Summertime is the perfect time to relax outdoors with family and friends, but it’s also the season when pesky pests like fleas and ticks can make your life and your pet’s life a little bit harder. Flea prevention in dogs can be accomplished with traditional methods like topical treatments, but some pet owners prefer a more natural approach using homeopathy. Looking for ways to protect yourself and your loved ones (especially the furry ones) from these critters? Check out these homeopathic tips for keeping them at bay:
1. Dish soap baths
A bath with gentle dish soap can provide temporary relief for your pet if they have a few fleas. Simply mix one tablespoon of soap with one quart of warm water and bathe your pet as you normally would. The dish soap will kill fleas on your pet’s body, and the warm water will help to loosen them from your pet’s fur. After the bath, comb your pet’s fur with a fine-toothed comb to remove any remaining fleas and their eggs. Alternatively, you could use a flea comb to remove fleas and their eggs from your pet’s fur.
2. Diatomaceous earth
This is a natural substance that can kill fleas and ticks. It works by absorbing the oils and waxy cuticles from the pests’ exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die. This substance can be found in some pet stores or online and used in your home and on your pets. To use this substance for flea prevention, sprinkle it around the areas where your pets spend the most time, such as their beds or carpeted areas. You can add it to your vacuum cleaner bag to help remove fleas and their eggs from your carpets and upholstered furniture.
3. Flea and tick deterring plants
Flea and tick-repelling plants, such as lavender, citronella, and eucalyptus, can be planted in your yard or kept in pots around outdoor seating areas. These plants can also be used in homemade sprays for treating your pets and their bedding. Also, encourage your friends and neighbors to plant these plants in their yards to create a barrier against pests. However, it is important to note that these plants should be combined with other prevention methods, such as tick checks and topical treatments, for effective tick and flea prevention.
4. Lemon spray
This is a natural flea and tick repellent and can be used to make a safe homemade spray for your pet. Mix one cup of lemonade juice with two cups of water and put it in a spray bottle. Then, lightly spritz your pet’s fur with the lemon spray, avoiding their eyes and ears. You can also use this spray around your home, in areas where your pet spends time, to help keep fleas and ticks away.
5. Baking soda
This substance can be a natural flea and tick repellent. This is because it has a chemical structure similar to diatomaceous earth and therefore works similarly to dehydrate and kill fleas and ticks. To use baking soda for flea and tick prevention, sprinkle it around areas where your pets spend time. You can, again, add it to your vacuum cleaner bag to help remove fleas and their eggs from your carpets and upholstered furniture.
While these homeopathic methods may not be 100% effective, they can help reduce the number of fleas and ticks in your home. Together with other tick and flea prevention methods, such as tick checks and topical treatments at your veterinarian’s office, these homeopathic methods can help keep your home and your pet flea tick-free.
