| One of the basics of responsible dog care is | | | | approximately 10 drops of lavender oil and 5 drops of |
| protecting your pet from parasites like fleas, ticks | | | | cedarwood oil in a base of 10 ml. of sweet almond oil. |
| and mosquitoes. These pest can cause a host of | | | | Rub a couple of drops of this mixture over your |
| health problems for your pet, including Lyme Disease, | | | | dog's skin and coat 2-3 times per week. You can also |
| tick paralysis, West Nile virus, heartworms and | | | | add a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil or rosemary |
| tapeworms. But many of the products available | | | | to the rinse cycle of your dogs bedding to not only |
| today to protect your dog from these pests contain | | | | repel pests, but kill dust mites as well. |
| harmful chemicals that could actually cause their own | | | | Herbal Baths |
| host of problems. Pet owners need to know that | | | | You can make your own herbal flea and tick dip by |
| there are many eco-friendly dog alternatives to the | | | | covering two cups of fresh-chopped rosemary with |
| traditional toxic bug repellents. | | | | two pints of boiling water and steeping for about 30 |
| As more people are becoming aware of the | | | | minutes. Strain the concentrate, and add enough |
| ecological damage and health effects of pesticides | | | | water to make one gallon of the herbal solution. |
| and other synthetic chemicals, an increasing number | | | | Saturate your dog with this solution, and allow the |
| of pet owners are searching for environmentally | | | | coat to dry naturally. |
| friendly alternatives to the standard chemical | | | | Internal Repellents |
| repellents. Here are a few all-natural solutions you can | | | | Garlic and brewer's yeast can both be added to your |
| add to your dog care routine to repel pests. | | | | dog's diet to repel fleas and ticks. These foods |
| Simple Citrus Spray | | | | excrete chemicals through your dogs skin that make |
| Take one whole lemon, cut it into wedges, and put it | | | | your pet much less attractive to pests. You can also |
| in a jar or other container. Cover the lemon with one | | | | add a desert spoonful of raw apple cider vinegar to |
| pint of boiling water, and cover the container. Let the | | | | your dogs water each day. This makes the skin |
| lemon steep overnight, and strain off the liquid into a | | | | slightly more acidic and, once again, less attractive to |
| clean spray bottle. Spray your dog as needed with | | | | pests. |
| the citrus water to not only repel pests, but also | | | | There are a number of other natural alternatives to |
| leave your dog smelling fresh. Take care not to spray | | | | flea collars and pesticides that can help you keep |
| the solution in your pet's eyes or on other sensitive | | | | your dog flea-free and healthy. It's a good idea to |
| areas, as this could cause mild irritation. | | | | spot-test even natural remedies on a small area of |
| Essential Oils | | | | your dogs skin before using to make sure your dog |
| You can make a simple flea collar by adding a few | | | | doesn't have an allergic reaction to any of the |
| drops of eucalyptus oil, citronella, geranium, lavender | | | | ingredients. This is rare, but it can happen. For more |
| or Tea Tree oil into your dogs bandana or cloth collar. | | | | information on natural dog care, consult a holistic |
| Our favorite is rosemary. Or you can mix | | | | veterinarian or other homeopathic professional. |