Dogs are loyal and remain by their master’s side through thick and thin. Dog lovers go to extreme lengths to ensure the health of their beloved canines, but your companion can attract ticks and fleas, which invite diseases and skin infections. Chemical shampoos can make the dog’s fur rough. Here, natural flea and tick prevention techniques can come to your rescue.
Essential oils are natural chemicals and enzymes, which are acquired from herbs, plants, and flowers. These oils possess a beautiful aroma and offer several health and skin benefits. But most people are unaware about these oils. Vets suggest that some essential oils can work as natural flea and tick prevention methods.
Not all essential oils offer positive results. Like humans, dogs can also have allergies. So, a patch test is mandatory before you use a specific oil. Mentioned below are some essential oils, which can be used as natural flea and tick prevention options.
1. Lavender oil
You must take the necessary precautions to keep your dog safe from fleas and ticks. Regular baths remove dirt and other germs but may fail to remove these parasites. You can use lavender oil as a natural flea and tick prevention remedy. Dilute the oil with some water and rub it on the dog’s fur. The smell can keep ticks and insects at bay. Apart from this, the chemicals in the oil prevent the flea eggs from hatching.
2. Lemongrass oil
Lemongrass oil contains geraniol and citral. These natural ingredients prevent any skin allergies. The smell of this oil deters ticks and fleas. Thus, they do not sit on your dog’s skin and lay their eggs. You can add ten to fifteen drops of this oil in a small water bottle. Then spray the mixture on your dog’s body.
3. Peppermint oil
You can remove fleas with chemical shampoos, but you will fail to get rid of the larvae. Peppermint oil can kill these flea hatchlings. Thus, it prevents future flea attacks. The oil can also soothe any skin infection and allergies.
4. Rosemary oil
It is best to not use the oil on the body of your pet. The oil may irritate their skin. You can rub this oil on your dog’s collar. Add a few drops of this natural flea and tick prevention oil on your dog’s bed. It can create a barrier that ticks and insects cannot cross.
5. Neem oil
Neem oil can protect your dog from any flea or tick attacks. It also heals any skin disease. Dilute the oil and rub it on the dog’s skin. Its anti-allergic properties can soothe skin inflammations.
Apart from these, cedar oil and rose geranium oil also offer similar results. However, you must talk to the vet before you start applying these oils. Do not forget to dilute these concentrated oils with water or a carrier oil.
