Recently we met Rachel Carroll from Genki Pet which is a fellow business in the Australian Pet Industry that focuses on Natural Therapies for Pets.
Rachel is passionate about Pets, so was the perfect choice to ask to write an article on Aromatherapy Pets for Issue 4 of Hooman Magazine.
While looking over her own blog articles at www.genkipet.com.au we found this one that we wanted to share and fortunately Rachel was more than happy too.
As most Pet Owners in Australia know Flea and Tick Season starts ramping up at the end of Winter / early Spring, so we thought sharing a article on using natural remedies for fleas and ticks now was perfect timing.
Enjoy ...
Want natural remedies for pet fleas and ticks?
Yes of course you do! We know how nasty those chemical repellents can be, but what to do about the equally nasty fleas and ticks then?
Allow us to give you our view about a safe solution for flea and tick prevention as Aromatherapists.
Natural remedies can take a little more time
Like lots of things, the natural and chemical free way of preventing fleas and ticks is a little more time consuming and needs to be done more regularly to be effective. The benefits of avoiding using synthetic chemicals on your pet, you and your home will far out way the little bit of extra effort.
Just think of the loving cleaning and grooming processes as extra time with your pet!
Some common sense
We recommend some common sense things you are probably already doing like:
- Using a good flea comb daily
- Vacuming super regularly, emptying the contents of the vacume into a sealed plastic bag and then freezing any fleas and their eggs that may be hiding in there.
- Taking this opportunity to throw your pet’s bedding as well as their collars, harnesses or Dog Coats in the washing machine followed by the disinfecting power of sunshine.
- Regular baths (weekly?) See recipe below.
- Introducing Nemotodes to your lawn and garden. They feast on fleas and their larvae! You can buy them at garden stores and they are not harmful to plants, pets or people. Yay!
- Putting a small amount (one drop) of each Essential Oil listed below onto a bandana or fabric collar and have your pet wear it. Begin with a trial period to check both your pet’s sensitivity to the oils and their effectiveness in repelling flea and ticks. Adjust Essential Oil quantity used according to your results. Be conservative in your approach – Less is always more! You will need to reapply the Essential Oils at least once per week, only after determining sensitivity and effectiveness.
What Essential Oils should I use?
Our specialty is Aromatherapy and Essential Oils, so we’ll tell you what you may choose to use with your pet for the prevention of fleas and ticks.
Important!
Essential Oil remedies generally will not kill fleas and ticks!
They work by repelling them with their scent, so technically the stronger the scent, the more effective the oil will be at repelling fleas and ticks.
But please remember two things:
- Generally oils with strong scents are strong oils and can have strong effects on things other than the fleas and ticks, like being sensitising to the skin or omitting vapours irritating to the eyes. Always use in well ventilated areas and add the oils to carrier liquids before use on your pet or you.
- Concentration is important when using strongly scented oils. Start with a small amount of each oil and increase your concentration over time while assessing your pet’s happiness and health. Why use an armoured tank when a shopping trolley will do?!
Natural remedies for pet fleas and ticks
These recipes are for medium to large adult dogs only.
Reduce concentration for small dogs and significantly for puppies.
FOR FLEAS
Shampoo
To 250mL of a natural shampoo base add:
4 drops Clary Sage
3 drops Citronella
3 drops Peppermint
4 drops Lemon Eucalyptus
4 drops Rosalina (Melaleuca Ericifolia – yes it’s in the Tea Tree family but is much more gentle and behaves more the child of Tea Tree and Lavender)
Spritz
To 250mL of filtered/purified water add:
1 mL of coconut or olive oil
PLUS Essential Oils, as listed above.
You can spray this on pet bedding, yourself, car seats, inside kennel and on the dog’s coat – avoiding sensitive areas.
FOR TICKS
Shampoo
To 250mL of a natural shampoo base add:
3 drops Geranium
2 drops Rosewood
4 drops Lavender
4 drops Clary Sage
1 drops Citronella
4 drops Lemon Eucalyptus
3 drops Peppermint
2 drops Tea Tree (Yes this is Tea Tree – please use top quality oil and keep the concentration low or substitute with Rosalina).
Spritz
To 250mL of filtered/purified water add:
1.5 mL of coconut or olive oils
PLUS Essential Oils, as listed above.
ALWAYS DILUTE Essential Oils for use with pets.
We like using liquid Castile Soap as a natural shampoo base.
We like following the Essential Oil Vet, Janet Roark DVM.
And we buy our highest quality oils by phoning Good Karma in Burleigh Heads QLD and they send them to us by post.
PH: 61+ (0)7 5576 1977
And for healthy, happy pets and great results, do ALWAYS use the highest quality oils, diluted.
Less is always more!
Let me know how you go!
In good health,
Rachel x