A Natural Approach to Insect Preventation and Recipes for Natural, Herbal Flea, Tick, Mosquito Repellent Sprays, Rubs, and Dips for Dogs and Cats

DIY Natural herbal flea, tick, mosquito, repellent sprays, rubs, dips and rinse recipes for dogs and cats
On a trail walk with some of my dogs
9 min read
In this article:
Recipes to make your own all natural, non-toxic, herbal flea, tick, mosquito: 
  1. Spray Repellent Recipes 
    1. Fresh Lemon Spray
    2. Apple Cider Vinegar or Coconut Sap Vinegar, Almond or Garlic Oil, Citrus Spray
    3. Organic Neem Oil Spray, Repellent, Dip or Rub
    4. Witch Hazel, Clove, Citrus Spray
    5. Lavender and Tea Tree Oil Spray 
    6. Rosemary Essential Oil Spray
    7. Coconut Oil, Lemongrass, Peppermint Spray or Spot-On
    8. Rosemary Herb Flea Spray
    9. Four Thieves Herbal Spray
  2. Rubs to Kill Fleas and Lice
    1. Neem Oil Rub to Kill Fleas and Lice
  3. Rinse to Kill Fleas
    1. ACV or CSV, Tea Tree Oil, Aloe Vera Juice Dip or Rinse
    2. Rosemary Herbs Flea Dip or Rinse
  4. Insect Repellent Balms and Hydrosols
  5. Collar Drops and Spot on Drops
  6. Foods That Help Naturally Repel Insects
  7. Cautions and Important Notes
  8. A Layered Natural Approach Is Your Dog and Cat's Best Defence
Your dog and cat’s best defence against insects and insect-borne disease is a layered natural approach tailored to suit your animal's situation, as discussed in this article.

1.0 Spray Insect Repellent Recipes

1.1 Fresh Lemon Spray Repellent
for cats and dogs - use to discourage mosquitoes

Fresh Lemon Bug Spray for dogs and cats

Fresh lemons and water make an excellent non-toxic easy to make mosquito spray with a refreshing scent. 
 
For the fresh lemon spray recipe:
 
1.2 Apple Cider Vinegar or Coconut Sap Vinegar, Almond or Garlic Oil, Citrus Spray Repellent
for dogs only - use to discourage fleas, ticks, mosquitoes
 
apple cider vinegar, almond oil and lemon insect repellent spray for dogs
You'll Need
Distilled water.
Sweet almond oil, or lemon oil, or garlic oil .
Fresh lemon.
Spray bottle.
 
Preparation
Pour the following ingredients in a spray bottle:
1 cup of distilled water.
2 cups of apple cider vinegar or coconut sap vinegar.
2 tbs sweet almond oil or:
2 tbs *lemon oil (see recipe below), or;
2 tbs *garlic oil (see recipe below).
2 tbs of fresh squeezed lemon juice.
Store in a cool dark cupboard.
 
*See the lemon oil and garlic oil recipes just below. 
  • Lemon is natural insect repellent.   
  • Almond oil and garlic contain sulfur. Sulfur repels many types of insects including fleas and mosquitoes. 
  • Almond oil and garlic contain sulfur. Sulfur repels many types of insects including fleas and mosquitoes.
To Use
  1. Shake the spray bottle.
  2. Spritz your dog’s fur.
  3. Apply one time to several times per day as needed.
Lemon Oil Recipe
You'll Need
2 lemons.
1 cup of olive oil. 
 
Preparation
  1. Peel the rind from the lemons.
  2. Place oil and lemon rinds in a sauce pan.
  3. Place on a very low heat for 20 minutes.
  4. Allow to cool.
  5. Strain and pour into a bottle.The lemon oil is ready for use.
Garlic Oil Recipe

For treating ear infections, making insect repellent, etc. 
 
You'll Need
A small, clean wide-mouth glass jar.
Cheesecloth or other breathable clean cloth.
Elastic band or string.
Amber, brown or blue storage bottle.
Garlic cloves.
Organic extra virgin olive oil.

