There are tons of flea and tick preventatives on the market. A range of anything from collars to sprays, our pets can bathe in chemicals each and everyday! But, wait, you aren’t comfortable with your pet and your lawn drowning in chemicals? Well for people who feel the same way you do, there are natural remedies for your pet and your yard. Keep in mind that natural does not always mean safe, so it is up to you to conduct your own research about any product you may want to use.
Chemicals are not only harmful to our families and our pets, they are also harmful to our environment. The production process and disposal process is normally not too environmentally friendly. When you apply chemicals to your lawn (insecticides, fertilizers, etc.), the harmful runoff can reenter our water supply or build up in places that can be detrimental to animals. Sometimes, though, chemicals are necessary. If your pet has a severe flea infestation, then using a preventative for a couple of months is often the easiest and quickest solution. But, there is a point where you can control flea and tick infestations naturally. So, why would you continue to use a product that can be harmful?
For your lawn: There are a handful of herbs and plants that are effective in keeping fleas away. But, before you choose any plant or herb, check its toxicity to animals. If your dog likes to eat anything and everything green in your yard, then using plants to deter fleas may not be such a good idea. However, if the majority of the time your pet is outside is supervised, then you may be able to get away with using certain plants. Also, remember that one person’s remedy may not work for everyone due to a number of factors. If anything, the inexpensive plant may not keep the fleas away, but it may look great in your yard. No matter what, your pet’s health and wellbeing should be your top priority!
If you are looking for an herb, then Tansy is one such herb that has been known to deter those little pests. The plant produces small, yellow blooms, so it can look nice planted in your yard. Tansy can be toxic to your pet when consumed in large quantities. But, planting it around the outside perimeter of your pet’s pen (where he can’t joyfully munch on it) can be an effective flea deterrent. You can also plant the Tansy near the entrances to your home. Cedar is another natural flea repellent. When it is time to re-landscape or perform maintenance landscaping on your lawn, consider using cedar chips as mulch around your plants.
If plants are not an option, then look for an organic or chemical-free fertilizer. Visit your local pet store or take suggestions from a landscaper on which natural products can do the trick.
For your pet: If your pet is already suffering from an infestation, then it’s a good idea to take him to your veterinarian. Many natural remedies take longer to work than their chemical counterparts; and since your pet is suffering, he needs help immediately. Let your veterinarian decide what flea killer is right for your pet.
Now, if your indoor pet is flea free, then there are ways to naturally keep him free of fleas. Dabbing a small amount of eucalyptus or tea-tree oil on your pet’s collar once a week can help keep the fleas away. The aroma from the oil can also be calming for your pet depending on what type you use. But, you must also be careful when using oils. Certain oils need to be diluted in water before they are applied to the collar.
It is also a good idea to bathe your pet regularly with an organic flea shampoo, or spray him often with an organic flea spray. Just like your lawn, there are also natural products you can find at your pet store.
With any home remedy, it’s always important that you talk to your veterinarian first. If your veterinarian does not promote any type of natural treatment, then seek out a holistic vet. A knowledgeable veterinarian can lead you in the right “natural” direction, providing instructions, safety tips, and general guidance. It may take a little extra time, but using natural products can free your life from unnecessary chemicals.
