Fleas, ticks, lice, cockroaches, red lice… As soon as the warm weather sets in, these parasites take their toll on your pets. In fact, external parasites are very common in summer. And they attack your pets most in spring. They also like mild winters. To get rid of them, you’ll need to treat your pet all year round. Not always an easy task!
It’s true that chemical antiparasitics are extremely effective against massive infestations. However, they are toxic and potentially dangerous, not only for your pet, but also for you and your children. The best solution is to turn to repellents and natural remedies that are effective and harmless in the long term. Here’s an overview of natural solutions to protect your pets from parasites.
Diatomaceous earth to free your pet from parasites
Is your pet infested with parasites? Try diatomaceous earth. It’s both an excellent repellent and a natural remedy. In powder form, it’s a solution extracted from a natural quarry that contains zero chemicals. It can also be sprayed directly onto your barnyard animals. In addition to boosting their metabolism, it effectively protects them from lice, red lice and fleas.
Diatomaceous earth is also a simple, 100% natural solution for protecting your cat or dog from fleas, ticks and worms. To apply it effectively, first bathe your cat or dog. Then sprinkle it with diatomaceous earth while rubbing and massaging. Finally, leave it on for a while before brushing his coat. As a precaution, protect your dog’s muzzle and respiratory tract when using this product.
Important information: there are two types of diatomaceous earth:
- Non-calcined diatomaceous earth
- Calcined diatomaceous earth
Effective and of the highest quality, we advise you touse uncalcined organic diatomaceous earth, which contains no food additives, preservatives or additives: you can use it to treat your pet against fleas, ticks or worms. Simply mix the diatomaceous earth with your pet’s food. But be careful! Do not mix this product with any other chemical product, as you risk creating a toxic mixture for your pet.
Cider vinegar: effective against parasites
As soon as you take your pet for a walk, fleas will easily attack him. They then develop in his fur, invading his entire environment and colonizing your home. Looking for a more economical and gentler solution to protect your pets from fleas? Why not use cider vinegar?
For best results, first bathe your dog with a neutral shampoo. Rinse with clean water, then leave to dry. To perfect the mixture, take a bottle or spray bottle. Mix half cider vinegar and half water. Spray the mixture onto your pet’s coat.
If your pet doesn’t like sprays, as cats often do, another solution is possible. Pour the solution onto your hand or a washcloth. Then rub it into your pet’s coat until the mixture covers its entire body. Avoid the eye and ear area. The same goes for irritated skin, mucous membranes and wounds. Finally, leave the solution to work for around 10 minutes. Then remove the parasites with a flea comb and rinse your pet with lukewarm water.
Cider vinegar has a natural revitalizing effect. As well as killing fleas, it makes pets’ coats softer, silkier and shinier. As a natural anti-odour agent, it also keeps your pet smelling fresh at all times.
Mint and eucalyptus leaf bath: a natural flea repellent
Mint and eucalyptus are natural flea repellents, thanks to their menthol scent. To make the infusion, take a large handful of mint and eucalyptus leaves. Leave to infuse in a liter of boiling water for around 15 minutes. Once the 15 minutes are up, filter the water and pour the liquid into a spray bottle.
You have two options for applying the remedy:
- Pour a large glass of the liquid into the bathtub in which you’re going to immerse your dog. Massage his coat well, then dry him in a large bath sheet.
- Pour the liquid into a spray bottle and spray the product onto his coat and basket. Once you’ve finished spraying, take the time to brush your pet’s hair thoroughly. Finally, let your pet air-dry.
In both cases, be careful not to splash your pet’s eyes. It’s also important to point out that this solution is not suitable for cats, as eucalyptus and mint are toxic to them. As for dogs, the scent of these two plants will act as a good flea repellent. Their minty scent will also naturally perfume your dog’s coat.
Against fleas and ticks: essential oils
Some essential oils are well-known for their natural action against fleas and ticks. These include
- tea tree essential oil
- lavandin or lavender essential oil
- eucalyptus essential oil
- mint essential oil
- citronella essential oil
- rose geranium essential oil
- Atlas cedar essential oil
- rosemary essential oil
- thyme essential oil
To prepare the mixture, dilute 5 drops of two of these oils in a neutral oil. This can be coconut or almond oil. Or you can simply use water. Then spray the mixture onto the animal or rub it into its coat.
But be careful! This mixture can be dangerous and toxic for cats. Cats are extremely sensitive to essential oils, and may not assimilate them. To avoid any risk, it’s best to recommend another solution for your cats.
Another tip: when spraying the product on your dog, avoid spraying directly onto his skin. Also, be careful not to pour it into his ear canal, over his eyes or on his nose. Spray mainly away from mucous membranes and respiratory tracts. Finally, don’t hesitate to test on a small area at first to make sure your dog isn’t having an allergic reaction.
White vinegar against fleas
Like cider vinegar, white vinegar also has natural properties that help scare away and control fleas. To make the mixture, simply dilute 250 ml of white vinegar in 250 ml of water. Use this solution as a conditioner on your pet. Be careful not to get it on your pet’s eyes or nose, as this may cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Baking soda: a natural care product
Baking soda is the ideal solution for caring for your pets. Harmless to pets, it is both useful and effective in ridding them of fleas. Note that fleas hate baking soda.
Natural, ecological and economical, baking soda, especially baking soda for food, prevents fleas from settling on your pet’s coat. To use it effectively, simply sprinkle bicarbonate on your pet’s coat. Then massage well, so that the bicarbonate penetrates all over. Leave on for 10 minutes, then brush off any excess powder. For best results, repeat this operation every 15 days. You’ll see, fleas won’t dare come back, even in summer. You and your pets will have peace of mind.
