DIY Natural, Herbal Flea, Tick, Mosquito Repellent Sprays, Rubs, Dips, Rinse for Dogs and Cats

DIY Natural herbal flea, tick, mosquito, repellent sprays, rubs, dips and rinse recipes for dogs and cats


In this article:
Recipes to make your own all natural, non-toxic, herbal flea, tick, mosquito: 
  1. Repellent topical sprays
  2. Rubs
  3. Dips
  4. Rinse
  5. Collar Drops
  6. Spot-on Drops
 

1.0 Sprays

1.1 Fresh Lemon Bug Spray (for cats and dogs)

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 recipe go to this article.
 
 

1.2 Almond, Garlic, Lemon Oil-Based Sprays

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Almond Oil, Citrus Bug Spray (for dogs only)

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Almond Oil, Citrus Bug Spray for dogs

Pour the following ingredients in a spray bottle:
  • 1 cup of water;
  • 2 cups of organic apple cider vinegar;
  • 2 tbs sweet almond oil or:
    • 2 tbs lemon oil (see recipe below), or;
    • 2 tbs garlic oil (see recipe below;
    • Both almond oil and garlic contain sulfur - sulfur repels many types of insects including mosquitoes;
  • 2 tbs of fresh squeezed lemon juice;
    • Mosquitoes do not like citrus, especially lemon;
    • For the lemon oil, this recipe uses fresh lemons and olive oil.  See the lemon oil recipe just below. Do NOT use lemon essential oil on cats or dogs.
  • Shake well, and;
  • Spritz your dog’s fur.
 Make your own lemon oil…
  • You will need 2 lemons and 1 cup of olive oil.
    • Preparation;
      • Peel the rind from the lemons;
      • Place oil and lemon rinds in a sauce pan;
      • Place on a very low heat for 20 minutes;
      • Allow to cool;
    • Strain and pour into a bottle.
Make your own garlic oil…

For treating ear infections, making insect repellent, etc.  
  • To prepare garlic oil you will 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;
    • Virgin, or extra virgin olive oil (cold-pressed olive oil).
  • Preparation:
    • Remove the outer skin (also called 'paper') from the garlic cloves;
    • Cut the garlic cloves into thin slices;
    • Put the sliced garlic in the jar, leave a little space at the top of the jar empty;
    • 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;
    • Cover the top of the jar with a few layers of cheesecloth:
    • 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;
    • Secure the cloth with string or an elastic band;
    • Let the garlic/oil filled jar sit top cure, in a warm location for 10 to 14 days;
    • Once the curing period is over, separate the garlic from the oil by straining the oil into an amber, brown or blue storage bottle;
  • Store the Garlic Oil in the refrigerator.

1.3 Neem Oil Based Sprays and Rubs

Organic 1Neem Oil Spray

Organic neem spray for dogs and cats
  • You'll Need
    • ½ ounce (15 ml) organic neem oil (dogs). Cats, 1/4 ounce (7.5 ml) organic neem oil.
    • If you want to make a stronger replant use 1 ounce (30 ml neem oil);
    • ½ ounce (15 ml) organic glycerine or organic Castile soap;
    • 2 cups (0.5 litre) warm water;
    • Mixing bowl;
    • Spray bottle.
  • Preparation
    • Pour the glycerine soap and warm water into the bowl – mix the resulting liquid;
    • Slowly add the neem oil , mixing as you add the neem to the soap/water mixture;
    • Pour the resulting liquid into a spray bottle;
  • Use
    • Spritz on fur.
1 Caution for Neem Oil:
Neem oil breaks down after 8 hours, so only make enough spray  or rub for use within an 8 hour period, discard any unused spray and make more when required.
 
If you're using these Neem oil recipes on a breeding, pregnant or lactating animal make sure that you make the recipes using the neem oil at half strength.  
 

1.4 Essential Oil Blend Sprays

Witch Hazel and Essential Oil Spray (for dogs only)

Witch Hazel and Essential Oil Spray for dogs
  • Fill an 8 once spray bottle with 4 oz distilled or boiled (cooled) water;
  • Add enough witch hazel to almost fill the balance of the spray bottle - leave about 2" empty at the top of the bottle.
  • Add essential oils:
    • 10 drops of clove essential oil (if your dog is 2pregnant substitute use eucalyptus essential oil instead);
    • 10 drops of  *rosemary essential oil.
    • 10 drops of citrus (lemon, orange or grapefruit) essential oil .
  • Shake well, and;
  • Spritz your dog’s fur;
    •  Don’t soak your dog’s or cat’s fur with this spray;
    • Just mist your dog or cat with the spray;
    • The scent of the essential oils repels the insects.
2 Clove oil is a uterine stimulant and therefore should not be used on pregnant dogs.


