A Natural Approach to Insect Preventation and Recipes for Natural, Herbal Flea, Tick, Mosquito Repellent Sprays, Rubs, and Dips for Dogs and Cats
- Spray Repellent Recipes
- Fresh Lemon Spray
- Apple Cider Vinegar or Coconut Sap Vinegar, Almond or Garlic Oil, Citrus Spray
- Organic Neem Oil Spray, Repellent, Dip or Rub
- Witch Hazel, Clove, Citrus Spray
- Lavender and Tea Tree Oil Spray
- Rosemary Essential Oil Spray
- Coconut Oil, Lemongrass, Peppermint Spray or Spot-On
- Rosemary Herb Flea Spray
- Four Thieves Herbal Spray
- Rubs to Kill Fleas and Lice
- Neem Oil Rub to Kill Fleas and Lice
- Rinse to Kill Fleas
- ACV or CSV, Tea Tree Oil, Aloe Vera Juice Dip or Rinse
- Rosemary Herbs Flea Dip or Rinse
- Insect Repellent Balms and Hydrosols
- Collar Drops and Spot on Drops
- Foods That Help Naturally Repel Insects
- Cautions and Important Notes
- A Layered Natural Approach Is Your Dog and Cat's Best Defence
1.0 Spray Insect Repellent Recipes
- Go to this article.
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.
- 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.
- Shake the spray bottle.
- Spritz your dog’s fur.
- Apply one time to several times per day as needed.
- 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.The lemon oil is ready for use.
For treating ear infections, making insect repellent, etc.
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:
- Remove the outer skin from the garlic cloves.
- Cut the garlic cloves into thin slices.
- Place 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 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.
½ ounce (15 ml) organic neem oil (dogs).
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
- Pour the glycerine soap and warm water into the bowl, mix well.
- Slowly add the 1neem oil, mixing as you add the neem to the soap/water mixture.
- Pour the resulting liquid into a spray bottle.
- Store in a cool, dark cupboard.
- Shake the bottle.
- Spritz on fur.
- Apply one time to several times per day as needed.
- Use the recipe as a dip or rinse.
- Pour the solution onto fur and skin, massage thoroughly into fur and skin.
- Don't rinse off, leave on for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Then rinse off.
- Apply one time to several times per day as needed.
- Fill an 8 ounce spray bottle with 4 oz distilled water.
- 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.
- Add essential oils:
- 10 drops of clove essential oil.
- 10 drops of *rosemary essential oil.
- 10 drops of citrus (lemon, orange or grapefruit) essential oil .
- Store in a cool, dark cupboard.
- Shake the bottle.
- Spritz your dog’s fur;
- Don’t soak your dog fur with this spray.
- Just lightly mist your dog with the spray.
- Apply one time to two times per day as needed.
- Clove oil is a uterine stimulant and therefore should NOT be used on or around pregnant dogs.
- Rosemary essential oil should NOT be used one or around dogs (or cats) that are prone to seizure conditions.
for dogs - to discourage fleas, ticks, mosquitoes
- Fill a spray bottle with 1 cup of distilled water.
- Add essential oils:
- 4 drops of Tea Tree Oil.
- 4 drops of Lavender Essential Oil.
- Store in a cool, dark cupboard.
- Shake the bottle.
- Spritz your dog’s fur.
- Don’t soak your dog’s fur with this spray.
- Just lightly mist your dog with the spray.
- Apply one time to two times per day as needed.
- Fill a spray bottle with 1 cup of distilled water.
- Add essential oil:
- 8 drops of rosemary essential oil.
- Store in a cool, dark cupboard.
- Shake the bottle.
- Spritz your dog or cat's fur.
- Don’t soak fur with this spray.
- Just lightly mist your dog or cat with the spray.
- Apply one time to two times per day as needed.
- Rosemary essential oil should NOT be used one or around dogs or cats that are prone to seizure conditions.
for cats and dogs - discourage fleas and mosquitoes
- Place 4 tbs coconut oil in a glass bowl.
- Add the essential oil:
- 6 drops of lemongrass essential oil.
- 2 drops of peppermint essential oil.
- Pour or spoon in small spray bottle or glass jar.
- Store in a cool, dark cupboard.
