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With summer coming and our pugs spending more and more time outside, we need to think about fleas and ticks. My veterinarian told me they are especially bad this year because we didn’t have a long hard freeze this last winter. Being proactive about your dog’s care is better than ending up with an infestation of fleas or a dog with a tick-borne illness.
Should I use a flea/tick preventative
The short answer is maybe but you always want to be careful not to use harsh chemicals on your dog. The chemicals are not safe and can cause other health issues. Also, many pests are becoming resistant to the chemicals so there is no real guarantee that the chemicals will work for an extended period of time.
Are there safer methods?
Yes! Here are a few suggestions:
Try Citrus Juices
–Try citrus juices. You can squeeze some citrus juice (like orange, lemon or grapefruit juice) on your pet’s fur but I prefer squeezing some juice into a small plastic spray bottle. You can mist a little of this on your pet’s fur and it won’t irritate his skin like full strength juice might. Fleas hate citrus so it discourages them from hiding in your pet’s hair. Avoid spraying it near your pet’s eyes. I do use the citrus around my pet’s head, but I wipe some on a washrag, then just lightly wipe it on the head area.
Make a D0-IT-YOURSELF lemon flea spray- Slice about 6 lemons in half. Boil them in water on your stove for approximately 10 minutes. Then let that mixture sit overnight. In the morning, take the lemon halves out, then strain the mixture to get out any remaining lemon pieces. Put the lemon mixture in a spray bottle and spray on your dog occasionally. Fleas hate the smell of lemons.
A bath reveals pests
–Give your pet a bath if you notice fleas or ticks. Pouring warm water on your pet will cause most fleas to come to the surface of the hair. You can use Dawn dish soap to kill the fleas and ticks, but it does tend to dry out the skin. I use an Oatmeal shampoo on my pug. Use a flea comb or a furminator brush to check for any remaining fleas as you dry your pet.
Vacuum regularly
–Vacuum often in the summertime. If a flea or tick gets on your pet, chances are they may drop off in your home. Vacuum regularly in the summer to keep them from crawling back on your pet or from hatching out in your home. Wash any surfaces your pet lays on often (sheets, rugs, pillows, etc…)
Have your pet wear clothes
–If you are going to be in a wooded area (like going on a hike), you can put a t-shirt on your dog to help keep the ticks off of him; however, in the summertime, it he may get overheated if wearing a shirt. If you do use a shirt, make sure it is made of a light fabric and is light colored.
Essential Oils work
–Essential Oils are an option. You can dilute some essential oil (that are safe for pets) and use them in water sprays or with your shampoo when giving your dog a bath. Some essential oils that can be diluted in water are: Lavender, peppermint, lemongrass and cedar oils. Rose geranium is also safe (put one drop behind each shoulder blade and one drop near the base of your dog’s tail).
–DO-IT-YOURSELF Rosemary spray- Put a handful of rosemary leaves into boiling water and simmer on low for about 30 minutes. Take off the heat and let cool until warm. Strain the mixture. Put into a spray bottle and either spray the mixture on your dog’s fur or spray into your hand and rub on his fur. This smell is pleasant for humans, but fleas hate the smell of rosemary.
Try Coconut Oil
–Coconut Oil- Coconut oil works to repel fleas and ticks because of the lauric acid in it. You can melt it or simply rub it between your hands, then rub on your dog’s fur. It is wonderful for skin because it moisturizes while protecting your dog from summer pests.
Baking soda and salt mixture
–A mixture of baking soda and salt- These two ingredients mixed together make a dehydrating agent. Mix together, then spread around your home, let it sit a bit, then vacuum up. If there are fleas in your home, they will snack on this mixture and dry themselves out.
Vinegar is another option
— Vinegar can also be used to repel fleas and ticks. You can even add it to your pet’s water, if you want ( 1 tsp per quart of water). I like to put it in a spray bottle with water (1:1 mixture) and spray it on my dog’s coat. You can use either regular vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
https://www.foxnews.com/health/5-natural-solutions-for-flea-and-tick-prevention
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/article/20130409/lifestyle/304099811
Any one else have any other unique natural tips for repealing fleas or ticks? We would love to hear them. Please leave them in the comments.
Until next time,
Hugs and Pug Kisses,
Candy
Great stuff