It's that time of year when we and our pets are outside. That also means the fleas and ticks are looking for a host! What do you do? There are many ways to treat your animal for the problem. I try my best to stay away from comercial made products and go with trusted recipes that avoid toxins and are safe. I am proud to share with you what I do with my animals. I use a product from doTERRA called TerraShield https://doterra.me/lULKGZIC. TerraShield is a blend of different essential oils and can be used on you and your animals safely. There is a convientent 30 ml spray or the 15 ml bottle to create your own recipe or diffuse outside. Of course Citronella https://doterra.me/Bb0HH7s0 is also an option to diffuse for the bugs at that picnic. For your dog you can spray a little on each paw. You can also get a 5 ml roller bottle and add 20 drops of TerraShield and top off with Fractionated coconut oil and apply to each paw. Another way is just place a couple of drops in the palm of your hand, rub your hands together and then apply to the hair coat by stroking the coat. You can do the same for a cat. Don't worry if they "lick" it. There is nothing that will harm your pet. You can even use TerraShield with your cows, horses and other outside animals. I only trust doTERRA essential oils. Essential oils from a store shelf are not the same and ususally contain harmful additives. Trust your source. If you're looking to make your own recipe, here are a couple of options:
Option 1 - All Natural Flea and tick spray
In a 2 oz Spray Bottle, combine:
15 drops Lavender Essential Oil
15 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
5 drops Geranium Essential Oil
5 drops Arborvitae Essential Oil
1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar (with the mother)
1 drop Dish Soap - use a dropper to make it easier than trying to get a drop from a large bottle (optional)
Top off with Distilled Water
Shake well before use. Spray all over your pet prior to going outside. Reapply as needed.
Option 2 - Homemade Flea Collar
purchase a nylon or leather collar
In a metal or glass bowl, combine 4 oz distilled water
10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
10 drops Insect Repellent Blend (TerraShield)
10 drops lemongrass essential oil
Mix together the distilled water, eucalyptus essential oil, Insect Repellent Blend, and lemongras essential oil. Soak the nylon or leather collar in the solution for 20 minutes. Remove the collar from the solution and allow the callar to dry thoroughly before placing it on your pet. Re-soak the collar every two weeks or more frequently if needed.