PART 3. THE REMEDIES
10
AROUND THE HOUSE
FLEAS
Warnings posted on conventional chemical-based flea repellents provide reason enough to look for natural, nontoxic solutions that are safe for you and your pets. Sure, you can use these indoor-outdoor remedies alone, but they’re most effective when used together to address fleas outside as well as inside your home. Because natural treatments last for just a short time, vigilant reapplication is a must.
Lavender Flea Repellent
YIELD: ABOUT 4 OUNCES
STORAGE: GLASS BOTTLE
TIME: 5 MINUTES
These simple flea drops are safe for cats and dogs, and the lavender keeps fleas away. Be sure to avoid your pet’s face when using, as essential oils can burn delicate eye tissue.
4 ounces olive oil
1 teaspoon lavender essential oil
1.In a glass bottle, combine the olive oil and the lavender essential oil.
2.Shake for 20 seconds to blend.
3.Pour a small amount of the solution onto your hand and rub it onto your pet’s fur.
4.Store in a cool, dark place.
Use 5 to 6 drops for a cat or a small dog under 15 pounds, about ¼ teaspoon for a dog between 15 and 25 pounds, and ½ teaspoon for a dog weighing up to 40 pounds. For dogs over 40 pounds, apply 1 teaspoon at a time. Apply to outdoor pets daily. Others should be treated every 2 to 3 days.
Cedar–Witch Hazel Flea Spray
YIELD: 4 OUNCES
STORAGE: BOTTLE WITH A SPRAY TOP
TIME: 5 MINUTES
This natural flea repellent is ideal for your dog, and can be used on your shoes and trouser legs to help keep fleas and other bugs from hitching a ride while you’re enjoying the outdoors.
4 ounces witch hazel extract
80 drops cedar essential oil
1.In a glass or plastic bottle with a spray top, combine the witch hazel and cedar essential oil.
2.Shake well before each use.
3.Spray onto your pet’s fur.
4.Store in a cool, dark place.
For outdoor dogs, reapply daily. For dogs that spend most of their time indoors, reapply every 2 to 3 days. For cats, formulate a similar spray with lavender essential oil instead of cedar.
Lavender–Eucalyptus Flea Shampoo
YIELD: 2 CUPS
STORAGE: PLASTIC SHAMPOO BOTTLE
TIME: 5 MINUTES
Instead of bathing your pet with toxic chemicals, try this quick herbal flea shampoo made with old-fashioned hand dishwashing soap. While gentle on pets’ sensitive skin, this thick, sudsy soap kills fleas by dissolving their exoskeletons.
2 cups dishwashing soap
1 teaspoon lavender essential oil
1 teaspoon eucalyptus essential oil
1.In a bowl, combine all of the ingredients and stir well to mix.
2.Transfer the soap to a plastic squeeze bottle. A clean shampoo bottle will do.
3.Wet your pet with warm water.
4.Scrub your pet with the shampoo, using enough to suds up the entire body. Be sure to apply in all of the places fleas like to hide—underarms, ears, area beneath the tail, and between the toes.
5.Leave the suds on the pet for 5 minutes to be sure fleas are killed.
6.Rinse thoroughly, towel dry, and give your pet a treat.