Natural, Homemade Flea and Tick Remedies

The reason I developed Opie & Dixie products (starting with Flax Fur Pets) in the first place was because of Opal’s flea allergy years ago. Ever since that one experience, none of our animals have ever had fleas. What a blessing, as I know from that experience that fleas make both us and our pets miserable.  The blood sucking insects feed on human and animal flesh and can cause hives and itching in the infected areas.  An alternative to medicated products for flea and tick protection is homemade flea wipes, powders, and sprays. These are natural, inexpensive, and provide instant relief for infested dogs and cats.  A trip to your local drugstore or health food store will put you into contact with many of the ingredients needed to whip up your own natural flea wipes, powders, and sprays.

Where to Find Recipes

A number of websites and books list recipes for organic flea repellants.  Here are a few of the better ones:

• Organic Pet Digest’s Natural Flea Control Recipe contains ingredients like Eucalyptus, Rosemary, and Fennel.  You can use the mixture as often as needed but you should take your pet outside to be treated.  This will prevent the fleas from taking over your home.

• Family Herbal Remedies has a spray recipe that uses Eucalyptus Oil and Wintergreen Oil.  It is recommended to use it up to 3 times a week.  You can spray both your home and your pets with the mixture.
• Wendy Nan Rees and Kristen Hampshire’s Dog Love’s Daily Companion: 365 Days of Tips, Tricks, and Techniques for Living a Rich Life With Your Dog includes a recipe for flea wipes.  These items can be created in bulk for very little money and stored in a closeable container which makes fighting fleas convenient and portable.

Purchasing Herbal Products

If you can’t find the time or the ingredients to fight fleas on your own, consider buying a product like Opie & Dixie’s Herbal Shampoo to use after treating your pet.  This winning combination of aloe vera, lavender, rosemary, sage, and tea tree oils help soothe dry, itchy, flaky skin. The results are truly startling!

When it comes to treating fleas, the sooner you get started the better.  Make sure to flea bomb your home and wash all bedding that has come into contact with your pet.  Keep an all natural treatment like a flea spray or box of flea wipes with you when you spend time outdoors with your pet for instant relief.