I’d like to switch from prescription medication (Interceptor and Bravecto) to natural homemade solutions. Way too many listicles about ACV and oil/extract concoctions online though.
Anyone here have experience with holistic alternatives? Preferably in the same general environment (greater NYC or tri-state area). Thanks!
No guarantees, but...
Fleas & Ticks:
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Cedar is a natural repellent for fleas: Scatter cedar shavings inside the "dog house" if you have one. Or, fill a dog bed with them. The kind they sell in the pet stores work fine.
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Flea & Tick Spray: Combine ingredients in a spray bottle: 1/4 C Witch Hazel, 1/4 C Aloe Vera Juice, 10 drops of Lavender and Lemon Oils, 20 drops Cedar Oil. Do not spray this on the dogs face, avoid getting it into their eyes.
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Homemade Flea Bath: Mix 1/4 C White Vinegar, 1/4 C Dawn Dish soap, and 1/2 C water. Lather up dog with solution (avoid face, eyes, ears, mouth, nose). Wait 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. Dry pup well.
Heart worms:
Heart worms are passed to the dog by mosquitoes who have bitten an infected dog. This concern is less prevalent in NY than in other eastern locations. It may be a concern if you are traveling south during the summer months. Mosquitoes require a mere tablespoon of water to breed, but the cold winter months tends to kill off the mosquito population. I do not know of anything that would be effective in preventing mosquitoes from biting an animal. Being a coastal NC resident, I swear by Avon's Skin So Soft spray. I do not know if this is safe to use on an animal.