As summer enters our daily lives, the desire to go outdoors and take our furry friends with us becomes more appealing. Less appealing, however, is the risk of flea infestation or finding a tick or flea on our beloved cat or dog. Spreaders of lyme disease and a rampant cause of rashes, infection, and itchy skin, ticks and fleas can be harmful to our pets and ourselves.
But what can we do about it, without drenching our four-legged companions in chemicals that could be just as harmful to their health? Here’s a few natural tick remedies for pets and pet flea treatments that might help remove, or even prevent, these harmful pests:
1. Chamomile
As a natural anti-inflammatory, chamomile has been used as a sedative and digestive health treatment for pets and humans alike. Turning it into a topical treatment to soothe irritated skin can be just as effective. Due to its stronger effects, it’s often recommended to only use a prescribed or safe amount for your pet’s size.
2. Plantain or fleawort
Much like the previous herb, fleawort (or plantain) is a natural anti-inflammatory and astringent. One of the best herbs for beginners to homeopathy, it’s used as both an ingested treatment and a topical treatment for many wounds, including rashes, bites, and stings.
3. Lavender
A lovely purple color accompanied by a very familiar smell, lavender is one of the more attractive additions to any garden. But its usefulness doesn’t stop at looking pretty and smelling good, it’s a fantastic insect deterrent. An oil or spray will not only keep your pets from being bombarded by harmful pests, but it’ll make your house smell amazing.
4. Catnip
A member of the mint family, catnip might be associated with the euphoria it gives to our feline friends, but it’s been proven to be an effective bug repellent as well. Crushed up, let your pet roll around in it to attain a scent pests abhor, or mix it with their kibble to let the good effects of this herb run through their digestive system.
5. Rosemary
A perennial herb in use for hundreds of years for both food and medicine, rosemary could be the first line of defense against fleas and ticks. With its antiseptic properties and woody scent, this herb can be ground into a powder, pressed into an oil, or soaked in water for a rinse. Whatever way you might decide to use it, it’s a decent pick for consideration.
Scientifically proven to be safe for our pets, herbal remedies like these can take away some of the fear when treating or protecting against fleas and ticks. The last thing any pet owner wants is to harm their companion in the process of trying to help them. While useful as rinses, essential oils, sprays, or powders, most if not all of these herbs can also make a wonderful houseplant, leaving your home smelling nice and passively taking on the arduous task of telling pests to beat it.
With these tips in mind, take your furry friends out into those fun summer days!