Preparation:
  1. Remove the outer skin from the garlic cloves.
  2. Cut the garlic cloves into thin slices.
  3. Place the sliced garlic in the jar, leave a little space at the top of the jar empty.
  4. Pour the olive oil into the jar, making sure to add enough oil to completely cover the garlic - make sure that you leave some empty space at the top of the jar.
  5. Cover the top of the jar with a few layers of cheesecloth.
  6. Stretch the cheesecloth so it lays flat on top of the lid - if the cloth touches the oil it will absorb the oil and make a mess.
  7. Secure the cloth with string or an elastic band.
  8. Let the garlic/oil filled jar sit top cure, in a warm location for 10 days.
  9. Once the curing period is over, separate the garlic from the oil by straining the oil into an amber, brown or blue storage bottle.
  10. Store the garlic oil in the refrigerator.
 
1.3 Organic Neem Oil Spray Repellent, Dip or Rub
for dogs, cats, puppies and kittens - use to discourage fleas, lice, ticks, mosquitoes

neem oil insect repellent spray for dogs and cats
You'll Need
½ ounce (15 ml) organic neem oil (dogs). 
1/4 ounce (7.5 ml) organic neem oil (cats).
If you want to make a stronger repellent, dip or rub, use 1 ounce (30 ml) of neem oil.
½ ounce (15 ml) organic glycerine or organic Castile soap.
2 cups (0.5 litre) distilled water, warmed-up.
Mixing bowl.
Spray bottle.

Preparation
  1. Pour the glycerine soap and warm water into the bowl, mix well.
  2. Slowly add the 1neem oil, mixing as you add the neem to the soap/water mixture.
  3. Pour the resulting liquid into a spray bottle.
  4. Store in a cool, dark cupboard.
General Use for Repelling Insects
  1. Shake the bottle.
  2. Spritz on fur. 
  3. Apply one time to several times per day as needed.
To Help Treat Flea or Lice Infestation
  1. Use the recipe as a dip or rinse.
  2. Pour the solution onto fur and skin, massage thoroughly into fur and skin.
  3. Don't rinse off, leave on for 15 to 30 minutes.
  4. Then rinse off.
  5. Apply one time to several times per day as needed.
 
1.4 Witch Hazel, Clove, Citrus Spray Repellent
for dogs - use to discourage fleas, ticks, mosquitoes
witch hazel, clove, citrus insect repellent for dogs
You'll Need
Distilled water.
Witch hazel.
Clove essential oil.
Citrus essential oil.
Rosemary essential oil.
Spray bottle.
 
Preparation
  1. Fill an 8 ounce spray bottle with 4 oz distilled water.
  2. Add enough witch hazel to almost fill the balance of the spray bottle - leave a few inches of empty space at the top of the bottle.
  3. Add essential oils:
  4. 10 drops of clove essential oil.
  5. 10 drops of  *rosemary essential oil.
  6. 10 drops of citrus (lemon, orange or grapefruit) essential oil .
  7. Store in a cool, dark cupboard.
To Use
  1. Shake the bottle.
  2. Spritz your dog’s fur; 
  3. Don’t soak your dog fur with this spray.
  4. Just lightly mist your dog with the spray.
  5. Apply one time to two times per day as needed.
Caution
  1. Clove oil is a uterine stimulant and therefore should NOT be used on or around pregnant dogs.
  2.  Rosemary essential oil should NOT be used one or around dogs (or cats) that are prone to seizure conditions.

1.5 Lavender and Tea Tree Oil Spray Repellent
for dogs - to discourage fleas, ticks, mosquitoes
lavender and tea tree oil spray for dogs
You'll Need
Distilled water.
Lavender essential oil
Tea tree oil
Spray bottle.
 
Preparation
  1. Fill a spray bottle with 1 cup of distilled water.
  2. Add essential oils:
  3. 4 drops of Tea Tree Oil. 
  4. 4 drops of Lavender Essential Oil. 
  5. Store in a cool, dark cupboard.
To Use
  1. Shake the bottle.
  2. Spritz your dog’s fur.
  3. Don’t soak your dog’s fur with this spray.
  4. Just lightly mist your dog with the spray. 
  5. Apply one time to two times per day as needed.
 
