No matter how much of a nature lover one can be, it sure is another thing to have these critters on you and your dogs. Fleas are everywhere and though we live in a city, I still battle fleas on my German Shepherd. If your dog is allergic to fleas as our dog is, well you will need to stay sharp on your combating tactics when it comes to these bloodsuckers.

For those nature loving holistic people, the following recipes can be a wonderful help. Since they are all natural, they will only help repel fleas, ticks and flies etc. and must be applied more frequently as well. 

Herbal Critter Repellent Mix: Dried peppermint, eucalyptus, bay leaf, marjoram, eucalyptus, rosemary, sage, clove buds.

Crush your botanicals well and fill a muslin bag or use it in the cedar chip mixture of your dog’s bed. The muslin bags can be placed near your dogs bedding area.

Tick Spritzer Blend:

2 drops of Lavender, Basil, Lemon, Opponax, Eucalyptus
1 tea spoon apple cider vinegar
1 tea spoon vodka
1 cup of dried marjoram, eucalyptus, rosemary
1- 2 cups of water

Please note that this tick repellent is not for treating or curing any tick related or other diseases. Contact your dog's vet in case you are concerned about a tick bite!

Flea Spritzer Blend:

2 drops of cedarwood, lemongrass, rose geranium
1 tea spoon AVC (organic apple cider vinegar)
1 tea spoon vodka
1 cup of dried peppermint, eucalyptus, bay leaf herbs
1- 2 cups of water

Keep in mind that the effectiveness of your blend will depend on the quality of your essential oils and herbs; therefore always buy therapeutic grade essential oils and organic botanicals/herbs. 

Add the essential oils and vodka in a bottle, tighten the lid and shake well. Once the mixture blended (should turn slightly white), add apple cider vinegar. If you have some herbs mentioned above you can make an herbal tea to use in your spritzer.

Boil 2-4 cups of water and remove from heat. Add your dried herbs in the water and let is simmer for 30 minutes. Once cool, drain and use instead of plain water in your spritzer. If you are using an herbal tea, this mixture must be kept in the refrigerator as the herbal teas have the tendency to go bad faster.

Once you have your spritzer you can use this by gently spraying it in to your dogs coat, legs, tummy and back. Rub it in well and apply it as necessary. Do not use any of the essential oils on your dogs face or around nose, ears and eyes. Respect the sensitive nose he/she has and go easy when using aromatic substances such as essential oils.

Check your dog often for fleas and ticks by play petting and inspecting. I always have the following handy when we are conducing an inspection. 

Keep in mind that not all ticks carry a disease causing organism, and just because you had a tick bite does not mean you will get Lyme disease. Even if a tick is a carrier, its bite may not always cause the development of disease, but proper caution and care always is crucial in prevention. If you see any abnormal rashes after a tick bite, you should consult your doctor or your dog's vet immediately.

"Ticks may carry various infectious organisms that can transmit diseases to cats and dogs, including the following (listed with possible symptoms): 

Being hikers, we always encounter ticks and carry our tweezers and a small jar of alcohol on each trip! Use a fine-point tweezers. Never squeeze the tick’s body. Try to grab it (with your tweezers) where it's mouth-parts enter the skin and pull gently without letting go, It will eventually
releases its hold by withdrawing its barbed mouth-part from your skin.

Do not try to pull it out within seconds – proper tick removal will take time and needs patience. Keep an eye on any abnormal rashes and consult your doctor if necessary. Once you have successfully removed the tick from your skin or your pets skin, we suggest that you store it in a small jar filled with alcohol for a few days before disposing it. Good luck and stay flea & tick free!

RESOURCES:

Earth-friendly flea and tick products:
Grrroom Dog, Tel: (866) 686-3626 / (201) 854-3001, www.cybercanine.com/fleaandticks.htm

Organic & Wild Crafted Essential Oils and Hydrosols:
Appalachian Valley, 132 Walnut Street, P.O. Box 515, Friendsville, Maryland 21531, 
Tel: (800) 342-6546 / (301) 746-5084, http://www.av-at.com

Cats and Aromatherapy Education
Lavender Cat, www.thelavendercat.com

HERBS:

Blessed Herbs, 1-800-489-HERB, http://blessedherbs.com/mainframea.html

GOOD BOOKS:

Herbs for Pets by Mary L. Wulff-Tilford
Veterinarians Guide to Natural Remedies for Dogs : Safe and Effective Alternative Treatments and Healing Techniques from the Nations Top Holistic Veterinarians by Martin Zucker
The Practice of Aromatherapy : A Classic Compendium of Plant Medicines and Their Healing Properties by Jean Valnet
Medical Aromatherapy: Healing with Essential Oils by Kurt Schnaubelt
Today's Herbal Health: The Essential Reference Guide by Louise Tenney

NOTE: The above recipes are for dogs only. Never use aromatherapy products on cats, birds or other exotic pets and animals. Always keep essential oils away from pets, kids and store them in a cool dark place and in glass containers. Never use essential oils undiluted "neat" on skin or coat. Each dog is different so always involve your trusted veterinarian when introducing a new holistic regime as certain herbs/essential oils may cause allergic reactions however natural or organic they may be.

© 2001 by Sevi Kay - Mundo L.L.C

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