Yes, it is that time of year again. Spring has sprung that begets seedlings beginning to sprout its’ first bloom, grass growing the rate of a foot a second (or so it seems for those intrepid lawn mowers in the family) and fleas.
Yes, people, I said fleas. This is not a very good time for Fluffy and Fido who are now more obsessed with chasing the nasty varmints around their collar than they are chasing that warm ray of sunshine pouring in from the living room window.
But what are their devoted owners to do during this time?
Well there are the more obvious solutions, powders, flea collars, and the pain-in-the-neck flea shampoos which get the owners just as soaked as the pets. Then you can go the chemical liquid poured to the back of the neck which leaves Fido running for the nearest rug to attempt a good rub-off and Fluffy, well Fluffy will be ticked off at you. You might want to watch underneath your bed for the next several nights in fear of retaliation.
But, as you peruse the local store’s shelves for a quick fix, you might want to return home and just look in your cupboard. There is a more economical, safer, and earth-friendly way to go in the flea termination business.
GARLIC-Most people like garlic in their food and your pet is not exception. Minced raw or even lightly fried and mixed into your dog or cat’s food might enhance the flavor, it will also keep fleas off of your pet once it works into his/her blood system. Let’s just say that the vampires of the insect world will be looking elsewhere for their next lunch!
CEDAR CHIPS-Cedar chips added to your pet’s sleeping area will not only keep the fleas away (they cannot stand the chips ‘delicate’ aroma) but it will keep Fido’s bed smelling nice! Warning: This is not something that I would attempt to use on Fluffy. That is if you have a problem having your favorite chair or your bed being a little lumpy. The canine world may be okay with it, but we are just a little pickier about our bedding!
YEAST- do you bake bread or have a friend who’s into brewing his own beer? Then you just might have package or two of brewer’s yeast lying around. (You might check behind that old bottle of hot sauce from last summer’s picnic!) Sprinkle a little of this on your favorite pet’s food. It’s healthy, non-harmful and heads off those nasty parasites.
CITRONELLA AND EUCALYPTUS OILS: Remember how well those citronella candles worked at the 4th of July picnic on those nasty mosquitoes. Well, good news! Fleas hate the smell of both citronella and eucalyptus oil as well. Just a few drops around the house (which Fido and Fluffy spend most of their free time..All right all their free time) and possibly a drop or two on their bedding or favorite blanket. Don’t go too crazy with it however or it just might run you out of the house!
TEA TREE OIL SHAMPOO: Not only has this been recommended for children with head lice but it does wonders for animal’s fleas. Make certain, of course, that it does not come in contact with the animal’s eyes. After shampooing your pet thoroughly, leave it on for a few minutes(an arduous task I know) before rinsing. This way, it has a chance to suffocate even more of the little buggers than if you washed it off immediately. And they smell so nice afterwards!
There is nothing worse than your loyal pet going through the pain of fleas. At least, going the safer and ‘greener’ route, you not only save your pet but also do a little for the environment while saving a few dollars in your piggy bank. And who needs that pain?