1.6 Rosemary Essential Oil Spray Repellent
for dogs and cats - to discourage fleas

rosemary essential oil insect repellent spray for dogs and cats
 
You'll Need
Distilled water.
Rosemary essential oil
Spray bottle.
 
Preparation
  1. Fill a spray bottle with 1 cup of distilled water.
  2. Add essential oil:
  3. 8 drops of rosemary essential oil.
  4. Store in a cool, dark cupboard.
To Use
  1. Shake the bottle.
  2. Spritz your dog or cat's fur.
  3. Don’t soak fur with this spray.
  4. Just lightly mist your dog or cat with the spray. 
  5. Apply one time to two times per day as needed.
Caution
  1.  Rosemary essential oil should NOT be used one or around dogs or cats that are prone to seizure conditions.
 
    1.7 Coconut Oil, Peppermint, Lemon Grass Spray or Spot-On Repellent
    for cats and dogs - discourage fleas and mosquitoes

    coconut oil and lemongrass insect repellent spray for dogs and cats

    You'll Need
    Coconut oil, cold pressed, unrefined, organic (for the spot on), or;
    Coconut, fractionated liquid for the spray.
    Lemongrass essential oil
    Peppermint essential oil
    Small spray bottle (for the spray).
    Small glass jar or dropper bottle (for the spot-on).
     
    Preparation
    1. Place 4 tbs coconut oil in a glass bowl.
    2. Add the essential oil:
    3. 6 drops of lemongrass essential oil.
    4. 2 drops of peppermint essential oil. 
    5. Pour or spoon in small spray bottle or glass jar.
    6. Store in a cool, dark cupboard. 
    To Use The Spray
    1. Shake the bottle.
    2. Spritz your dog or cat's fur.
    3. Massage into fur.
    4. Apply one time per day as needed.
     To Use The Spot-on
    • Apply a drop to the: neck, shoulders, middle of back, base of tail, and on each paw.
    • Apply one time per day as needed.

    1.8 Rosemary Herb Flea Spray
    for kittens and puppies, dogs and cats - to discourage and treat flea infestations

    Flea rosemary spray for dogs and cats 
    For the recipe and instructions for use:


    1.9 Four Thieves Vinegar - Extra Strength Insect Repellent Spray 
    for dogs - to discourage fleas, ticks, mosquitoes
     
    Four Thieves Vinegar - Extra Strength Spray for Dogs
    You'll Need
    Distilled water.
    Dry or fresh herbs:
    - Lavender
    - Peppermint
    - Sage
    - Thyme
    Garlic cloves
    Mason jar.
    Spray bottle.
     
    Preparation
    1. Add the following ingredients to the mason jar: 
    2. 2 cups Apple Cider Vinegar or Coconut Sap Vinegar
    3. Dry herbs:
      • 4 tbsp dry lavender
      • 4 tbsp dry peppermint
      • 4 tbsp sage
      • 4 tbsp thyme
      • If you want to use fresh herbs, use 3/4 cup finely chopped for each herb, instead of 4 tbsp.
    4. 5 large cloves or 8 small cloves of garlic. 
      • Crush the garlic before adding it to the mason jar.
    5. Mix the ingredients in the jar.
    6. Seal the mason jar with the lid.
    7. Place the jar in a cool, dark location and allow to steep (sit), for 2 weeks up to a maximum of 6 weeks. Shake the jar every few days.
    8. Then strain the herbs from the liquid. Discard the herbs.
    9. Store the mason jar of steeped liquid in the refrigerator.
     To Use
    1. Add enough distilled water to the spray bottle, to half fill the bottle. 
    2. Fill the remaining half of the bottle with the steeped herbal liquid.
      • Don't use the steeped liquid undiluted.
    3. Shake the bottle.
    4. Spritz your dog's fur.
    5. Apply one time to two times per day as needed.
    The original Four Thieves Vinegar Recipe – the one above is a variation, is a recipe from the 1600s.  The famous French aromatherapy doctor, Jean Valnet, has two recipes in his book. He claims corpse robbers who were caught red-handed in the area around Toulouse in 1628-1631 revealed the original recipe. His story is the more credible of the many one can find. Given the virulence and deadliness of the plague, the judges were astonished by the indifference of the thieves to contagion. Valnet quotes the archives of the Parliament of Toulouse... 
     
