Do you see your dog consistently scratching and chewing at the skin? Is your dog’s skin red and irritated? If you answered yes to both questions, then your dog most probably has fleas.
Dog fleas are the most common parasites that feed off on the blood of their host. They are small, dark brown insects that do not have wings. Fleas are usual problems in the summer but in some hot and humid places, fleas can survive all year round. Dogs often get fleas from other animals and from the environment as well. Even though fleas do not have wings, they have strong back legs that enable them to jump from one dog to another or from the surrounding onto the dog.
Fleas are annoying and bothersome for dogs. Their bites are itchy and for some sensitive dogs, the itching can be severe. Dogs may scratch and chew too much and these will lead to hair loss, inflammation and skin infections. Some dogs can be hypersensitive to the flea’s saliva and will itch all over just from the bite of one single flea. Dog fleas are dangerous because they can transmit diseases and cause flea allergic dermatitis.
There are many kinds of flea products on the market today. The most common nonprescription flea products are flea shampoos, flea powders, flea sprays, flea collars, oral flea treatment, and spot-on products. The downside is that most of these commercial products have chemical ingredients intended to kill the fleas that are also harmful to our pet dogs. Dogs also have a habit of licking their fur and chewing on their skin and they can ingest these toxic chemicals.
Essential oils can also be used as natural remedies for health problems that animals experience. Using essential oils for animals is relatively new but it has been gaining attention because of the preference of many pet owners to use safe and natural ways to take care of their beloved pets. Essential oils are very potent and extra care should be practiced when using them on our pet dogs. Dogs have a different metabolism from humans and they are more sensitive to smell. It’s best to consult with your dog’s veterinarian if you are going to use essential oils. Some essential oils are safe to use for dogs while there are some that should be avoided. As a general rule, essential oils should always be diluted and should be used on puppies and pregnant dogs.
To make your dog flea-free, you can make a flea collar for your dog using the following essential oils:
Lavender essential oil is perfect in making your dog flea-free. Lavender essential oil is a very gentle oil that is a natural insect repellent. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties. The scent is soothing and calming as well.
It’s very easy to make an essential oil flea collar for your pet dog. Mix 2 drops of lavender, 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Get a bandana and fold it into a collar. Put the oil mixture carefully inside the collar. Tie the bandana around the neck of your pet dog. This oil mixture can also be rubbed on the outside of a normal collar. Do not rub it on the inside to prevent the oils from having too much contact with the skin or fur.
Choose a bandana that will suit the personality of your dog. It can be a simple one of a fashionable one, it’s up to you to experiment. The important thing is that after using these essential oils, to get rid of fleas safely and naturally.