Lavender Essential Oil and Tea Tree Oil Spray
(for dogs only)
  • Fill a spray bottle with 1 cup of distilled or boiled (cooled) water;
  • Add essential oils:
    • 4 drops of Tea Tree Oil;
    • 4 drops of Lavender Essential Oil;
  • Shake well, and;
  • Spritz your dog’s fur;
    • Don’t soak your dog’s fur with this spray;
    • Just mist your dog with the spray;
    • The scent of the essential oils repels the insects.

Rosemary Essential Oil Spray
(for dogs and cats)
  •  Fill a spray bottle with 1 cup of distilled or boiled (cooled) water;
  • Add essential oils:
    • 8 drops of *rosemary essential oil;
  • Shake well, and;
  • Spritz your dog’s or cat’s fur;
    • Don’t soak your dog’s or cat’s fur with this spray;
    • Just mist your dog or cat with the spray;
    • The scent of the essential oils repels the insects.
 

1.5 Herbal Sprays


Coconut Oil, Peppermint, Lemon Grass Spray or Spot-On
(for cats and dogs)
Coconut Oil, Peppermint, Lemon Grass Spray or Spot-On for cats and dogs
 
In a Glass Bowl or Spray Bottle...
  • Mix the following;
    • 10 parts coconut oil (organic coconut oil is best), with
    • 1 part peppermint or lemon grass (fresh crushed herb or alcohol-free essential oil)
  • Apply as a spray-on repellent or as spot-on drops

Peppermint, Spearmint, Lavender, Cloves, Citronella Spray 
(for cats and dogs)

Peppermint, Spearmint, Lavender, Cloves, Citronella Spray for cats and dogs

Use Fresh or Dried Herbs...
  • Boil 1 cup of water;
  • Place the following in a tea pot or pot;
    • 1 tbsp peppermint, 
    • 1 tbsp catnip or spearmint;
    • 1 tbsp citronella or lemon grass;
      • if you are making this spray for use on cats use lemon grass, don't use citronella;
    • 1 tbsp lavender;
      • if you are making this spray for use on cats you can use lavender or rosemary;
    • 24 (four) dried cloves. If your dog is 2pregnant use eucalyptus essential oil instead of cloves.
      • If you are making this spray for use on cats leave the cloves out of the recipe;
  • Pour the boiling water into the tea pot and stir the ingredients;
  • Allow to steep and cool – make sure you place the lid on the tea pot of pot as it is important not to lose the volatile oils from the herbs;
  • When cool, strain the herbs from the liquid;
  • Mix the resulting solution with one of the following:
    • 1 cup of Witch Hazel, or:
    • 1 cup of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar;
  • Pour the resulting liquid into a spray bottle;
  • Shake well, and;
  • Spritz your dog’s fur.
2 Clove oil is a uterine stimulant and therefore should not be used on pregnant dogs.
If your dog is pregnant substitute use eucalyptus essential oil instead.


* Flea Rosemary Spray  
(for cats and dogs)

Flea rosemary spray for dogs and cats 
  • Steep 1/8 cup of fresh *rosemary in 16 ounces of boiling water for 30 minutes;
  • Allow the resulting infusion to cool;
  • Strain the liquid, discard the rosemary;
  • Pour the liquid into a spray bottle;
  • Shake well;
  • Spritz your dog’s fur.
You can also increase this recipe to make a rosemary flea dip.


Four Thieves Vinegar - Extra Strength Spray
(for dogs)
 
Four Thieves Vinegar - Extra Strength Spray for Dogs
  • Preparation:
    • In a glass jar – a Masons Jar with lid is best; add the following ingredients:
        •  2 cups Organic Apple Cider Vinegar;
          • The following dry herbs;
          • Lavender - *4 tbsp
            • If you are using this spray on cats you can use lavender or rosemary;
          • Peppermint - *4 tbsp
          • Sage - *4 tbsp (not to be used on cats);
          • Thyme - *4 tbsp; 
          • *4 tbsp dry herb of 3/4 cup fresh herb
        • Fresh Garlic – 4 to 8 cloves, crush the cloves before adding to the mixture.
    • Mix the ingredients;
    • Seal the glass jar with lid;
    • Allow to steep (in a cool, dark place, shake occasionally) for a minimum of 2 weeks, up to a maximum of 6 weeks;
    • After steeping period is over, strain the liquid from the herbs (discard the herbs);
    • You can then store the liquid in the fridge;
  • To Use:
    • Do not use the liquid as a spray on fur and skin full strength…
      Fill a spray bottle half-full with the steeped liquid;
    • Fill the remaining half of the bottle with distilled water;
    • The spray is now ready for use;
    • Shake well, and;
    • Spritz your dog’s fur.

