Monday, September 15, 2014

Upgrading the Homemade Flea Repellent

I have been making my own flea repellent for quite a while, using rosemary tea, lavender oil, and eucalyptus oil. So far, it seems to be effective, and I was actually able to stop giving Maya Comfortis for a few months. I was never a big fan of the prevention meds, whether it's edible or topical, as they are all some sort of poison to me. Especially with Maya's out-of-whack immune system, the less burden the better. (This is my educated decision. Please do your research before following any advice read online.)

Recently, I read about the product Tripe Sure Flea Control and the benefit of peppermint oil and cedar oil, so I decided to do some upgrading. Hopefully, this can continue to keep Maya flea and tick free without using any harsh products.

Upgraded Homemade Natural Flea Repellent:
  • Rosemary Tea: add 2 cups of hot water to 1 hand full of rosemary leaf. Wait till it cools to room temperature and filter out the leaves.
  • Lavender Oil: 10 drops
  • Eucalyptus Oil: 10 drops
  • Cedarwood Oil: 10 drops
  • Peppermint Oil: 10 drops
  • Graveolens Oil: 10 drops (Edit: 11/2/2016. New addition to the recipe. Recommended by a fellow dog owner to repel ticks.)

I put it in a spray bottle and spray on Maya's back and legs before going out. Sometimes I had to explain to people why she's all wet when they pet her, but it makes her smell nice too. It is also a much cheaper option as opposed to the prevention meds. The rosemary leaves and essential oils could probably last us many years.