    "During the Great Plague, four robbers were convicted of going to the houses of plague victims, strangling them in their beds and then looting their dwellings. For this, they were condemned to be burned at the stake, and in order to have their sentence mitigated, they revealed their secret preservative, after which they were hanged."
     

    2.0 Rubs to Kill Fleas and Lice

    2.1 Neem Oil Rub to Kill Fleas and Lice
    Recipe for Dogs
    • Mix 1 part neem oil with 10 parts almond oil or coconut oil.
     
    Recipe for Cats 
    • Mix 1 part neem oil with 20 parts almond oil or coconut oil.
    To Use
    1. Place a few drops in your hand.
    2. Rub your palms together.
    3. The run your hands through your dog or cat’s fur.
    4. Repeat use daily as needed, one times per day until the flea or lice infestation is resolved.

    3.0 Rinse to Kill Fleas

    3.1 ACV or CSV, Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera Juice Dip or Rinse
    for dogs only
     
     
    The following topical treatment kills adult fleas and helps soothe irritates skin.

    You'll Need:
    Distilled water.
    Aloe vera juice, inner fillet only.
    8 ounce glass bottle.
     
    Preparation
    1. Pour the water into the glass bottle. 
    2. Add 10 drops of tea tree oil. 
    3. Add 1 tablespoon of aloe vera juice.
    4. Shake the bottle.
    To Use
    1. Massage the herbal mixture into your dog's fur and skin.
    2. Wait 6 to 10 minutes, then rinse your dog.
    3. Use daily as needed until the flea infestation is resolved.
     
    3.2 Rosemary Herb Dip or Rinse
    for kittens and puppies, dogs and cats - to discourage and treat flea infestations
     
    For the recipe and instructions for use: 
    4.0 Insect Repellent Balms and Hydrosols
    for kittens, cat, puppies and dogs

    Insect repelling balm recipes:
     
    5.0 Collar Drops and Spot-on Drops
    for cats and dogs
     
    Herbal collar drop recipes:
     
    6.0 Foods that Help Naturally Repel Insects
    for cats and dogs
     
    Foods that help:
     

    7.0 Cautions and Important Notes

    7.1 When Using Essential Oils, Monitor Your Dog and Cat
    Watch for any signs of an adverse reaction and cease using if any type of toxicity occurs.
    Symptoms can include: 
    1. Lack of coordination.
    2. Loss of use of legs.
    3. Paralysis.
    4. Seizures.
    7.2 Employ Caution When Spraying Near Your Animal's Eyes
    1. Protect your dog and cat's eyes from the spray.
    7.3 When Applying the Spray to your Dog or Cat's Face:
    1. Spray the palm of your hand with the solution.
    2. Then rub your hands gently over your animal's nose, top of the head, behind the ears, etc.
    7.4 Daily Application of Sprays
    1. Sprays should be re-applied 1 to 3 times a day when additional protection is required.
    2. If your dog or cat goes swimming, gets wet in the rain etc. you will need to re-apply the spray.
    7.5 Rosemary
    1. Do not use rosemary essential oils or rosemary herb on a dog or cat prone to seizures.
    2. Do NOT use rosemary on Shelties (Shetland Sheepdogs), and Collies. 
     7.6 Implement A Layered Approach
    1. Using a topical repellent on it's own is not an effective approach to preventing insects and insect borne diseases.
    2. Its important to implement a natural layered approach tailored to suit your dog and cat's individual circumstances.

    8.0 A Layered Natural Approach Is Your Dog and Cat's Best Defence

    your dog and cat's best defence against fleas, ticks, mosquitoess
    on a trail walk with some of my dogs and one of my cats
     
    Your dog and cat’s best defence against insects and insect-borne disease is a layered natural approach tailored to suit your animal's situation.
     
    Topical insect repellent should never be used on its own with the expectation that it can prevent insect bites and insect-borne disease.
     
    Topical insect repellent aids should be used as part of a layered, natural, holistic prevention plan tailored to suit your individual dog or cat's circumstances.
     