- Shake the bottle.
- Spritz your
dog or cat's fur.
- Massage into fur.
- Apply one time per day as needed.
- Apply a drop to the: neck, shoulders, middle of back, base of tail, and on each paw.
- Apply one time per day as needed.
- Go to this article.
for dogs - to discourage fleas, ticks, mosquitoes
- Add the following ingredients to the mason jar:
- 2 cups Apple Cider Vinegar or Coconut Sap Vinegar
- 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.
- 5 large cloves or 8 small cloves of garlic.
- Crush the garlic before adding it to the mason jar.
- Mix the ingredients in the jar.
- Seal the mason jar with the lid.
- 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.
- Then strain the herbs from the liquid. Discard the herbs.
- Store the mason jar of steeped liquid in the refrigerator.
- Add enough distilled water to the spray bottle, to half fill the bottle.
- Fill the remaining half of the bottle with the steeped herbal liquid.
- Don't use the steeped liquid undiluted.
- Shake the bottle.
- Spritz your dog's fur.
- Apply one time to two times per day as needed.
2.0 Rubs to Kill Fleas and Lice
- 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.
- Place a few drops in your hand.
- Rub your palms together.
- The run your hands through your dog or cat’s fur.
- Repeat use daily as needed, one times per day until the flea or lice infestation is resolved.
3.0 Rinse to Kill Fleas
for dogs only
- Pour the water into the glass bottle.
- Add 10 drops of tea tree oil.
- Add 1 tablespoon of aloe vera juice.
- Shake the bottle.
- Massage the herbal mixture into your dog's fur and skin.
- Wait 6 to 10 minutes, then rinse your dog.
- Use daily as needed until the flea infestation is resolved.
for kittens, cat, puppies and dogs
- Go to this article.
for cats and dogs
7.0 Cautions and Important Notes
- Lack of coordination.
- Loss of use of legs.
- Paralysis.
- Seizures.
- Protect your dog and cat's eyes from the spray.
- 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.
- Sprays should be re-applied 1 to 3 times a day when additional protection is required.
- If your dog or cat goes swimming, gets wet in the rain etc. you will need to re-apply the spray.
- Do not use rosemary essential oils or rosemary herb on a dog or cat prone to seizures.
- Do NOT use rosemary on Shelties (Shetland Sheepdogs), and Collies.
- Using a topical repellent on it's own is not an effective approach to preventing insects and insect borne diseases.
- 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
- Species appropriate raw or gently cooked and fresh food diet tailored to suit the individual animal's situation.
- Toxin-free personal health protocol.
- Natural topical repellent selected to suit your individual dog or cat's circumstances during insect (e.g. tick season, etc.)
- Daily visual and physical inspection for ticks on your dog or cat.
- This should be done at least 2x per day during tick season.
- Limit unnecessary exposure, e.g.,
- Stay away from areas that are known to be badly infested with ticks.
ReplyDeleteI 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
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
DeleteHello 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????
ReplyDeleteMake 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...
Delete• 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
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!
ReplyDeleteHi Carly,
DeleteSimple 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
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. (???)
ReplyDeleteFlorida 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...
DeleteAs 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
Use the rosemary flea dip and in between baths use the rosemary spray. You can also put rosemary essential oil drops on her collar.
ReplyDeleteIn 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.
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?
ReplyDeleteIn 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!
ReplyDeleteYes you can use alcohol-free essential oils. Read my article on ACV to understand why you must use organic unpasturized.
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI would advise you not to use essential oil based spray on kittens.
DeleteMy 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.
ReplyDeleteTaste 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.
DeleteI 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/
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
ReplyDeleteOK 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...
Deleteupdate 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?
DeletePerfect, yes
DeleteCheers 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.
ReplyDeleteYes 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
ReplyDeleteHi, Karen - I am currently feeding my two (2-1/2 year-old) pups food that contains the following ingredients:
ReplyDeleteSweet 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
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.
DeleteHi 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.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your time, your knowledge is invaluable.
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.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Yes, in many cases, if approached properly, it can be treated naturally - recommended course of action is a custom Holistic Diet Nutrition Wellness Plan
Deletehttp://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.ca/diet-nutrition-wellness-plans/
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