms like to eat flea larva.

Ticks

Rose geranium oil works very well as a tick deterrent for dogs and humans.  Put a drop between your dog’s shoulder blades and another drop on the base of the tail.  Ticks do not like tea tree oil either.  You can add a few drops to some water and use in a spray bottle.

Itchy or Irritated Skin

Brew some chamomile tea bags.  Cool the tea and put it into a spray bottle.  You can spray this on both dogs and cats to help soothe irritated skin.

Paws

Don’t forget your dog’s paws can burn on hot pavement or stones.  Cut out some cloth and wrap the paws so they look like little booties. Use velcro to keep the booties from falling off.  This is also useful if you live in very cold climate.

Natural remedies for cats & dogs are healthier than using chemical flea and tick formulas. They are often more effective too.

Wishing you and your pets, a pest-free summer.

To your Health!

Peter Gillham