Flea/tick repelllent
Posted by lotus42 on May 12, 2008 · Member since Mar 2007 · 3081 posts
I'm sure this has been discussed before, but I couldn't find it when I searched. Do any of you know of a flea/tick repellent for dogs that is a natural alternative to Advantix and the like?
I know that a combo of eucalyptus/lavender/cedar/rosemary oils works well.....unfortunately, each time I see the recipes, I ignore them due to my allergies to eucalyptus and lavender!
Here is a good link for some possibilities:
http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/petallergies.htm#external
I've used the neem oil in the past, during peak season. I also use Bert's Bees Natural Insect repellent, especially prior to a trip to meet other dogs that may or may not have fleas. It is mostly eucalyptus and lemongrass oil.
Are you thinking about getting a dog, or is this for a friend? I ask because without a doubt the best way to control fleas is to feed them a healthy diet, keep their coat strong, and brush them often. Somewhere around 5 years ago, I became really diligent with this approach and have not had another problem.
You are welcome to e-mail me if you have any specific questions.
My family uses the advantage drops :-\ Probably not good for them or for the animals it was no doubtly tested on. :-[
Here is a good link for some possibilities:
http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/petallergies.htm#external
I've used the neem oil in the past, during peak season. I also use Bert's Bees Natural Insect repellent, especially prior to a trip to meet other dogs that may or may not have fleas. It is mostly eucalyptus and lemongrass oil.
Are you thinking about getting a dog, or is this for a friend? I ask because without a doubt the best way to control fleas is to feed them a healthy diet, keep their coat strong, and brush them often. Somewhere around 5 years ago, I became really diligent with this approach and have not had another problem.
You are welcome to e-mail me if you have any specific questions.
Thanks. That site looks helpful. I'm asking on behalf of my parents. They have the awesomest chihuhua-ztshi-zu (sp?) mix. I never thought I could dig a small dog, but she is so awesome. Anyway, they have tried Advantage, but I think use Advantix now. Are those even 2 different things? I don't know. Anyway, she doesn't have a problem with fleas, really, just needs something. You know? Although, the condo they rented at the beach required proof of approved flea treatment. Anyway, again, I mentioned using something natural to my mom and she seemed interesting.
Avon has a line called "Skin-So-Soft", or something like that. Anyway, they have an oil that smells really good, and we used it on my old dog Maggie. It made her coat nice and shiny, she smelled fabulous, and no fleas/flies landing on her. I do not know the ingredients, but we were told by our vet, who hated Advantage and those kinds of things. And it's pretty cheap, so yet another bonus ;)b
I just happened to have a recipe for a flea repellent on my desk that I've been meaning to take home:
Ingredients:
3 drops eucalyptus globulus
3 drops lavender
3 drops lemon
3 drops lemongrass
4 ounces distilled water
Container:
4 ounces dark glass spray bottle
Instructions:
Shake and spay on pet and rub on areas where fleas tend to congregate
Hope this helps
Yes, do avoid commercial flea repellents, especially flea collars. The companies operate by making more money selling collars than they lose in lawsuits due to dead pets. Sad, but true.
Also be careful with essential oils, either alone or in mixes. Make sure you research anything you plan to apply. Some of them are toxic on the skin (and might be really, really toxic for, say, a pet to lick off its fur), and even those that aren't toxic can cause uterine contractions that can threaten a pregnancy, etc.
Good luck!