    A natural layered approach to insect and parasite and associated disease prevention, should always include:
    1. Species appropriate raw or gently cooked and fresh food diet tailored to suit the individual animal's situation.
    2. Toxin-free personal health protocol.
    3. Natural topical repellent selected to suit your individual dog or cat's circumstances during insect (e.g. tick season, etc.)
    4. Daily visual and physical inspection for ticks on your dog or cat. 
      • This should be done at least 2x per day during tick season.
    5. Limit unnecessary exposure, e.g.,
      • Stay away from areas that are known to be badly infested with ticks.
     
    Holistic Diet, Nutrition, Wellness Services Tailored to Your Individual Dog and Cat

    For information about my holistic diet, nutrition and wellness services, visit my holistic wellness services page.

    Maintain good health | Address acute and chronic health issues | Pre and post surgery support and recovery

    My holistic wellness services are available worldwide via video consultation.

    🌎 USA | Canada | UK | Europe | Australia | New Zealand | Asia | South and Central America | Africa | UAE

    📱FaceTime | Facebook | Skype | WhatsApp

    To set-up your holistic wellness consultation get in-touch via email, go to my contact me page.
     
    Holistic Behavioral Services for Your Dog

    For information about my holistic behavioral services, visit my holistic behavioral services page.

    For dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds.

    My behavioral services are available worldwide via video consultation.

    🌎 USA | Canada | UK | Europe | Australia | New Zealand | Asia | South and Central America | Africa | UAE

    📱FaceTime | Facebook | Skype | WhatsApp

    To set-up your holistic behavioral session get in-touch via email, go to my contact me page. 
     
    Affiliations to Companies  
    ✓ None. 
    ✓ I don't sell food, supplements, or other products.
    I'm not aligned with any companies. 
     
    Article and graphics by Karen Rosenfeld.
     

    Comments


    1. I have a question about a 5mo puppy that is having growing pains and was recommended to give him a joint supplement. Would either of these two be safe for him. He is a Cane Corso male 60lbs
      http://www.doctorvitaminstore.com
      SAM-e 1500mg(2) Strontium Bone Health(1) Apple Cider Vinegar(1) Ashwagandha Stand. Ext.(2) Bamboo Extract 900mg(1) Black Walnut 900mg(1) Celery Seed Extract(1)
      or
      SAM-e 1500mg(2) Strontium Bone Health(2) Apple Cider Vinegar(1) Ashwagandha Stand. Ext.(2) Bamboo Extract 900mg(1) Black Walnut 900mg(1) Celery Seed Extract(1)

      thank you for any help you can provide.
      Maria

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hi Maria, in order to answer your question in a manner that will be of value you need to advise me as to what food you are currently feeding your puppy. Once you do that I can advise you. Cheers K

        Delete
    2. Hello I have a 6 week old Pomeranian mix puppy. She want to vet and had a dewormer. She has layed around for two days, and see passed a 3 in worm in her stool. Is there anything I can do to help her. I gave her some charcoal, I think med is way to strong. What can I do????

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Make sure that she is drinking lots of fluids - you can syringe feed her fluids if she is not interested in drinking on her own. I would suggest you make some chicken stock and get that into her. If she dehydrates she will not make-it. Fluids will also help her body pass the toxins in the vet-prescribed chemical-based dewormer. Chicken stock is fast and simple to make and will give her nourishment...

        • Chicken Stock
        o Take a piece of chicken i.e. (a leg with back attached) put in a pot of water;
        o Add:
        o ½ tbs of sage;
        o ½ tbs of basil;
        o ½ tbs of rosemary;
        o You can toss in a few carrots and or parsnips of you want to;
        o Cook on a low heat;
        o When cooked remove chicken and carrots/parsnips;
        o Allow to cool a bit;
        o Pour stock into glass jars and store in the refrigerator.

        Give her some cooked chicken, mixed with cooked sweet potato, 60% meat/40% sweet potato. Feed her a little a a time.

        Take a look at this article - no more chemical-based dewormers http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2013/05/diy-natural-herbal-homeopathic.html

        Best of luck with her, K

        Delete
    3. my dogs testicles are very red and chaffed and kind of swollen. he is an outside dog but has a very enclosed dog house specially built. was wondering what is the best home remedy to help heal his aggravated dog man areas and what would help prevent skeeters from coming to him. all home remedies if possible please!

