PETS & FLEAS

ESSENTIAL OIL ALTERNATIVES

Pet flea sprays may contain solvents that allow the pesticide to penetrate the pet's skin. This is not only toxic to your pet, but when you touch your animal, the chemicals and solvents will be transferred to your skin- and then into your body as well. According to the Earth Works Group:

The pesticide on some flea collars finds its effectiveness in permanent nerve damage. The pet absorbs the chemical into its system until its tissue reeks of the toxin, and paralyzes the bug. Chemicals found in pet collars include Piperonyl Butoxide (prolonged exposure can cause liver damage), DDVP (dichlorovos, which, according to Harrowsmith magazine, "can cause cancer, nerve damage and mutations in animals'), and carbaryl which may cause birth defects in dogs" (Earth Works Group)

And don't forget if you have a cat that any pesticide product you apply to their coat will end up in their stomach after they clean themselves.

There are some easy, safe alternatives to using pesticides on your pets. Instead of using a commercial flea collar, make a natural pet collar instead using tea tree essential oil. Put a few drops of tea tree on a bandana, and tie it around your dog's neck. Pet's bedding should be laundered in hot water and detergent to which 50 drops of tea tree or eucalyptus has been added . Other essential oils that are effective flea repellants include clove, citronella, lavender, chamomile, and lemon.

Cotton Bandana
12 drops tea tree
5 drops eucalyptus
1 drop clove
Bowl of cold water
Drop essential oil on top of water.
Place bandana in bowl and swirl througb the water, picking up the essential oils in a coating over the bandana.
Put bandana on Fido.

Caution

For dogs, use a spray of water, with at small amount of vodka and 3% or less essential oil to treat the animal's coat. Also try adding essential oils to their shampoo, in the ratio of 40 drops of essential oil to 6 ounces of shampoo. Be sure to rinse the dog well after the shampoo.

Exercise caution when using essential oils with pets. Use very conservative amounts of essential oils on animals, and never use them undiluted on any animal. Do not confine animals to a room in which you are diffusing essential oils, and make sure there is adequate ventilation.

** Do not diffuse essential oils in the same room with birds. Birds have a small body weight and may even be susceptible to fumes from cooking in Teflon pans.

** Be sure to keep your house well vetilated when you use essential oils if you have birds or other small pets.