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

2.1 Organic 1Neem Oil Rub 
  • Dogs - mix 1 part neem oil with 10 parts almond oil or coconut oil.
  • Cats - mix 1 part neem oil with 20 parts almond oil or coconut oil.
  • Place a few drops in your hand;
  • Rub your palms together;
  • The run your hands through your dog’s fur.
1 Caution for Neem Oil:
  • Neem oil breaks down after 8 hours, so only make enough spray  or rub for use within an 8 hour period, discard any unused spray and make more when required;
  • If you are using these Neem oil recipes on a breeding, pregnant or lactating animal make sure that you make the recipes using the neem oil at half strength. 

3.0 Dips to Kill Fleas 


3.1 *Rosemary Flea Dip (for cats and dogs)
  • Steep 2 cups of fresh *rosemary in 1 gallon of boiling water for 30 minutes;
  • Allow the resulting infusion to cool-off until it is just warm;
  • Strain the liquid, discard the rosemary;
  • Pour the liquid over your dog’s fur until he/she is soaked,
  • Allow your dog to dry naturally.

4.0 Rinse to Kill Fleas

4.1 Organic ACV, Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera Juice
      (for dogs only)
 
 
The following topical treatment kills adult fleas and is soothing for the dog’s skin…

You will need:
  • An 8 oz bottle
  • Tea Tree Oil
  • 100% pure Aloe Vera Juice, inner fillet
  • Organic ACV
  • Fresh, clean water.
Preparation
  • Pour the water into the 8 ounce bottle
  • Add 10 drops of tea tree oil
  • Add 1 tablespoon of aloe vera juice
  • Shake well
 Treatment
  • Massage the resulting herbal mixture into your dogs fur and skin.
  • Wait 6 to 10 minutes, then rinse your dog.
Rinse Your Dog
  • Then rinse with ACV diluted in water – 1 tablespoon ACV for every pint of water
  • Allow your dog to shake the excess water off
 After-Rinse Spray
  • Then follow-up with a spray of equal parts ACV to water;
  • Do not get the herbal mixture, rinse or spray in your dog’s eyes
  • The spray can be used on a daily basis and may be used several times a day

5.0 Collar Drops and Spot-on Drops
(for cats and dogs)

For herbal collar drop recipes and herbal spot-on recipes:


6.0 Cautions 

Monitor your Animal When Using Essential Oils
Particularly when using  essential oils on cats, make sure you observe your cat, watch for any signs of an adverse reaction and cease using if any type of toxicity occurs.
 
Employ Caution When Spraying near Your Animal's Eyes
Protect your dog and cat's eyes from the spray.
 
When Applying the Spray to your Dog or Cat's Face:
Spray the palm of your hand with the solution.
Then rub your hands gently over your animal's nose, top of the head, behind the ears, etc.
 
Daily Application of Sprays
Sprays should be re-applied 2-3 times a day when protection is required.
If your dog goes swimming, gets wet in the rain etc. you will need to re-apply the spray.
 
*Rosemary
Do not use rosemary essential oils on a dog or cats prone to seizures.
Do NOT use rosemary on Shelties (Shetland Sheepdogs), and Collies. 
 
Your Dog, Cat's Best Defense Against Insects
Your dog’s and cat’s best defense against insects and insect-borne disease is a truly health supporting diet, nutrition and overall wellness plan. Topical insect repellent should never be used on its own with the expectation that it can prevent insect bites and insect-borne disease, instead use as part of a layered holistic plan.


Holistic Diet, Nutrition, Wellness Services Tailored to Your Individual Dog and Cat
 
For information about my holistic diet, nutrition, wellness services visit my:
 
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:
Contact me.

 
Holistic Behavioral Services For Your Dog
 
For information about my holistic behavioral services visit my:
For dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds
 
My holistic behavioral services are available locally in-person and worldwide via video session.
 
🌎  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:
Contact me.
 
Affiliations to Companies
✓ None.
✓ I don't sell food or supplements.
✓ I'm not aligned with any companies.

Article and graphics by Karen Rosenfeld
Photo at top of article by 

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/

      Delete
    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 (ie. an 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 Expectation a natural substance remedies a health or behavioral situation.

A natural substance used to treat symptoms. But, if factors causing the underlying issue remain you do not have a remedy.

Remedy requires a comprehensive approach. It is necessary to identify root cause. Remove items that trigger, cause or otherwise contribute to issues. Holistic approach includes design, implementation to treat, remedy and maintain long-term health.

4.0 Leave a Comment

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

I answer questions deemed appropriate when I have time to do so.

Karen Rosenfeld
Holistic Diet Nutrition Wellness Practitioner – Dogs and Cats
Holistic Behaviorist - Dogs
Ottawa Valley Dog Whisperer