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hi Carly,

        Simple Topical Treatments that are non-toxic if ingested, as he will lick himself of course...

        Witch Hazel - apply several times a day

        Colloidal Silver - apply several times a day http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2013/08/colloidal-silver-diy-treatment-for-dogs.html

        Chamomile, Calendula or Peppermint Tea
        Brew the tea and allow to cool so that the liquid is just slightly warm. You can then apply the slightly warm tea bag to the irritated spots or apply the just slightly warm tea with cotton balls, a washcloth etc. to the inflamed areas several times a day.

        Raw unpasturized organic honey is excellent for this but if he is outside the honey will attract dirt and other insects.

        100% aloe vera gel



        To repel the mosquitoes - read these articles...

        Flea, Tick, Heartworm, Parasite Prevention for Dogs, Cats – What You Should Know Before Putting Your Dog, Cat on Chemical, Pesticide-Based Preventatives and Treatments
        http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2013/05/flea-tick-heartworm-parasite-prevention.html

        DIY Natural, Herbal Homeopathic Flea, Tick, Mite, Mosquito Repellent Sprays, Rubs, Dips for Dogs and Cats
        http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2013/05/diy-natural-herbal-homeopathic-flea_18.html

        DIY Natural, Herbal, Homeopathic Dewormers for Dogs and Cats http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2013/05/diy-natural-herbal-homeopathic.html

        Foods That Help Your Dog, Cat Naturally Repel, Eliminate Infestations of Insects, Parasites
        http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2013/07/foods-that-help-your-dogcat-naturally.html

        Add DIY Natural Supplements to Your Dog's, Cat's Diet to Protect Against the Toxins, Carcinogens in Conventional Flea, Tick, Heartworm, Parasite Preventatives and Treatments
        http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2013/05/diy-supplement-your-dogs-cats-diet-to.html

        Does Your Dog Really Need to Be On Heartworm Medication? The Truth about Heartworm Prevention, Conventional Preventatives, Natural Safe Alternatives
        http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2013/03/does-your-dog-really-need-to-be-on.html

        Lemon - a Safe, Natural Mosquito Repellent for Dogs
        If you are in a zone in which you must use heartworm pills I suggest that you off-set the
        http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2013/01/lemon-safe-natural-misquito-repellent.html

        Cheers, Karen

        Delete
    4. I live in Florida, so does this mean I SHOULD have my dog on heart worm? (I do have her on heart worm). Can I still use the home made remedies for fleas and ticks. I don't use anything on her now and she doesn't have fleas. She is an inside dog and goes with me everywhere I go. I drive truck for a living and she does go with me. I feed her homemade dog food. Cooked chicken, rice, green beans and cheese. (not always on the cheese) once in a while. I stew the carcass down and she eats the bones also. Her coat has gotten better since I have taken her off store bought dog food. She doesn't scratch as much either. She does smell from time to time any suggestions? I bathe her maybe every six weeks. (???)

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Florida is a very high incident zone for heart worm so unfortunately you do need to keep her on the chemical-based heart worm preventative...but you should definitely add some additional things to her diet to compensate for the increased toxic load...

        As she was formerly scratching and still smells at times I would guess that she is experiencing some overgrowth of bad bacteria due to the remaining grain (rice) in her diet.

        I strongly recommend that you get the grain (rice) out of her diet. Rice is not a very digestible carbohydrate for dogs and grains cause a lot of health issues for dogs. I encourage you to take a look at this grain-free recipe - you would find that she would do even better on it as it is more nutritionally complete than the homemade diet you are currently feeding her - which is missing some essential nutrients http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2012/06/home-made-diy-dog-food-recipes-grain.html

        This recipe will better support her immune system - something she requires twice fold due to the need to keep her on heart worm preventatives. Also follow the other suggestions in the recipe - i.e. adding yogurt to her daily diet. You can read about the whys of yogurt here http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2013/07/dairy-products-cheese-kefir-yogurt-are.html

        I would also recommend that you add some of these additional items http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2013/05/diy-supplement-your-dogs-cats-diet-to.html

        Be very careful about what shampoos you use on her http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2012/07/dog-and-pet-shampoo-unsafe-harmful.html

        You can use one of these instead http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2012/07/diy-recipes-for-safe-natural-herbal.html


        Delete
    5. Use the rosemary flea dip and in between baths use the rosemary spray. You can also put rosemary essential oil drops on her collar.

