ASK THE VET, with Dr. Pat: Natural Options for Flea Control
Dogs

ASK THE VET, with Dr. Pat: Natural Options for Flea Control


by Pat Bradley, DVM
(c) Carrie Boyko
Patti with
Sully, Pip and Smudge


Dr. Pat,

I see you use holistic practices as well as conventional.  How do you feel about using essential oils such as red thyme, cedarwood, citronella on a bandana to put around my dogs' necks to repel fleas when I take them on their walks?  I use Comfortis but fleas still jump on them when we are walking.

Thank you!

Patti
-------------------------------------------


Hello Patti:

What a great idea! Essential oil on a bandana makes the dog less attractive to what you don't want--fleas--and more attractive to what you do want--admiration of your cute canine BFF!

Essential oils are very concentrated, so another advantage of the bandana is that it keeps the oil from making direct contact with your dog's skin.

If your dog is large, there might be too much territory between the two ends for the bandana to be effective. Incredibly, fleas are athletic enough to jump onto even a fast-moving, wagging tail! (You don't have to LOVE fleas, but you have to be amazed at the things they can do. And give them credit; they are outsmarting chemical manufacturers so far. We make chemicals that absolutely get rid of fleas, however, they absolutely get rid of humans and dogs, too.)

So, in the case of a large dog, spritz the coat before walking with homemade repellent spray:

  • Two or three drops of an essential oil
  • 1 cup of distilled or spring water
  • Put into a spray bottle.
  • Shake well, spray and GO!
Any of the essential oils that you mentioned could be used. You might need to try several before finding the best one for your geographical ara. One of my very favorites is peppermint oil.

And then--you knew it was coming--a list of the cautions:
  • Essential oils are toxic to cats, so DON'T DO THIS WITH CATS!!
  • Chemically-sensitive dogs can get headaches or nausea from essential oils. Watch for signs that your dog isn't feeling well during or after exposure.
  • Don't let dogs (or children) chew on the bandana. While the oils are generally safe, they can cause diarrhea or vomiting in sensitive critters.
Happy trails!
Dr. Pat
(c) photo courtesy of P. Bradley
















Write to [email protected] with your question for Dr. Pat.









For a personal consultation about your pet's needs, visit Holistic Veterinary Services.

Dr. Pat's opinion or advice does not replace an actual exam with a veterinarian

Related Reading:
No More Ticks for Tanner
Flea Season is Here. What's a Pup to Do?

Top Blogs Digg! Pets Blogs all things dog Dog Blogs - Blog Catalog Blog Directory blogarama - the blog directory Blog Directory


Visit Adopt a Dog Park
Help protect our precious dog parks
© Carrie Boyko, all rights reserved

Follow All Things Dog at Twitter    Find me at Facebook    Dog Blogs - BlogCatalog Blog Directory
© copyright Carrie Boyko, all rights reserved
Delicious
Bookmark this on Delicious




- Ask The Vet, With Dr. Pat: Easy, At-home Treatments For Doggie Dry Skin
by Pat Bradley, DVM Dry Skin Can Be Easily Treated at HomeHello Dr. Pat: I could write 10 questions but will keep it to just one. My Ramsey, a Pitbull/Bloodhound mix (I know...a nose driven terrier. funny) has a problem with dry skin. His vet says...

- Natural Flea Control For Dogs And Cats
By Linda Cole They're baaaack! Fleas are once again climbing from their hiding cracks and crevasses and mounting an invading army with your pet as the target. Many pet owners wrestle with the same question every summer. Do I stick with the usual...

- How To Deal With Dog Fleas And Ticks
Spring and summer are sure wonderful times of the year, but if you’re a dog owner, don’t forget these months are also the dreaded flea and tick seasons. Your dog can get fleas or ticks from a stray animal, or from an environment infested with the...

- Natural Solutions For Flea Control For Pets
For as long as domesticated pets have roamed the halls and households of their owners, fleas and ticks have often roamed right along with them. Outside giving Rover and Fluffy a bath once a week to control these pests, many pet owners think their only...

- Natural Flea And Tick Control For Dogs
Frontline not working for you? Are you concerned about what these harmful pesticides that go into your dogs skin are doing to your pet? After all, something that has a warning advising you to thoroughly wash your hands after applying can't be good...



Dogs








.