For dogs with fleas, topical applications of essential oils can prove an effective
alternative to traditional chemicals. Tea tree oil is especially good and will kill fleas.
Keep in mind that essential oils are strong and should be used sparingly;
it’s best to dilute them with water.
conditioners and rinses that contain flea-repelling essential walks past. Clear the area of any piles of dead leaves, brush
oils such as lavender, rosemary, tea tree, mint, neem and cit- or other yard and garden debris where fleas like to hide.
rus. These oils soothe and refresh skin and cut through odor Also, keep dog houses or cat enclosures
and grease without drying the coat. Remember not to use clean and dry.
essential oils on cats, as they are toxic to felines. Consider buying beneficial nema-
todes, naturally occurring microscopic
worms that kill fleas by infesting their
Control Measures
larvae. Steinernema (Sc or Sf) varieties are
If you already have a serious flea problem, you’ll need the best. Nematodes usually are available
to take additional measures. Because fleas reproduce in a pellet or powdered form; just mix
prolifically and rapidly, you need to break their life cycle them with water and spread them over
to get rid of them. While direct flea-repelling product ap- the area you wish to treat, using
plications can help, they don’t actually kill the fleas, eggs a watering can or sprayer.
or larvae. So, in addition to looking after your animal’s In many regions, it’s still early
hygiene and health, you also need to tackle his immediate in the year to be thinking about fleas.
environment. But, the sooner you put a prevention
program in place, the better your
Topicals
companion will cope and the easier
it will be to keep the situation under
For dogs with fleas, topical applications of essential oils can control.
prove an effective alternative to traditional chemicals. Tea
tree oil is especially good and will kill fleas. Keep in mind
that essential oils are strong and should be used sparingly;
it’s best to dilute them with water. Consult with a professional
aromatherapist for more detailed advice.
Again, do not use these oils on cats. Use aromatic
hydrosols, instead. Herbal flea powders and collars are
another alternative—be sure to get a natural product.
Pet Portraits
Inside the House
Get a beautiful
The next step is to go on a major cleaning spree. Thoroughly custom oil paint-
vacuum all carpets and upholstery, taking care to penetrate
ing on canvas of
dark corners and crevices and along baseboards; dispose of
your best friend!
the vacuum bag promptly. Launder anything washable in hot
water, such as cushion covers, curtains or bedspreads; other-
All work done
wise, use a green dry cleaner. Frequently wash the animal’s
by local artist
bedding and regularly clean all surfaces he lies on. To help Robin White,
keep fleas from returning to the bedding, try sprinkling cedar
using your
shavings or lavender seeds in and around it.
photos.
You can also carefully sprinkle natural, unprocessed
diatomaceous earth on carpets, along walls, in corner and
cracks in the floor, even under sturdy upholstery. It will inter-
Call today!
rupt the fleas’ interior functions and kill them. Helpful, sodi- Prices start
um-based flea-killing products act as a dessicant and work to
at just $199.
break the life cycle by drying out flea eggs and larvae.
954.970.3209
Outside the House
In warm weather, fleas can live happily in the backyard, www.robinwhiteart.com
ready to jump on your animal companion as soon as he
May 2009 33
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