      In addition you need to fix her diet. Fleas are most attracted to animals with a suppressed immune system. Get her on food that is grain free and go buy some cod liver oil. Add 1/4 tsp of cod liver oil to her food twice a day if she is very small and 1/2 tsp if she is a larger cat.

      ReplyDelete
    6. I recently moved from a city-like area to a woodsy area with my two lovable newfies....lets just say, the first few months (back in the fall) were absolutely horrible in terms of ticks! yuck! with spring quickly approaching, and my mother and I unwilling to put pesticides on our dogs, I came across your article in search of all natural tick repellants! I am very excited to try some of these. Which do you recommend as the best to repel ticks?

      ReplyDelete
    7. In the herbal spray recipe (Peppermint, Spearmint, Lavender, Cloves, Citronella Spray), can the herbs be substituted with the corresponding essential oils mixed with distilled water and apple cider vinegar? And why must apple cider vinegar be organic? thanks!

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Yes you can use alcohol-free essential oils. Read my article on ACV to understand why you must use organic unpasturized.

        Delete
    8. I have a cat that is three years old. She is allergic to all the topical flea repellents I have tried from the vets office. I am going natural this year. My question is in regards to the Rosemary essential oil spray. Can this be used on kittens as young as 8 weeks old. Is it safe to use on the mother cats that are still nursing kittens.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. I would advise you not to use essential oil based spray on kittens.

        Delete
    9. My 4-year old Pekingese, Tater, is seriously allergic to flea bites. He has scabs all over from itching, but I am afraid to apply chemicals to his skin, or feed him chemical flea preventatives. He eats Taste of The Wild Limited Ingredient Diet food, and takes Omega 3 Fish oil supplement with vitamin E. I was wondering if I could use the following spray on him to repel the insects: 2 lemons-boiled for about 20 minutes, 2 Tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar, 1/2 tsp mint extract, and 2 Tablespoons of Organic Coconut Oil. Do you this would be safe and/or effective. I hate to see him suffering so, but I am also afraid of all the chemicals the Vets want me to put on or in his body.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Taste of the Wild contains multiple listed and hidden toxins and carcinogens - which is one reason why your dog is getting bitten by fleas. Acidified blood makes a dog very attractive to insects and parasites. If you want to secure the health of your dog you should be addressing the root cause = diet. Chemical based topical applications (spot-on or ingested treatments - off the shelf or vet prescribed) will simply increase his toxic load.

        I have 11 dogs - ranging in size from tea cup at 4 lbs up to German Shepherds and Pit Bull x - not one of them is on any chemical-based insect or parasite preventive...and FYI I have a wetland beside the house, there are deer, fox etc. A truly good diet is the body's best defense against parasites, insects, illness, viruses, etc.

        If you want to address this properly I would recommend this http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.ca/diet-nutrition-wellness-plans/

        Delete
    10. Hi Karen....I found this spray on line. Can you tell me if it would be safe for my dog? Here are the ingredients....Lemongrass Oil (4%), Cinnamon Oil (1%), Sesame Oil (1%), Castor Oil (0.5%) and Inactive Ingredients: Purified Water (93.5%) . I have read all your indgredients, and it seems this would be ok and easier for me to do then make my own. I can't seem to find rosemary anywhere here in WA state. I thank you so much if you could let me know if this is safe? I love your love for animals. Also, I have been giving my doggie ceylon cinnamon and I am going to get some organic coconut oil for her to have too. God Bless you Karen. Anita

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. OK if the essential oils are organic (grade A). If not don't purchase it! Non-organic, Grade B and C are high in toxins and should not be applied to the skin...

        Delete
      2. update regarding the flea and tick spray. I wrote the company and asked them if the ingredients were organic, GRADE A..their response was: The Oils in our Flea and Tick spay and wipes are certified organic, USP grade and approved by the FDA. So is this good to go, or a NO?

