Natural pet treatments to control fleas and ticks

Preventive measures go a long way in combating the parasites that pets inevitably come into contact with your pets, both from other animals and the environment.

For use on your dog, this treatment can also be sprayed on your pet's bedding. It smells good, too.

Ingredients

• 250 ml (1 cup) water
• 4–6 drops tea-tree oil
• 4–6 drops lavender oil

Directions

1. Mix ingredients together and pour into a spray bottle.
2. Keep sprayer by the door and spritz your dog or cat each time it goes outside, taking care to avoid the eyes.

Flea and tick shampoo can be purchased from health food shops and pet suppliers, or you can mix your own. Note: Don't ever use human shampoo on pets. It can cause significant skin problems.

Ingredients

• 50 ml (1/4 cup) oatmeal shampoo
• 50 ml (1/4 cup) water
• 4 drops tea-tree oil

Directions

1. Mix together in a bottle and shake well.
2. Shampoo your dog once a week, or as necessary.

• Groom your pet regularly with a flea comb. A flea collar may help, but fleas are becoming more resistant to the chemicals they contain.
• Use an insect growth regulator. This non-toxic and relatively new form of flea control works by transmitting hormones into the flea eggs and larvae, helping to reduce fleas as long as all pets in the household are treated with the same product. They are available from your veterinarian and come in a variety of forms, including aerosols that are sprayed directly onto your pet and your furnishings, and as tablets that you give your pet with its food.
• Add some brewer's yeast (available in health food shops) to your pet's food. It contains substances that produce a skin odour known to deter fleas. Use 30 g (2 tbsp.) yeast per four kg (9 lb.) of the animal's body weight and add to moist food.
• Wash your pet's bedding every week (and any fabric toys or rugs) in the hottest water the fabric can stand and leave to dry in the sun. Launder loose covers on furniture regularly as well, along with any rugs and curtains.
• Vacuum carpets, curtains and upholstered furniture once a week. Sprinkle a layer of table salt over your upholstery and carpets and leave overnight before vacuuming.