Non-toxic Flea Remedies

Oh no! Fido has a flea! Quick, pour some poison on him and kill it!

Most of us are guilty of this, including myself. But I have come to realize that when I use an insecticide on my pet I’m not just killing the flea. I’m doing harm to my pet, myself, my family, my neighbor and my mother earth.

What can you do then to keep your pet flea free? Well, if you’re willing to put a little effort into it there are many natural non-toxic flea remedies. Here they are, in no particular order of effectiveness.

The Vacuum Cleaner – use it often making sure you empty it after each use. Wash Pet Bedding and throw rugs on a weekly basis.

DE – Diatomaceous Earth – is the fossilized remains of diatoms (tiny fossilized water plants). It absorbs lipids from the outer layer of insects’ exoskeletons, making them to dehydrate. When buying diatomaceous earth make sure it is food grade DE.

How to use:

• It is recommended that you wear a mask when applying DE as it can irritate the mucus membranes in your nose & mouth.~
• Sprinkle it on your pet, pet beds, along baseboards and outside areas where your pet frequents. DE can also be used in the litter box.
• DE can also be used for livestock. We use it in our chicken house and the areas where they like to take their dust baths.
• It can be used in the garden but I urge you not use it there because it also kills beneficial insects.

Brewer’s Yeast and Garlic – The Brewer’s Yeast is good for your pets skin, enabling him to have less allergic reactions to flea bites. The Garlic makes your pet less appealing to fleas. Comes in powder or tablet form.

Cedar Oil – Place 3 drops of American Cedar Oil on a small piece of brown paper grocery bag. Place one in each corner of the room. Will repel most insects. Smells pretty good too.

Olive Oil – Soak you pet in olive oil (any cooking oil should work) and leave it on. Be careful to keep it out of their eyes and inside of the ears. It will smother fleas, mites and lice. It will not harm your pet to lick it off. In fact it will be good for their coat and skin.

Neem Oil – Mix a few drops of neem oil in your pet’s shampoo.

You can also make an after bath rinse.

• Mix in a gallon jug:
• 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
• add a few drops of Neem Oil
• fill jug the rest of the way with water

Rinse your pet with this mixture. Leave in, do not rinse out. You can use this after shampooing or just by itself.

There are products made with neem like shampoos, sprays, Neem for Cats, Neem for Dogs

Herbs and *Essential Oils - These herbs, botanicals and essential oils are known for their insect repellent qualities:

• Eucalyptus
• Pennyroyal
• Lavender
• Citronella
• Lemongrass
• Cedar

*Essential oils should not be used on Cats

Boost your pets resistance to fleas. Have you ever noticed how some pets have itchy reactions to flea bites and some have none at all? Giving your pet’s immune system an extra boost with supplements may help.

• Brewers Yeast and Garlic
• Flax Seed Oil
• Bone Meal
• Kelp Powder
• Nutritional Yeast
• Lecithin

Adding Raw Meaty Bones, raw eggs and yogurt to you pet’s diet will greatly improve his overall health.

Get more info on PetAlive BeFree Flea Shampoo – helps deter fleas, flies and mosquitoes for dogs