        Delete
    11. Cheers Karen....Could you answer me on a flea and tick spray. It contains: Cedarwood oil 5.00%, Cedarwood oil 5.00%, Purified water 94.00%. and are organic and natural. Do you use these ingredients? Are they safe? Would they work? Thank you so much for you response.

      ReplyDelete
    12. Yes you can use an organic Cedarwood oil 5.00%, Purified water 94.00% spray - don't drench your dog in it though, it is meant to be lightly applied

      ReplyDelete
    13. Hi, Karen - I am currently feeding my two (2-1/2 year-old) pups food that contains the following ingredients:
      Sweet Potato & Venison Formula is a proven formula for dogs with allergies based on our unique blend of a premium protein and carbohydrate not commonly found in dog foods.

      Fresh Sweet Potatoes Premium quality carbohydrate rich in potassium and a highly digestible energy source.

      Fresh Venison Premium quality protein source not commonly used in pet foods.

      Canola Oil Low in saturated fat and high in monounsaturated fat. Excellent Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acid profile.

      Flaxseed: An excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids.

      Grain Free

      No Artificial Preservatives, Flavors, Colors or Bleached Ingredients.
      No grains such as wheat, barley, rice, or corn.

      Should I switch to one of your recipes or just alternate different foods with chicken instead of the venison?

      Thanks; really enjoy your website and reading all the recipes and q & a!
      LaFlor13

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. The 'food' is garbage. Example issue - canola oil is GMO, is high in herbicide (glyphosate) residue making it an allergen, toxin and carcinogen. Canola oil is a garbage source of Omega 6.

        Delete
    14. Hi Karen, Love this article. I was wondering, do you know of any homemade sprays that would both kill /repel fleas and help untangle hair at the same time? I have a chow chow mix with a lot of hair and this would certainly save some time.
      Thank you for your time, your knowledge is invaluable.

      ReplyDelete
    15. Hello Karen, my precious litte girl got tested postive for Anaplasmosis. Tomorrow, we are going for another blood test to see if the infection is active. Can Anaplasmosis be treated naturally? I don't want to put her on antibiotic unless I have too.

      Thank you!

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Yes, in many cases, if approached properly, it can be treated naturally - recommended course of action is a custom Holistic Diet Nutrition Wellness Plan
        http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.ca/diet-nutrition-wellness-plans/

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      2. Thank you, Karen. We had the Anaplasmosis blood test done today. We are expecting the test results within 2-3 days. I would email you if she tests positive. I really hope not...

        Delete

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    Important Note

    1.0 Use of Foods, Herbs, Alternative Medicines

    Safe use of items and protocols in the article above, is your sole responsibility.

    Foods, herbs and alternative medicines have health issue, condition and conventional drug interactions. Safe use of all substances and protocol are your responsibility.

    Before you use any substance or protocol do your research. Check for cautions, contradictions, interactions and side effects. Do not use substances or protocols not suitable to your animal's individual circumstances.

    If your animal has an underlying condition substances and protocols may conflict.

    2.0 Definition of Holistic

    Food, herbs, alternative medicines are NOT ‘holistic’ they are a substance and MAY, or may NOT be ‘NATURAL’.

    If you use a ‘natural’ substance such as a pure herb, you are using a natural substance, not a holistic substance.

    Holistic is not defined by use of one or several substances. Holistic is an approach.

    Definition of “holistic” from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press

    Adjective

    "relating to the whole of something or to the total system instead of just to its parts"

    "Holistic medicine attempts to treat the whole person, including mind and body, not just the injury or disease."

    Holistic is a way of approaching life, and within that health, and well-being.

    3.0 Expectations
    In a health or behavioral situation.

    Don't expect a few items or one isolated action to remedy the situation.

    In most situations, remedying a situation will require a comprehensive approach.

    4.0 Leave a Comment

    I review all comments and publish those deemed appropriate for this site.

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    Karen Rosenfeld | Holistic Diet Nutrition Wellness Practitioner | Holistic Behaviorist | Ottawa Valley Dog Whisperer