Dog owners are encouraged by vets and kennels to control fleas with chemical based products. Toxic chemicals can be stored in the dog’s fatty tissue, to control fleas over a period of time. Toxic chemicals in flea control products could be bad for the animal’s health, and contribute to the chemical load which we place on our own bodies.
Weekly washing, and daily combing of dogs greatly reduces fleas. Natural dog shampoos containing insect repellent essential oils help. Ask a qualified aromatherapist for an oil blend suitable for application behind your dog’s ears and near the tail. Look for natural products at the health store. Take care when blending your own essential oils, as some oils such as pennyroyal are dangerous in large amounts.
Taking care of your pet’s sleeping area is also important. To disinfect bedding add pharmacy grade eucalyptus oil to the wash. Your dog may also benefit from the addition of brewer’s yeast and garlic to its food.
Copyright Helen Harvey, 2008. All rights reserved
Tags: dog shampoos, dogs, flea control products, Helen Harvey, natural pet care
Helen, there are many websites claiming that garlic, brewers yeast, onions, etc. are toxic to pets. Can you comment and be more specific on dosages for essential oils? Brenda