Natural Flea and Tick Prevention

We hosted a class in the spring on the topic of ‘Essential Oils for Pets’ and we discovered several amazing ways we can use Pure Essential Oils for our dogs. One of the most popular topics, during and since the class, was how to use certified therapeutic grade essential oils in the prevention of fleas and ticks.

Natural Flea and Tick Prevention

We have long realized a healthy diet will support the goal by improving our dog’s immune system. This is priority when considering the damage a flea, tick, or mosquito can cause us or our pets. This is our checklist for promoting optimal health.

1. Healthy Diet
2. Flea and Tick Repellent Mist
3. Flea, Tick, and Mosquito Drops on a cotton bandanna collar.

ONE: Healthy Diet

We feed our pets and provide supplements from Life’s Abundance line of products. Read more about why we stand behind this product and why you should as well. Read our article “Life’s Abundance…Because, Nutrition Matters! and They Depend on You!”

TWO: Flea and Tick Repellent Mist

One way to use a natural mist repellent is to apply before going outside and after returning from training or playing outdoors (during flea/tick & mosquito season).

Recipe:

• 5 drops Lavender Pure Essential Oil &
• 5 drops Eucalyptus Pure Essential Oil,
• 12 oz glass mist bottle with 10 ounces distilled water.

Shake well before each use. Mist on your dog’s back of neck and back coat. Cover his eyes when misting to avoid contact with eyes. The combination of Lavender and Eucalyptus repels pests and ‘deters tick eggs from hatching’* (*based on an Ohio State University study). Additionally, Lavender and Eucalyptus oils have skin and coat conditioning properties to support healthy skin and coat.

BE CAUTIOUS: If your dog is old enough, and ONLY IF YOU ARE using a Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil, the mist is safe, effective, and can also be used on people. So we are also protected and will not carry pests inside after going outside with our dogs.

In the case of puppies and essential oils. If you have a puppy and would like to have a specific EO combination, and dilution recommendation, please comment below with your question, your puppy’s age, weight, and breed. OR, address your question to our Pet Wellness Advocate.

THREE: Cotton Bandanna Collar Method

Another way to use natural flea and tick prevention repellent is by using the oils on the ‘’outside away from the skin’’ area of a cotton bandanna collar.

1. Start with a well-made cotton bandanna, the right size for your dog (not too tight or too loose).
2. Put 3 drops each of Lavender and Eucalyptus oil on the bandanna ‘away from the skin’ to prevent potential sensitive skin reaction from direct contact.
3. Reapply as needed* when the scent fades.

NOTE: *How long the cotton bandanna collar treatment will last depends on several factors; Climate, Temperature, Humidity, Activity level of your pet, and Moisture (if he/she goes swimming, or decides to play in a puddle for example). Check the scent intensity once a day until you determine how long the treatment will last in your climate, humidity, and activity level of your dog.

Read More Essential Oils for Dogs Series
Read More Natural Pet Health Series
Read More Getting Lifestyle Right Series