Tips For A Pest Free Pet & Lawn
Banish Bugs From The Inside Out
Garlic
Adding this ingredient directly to your pet's food makes them "taste bad" to bugs. I have clients that swear by it. And of course, I am all for a whole food option to optimize your pet.
You can consider incorporating small amounts of garlic as an internal flea repellent. Despite concerns about garlic's potential harm to dogs, it's only harmful in large quantities, such as the equivalent of 75 cloves for a 70 lb dog. Using freshly chopped organic garlic in moderation is both safe and effective.
Stick to using organic fresh whole clove garlic and avoid garlic supplements. A safe dosage is around ¼ clove per ten pounds of your dog's weight (using regular-sized garlic, not jumbo). For smaller dogs weighing under ten pounds, reduce the amount to ⅛ clove. Regardless of your dog's size, it's advisable not to exceed two cloves per day.
Start feeding garlic a month before flea/tick season begins for optimal effectiveness and continue through out the season as part of your flea prevention strategy, Or year round depending on where you live.
Apple Cider Vinegar
(ACV) can decrease your dog's appeal to ticks and fleas by altering the blood's attractiveness. Choose organic ACV (with the mother) when available. Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (adjust for smaller dogs) to your dog's food or water bowl as a natural tick repellent. I've personally used ACV before (it's also beneficial for digestive problems), and my dogs preferred it mixed into their food rather than their water.
Combining both of these options yields the best results. To add an additional layer of protection, you can apply our essential oil spray recipe.
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Environmental Flea and Tick Prevention
Beneficial Nematodes:
These tiny, worm-like organisms live in soil and feed on tick larvae, disrupting their life cycle and eliminating the parasite. Purchase nematodes from garden centers or online, then mix them with water and distribute them across your yard using a sprayer or watering can. They act as a natural tick repellent.
Regular Lawn Maintenance:
Keeping your grass short may not be the most enjoyable task, but it can significantly reduce bug populations, especially in areas where they are prevalent.
Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE):
This non-toxic powder is made from ground fossils, marine life, and freshwater organisms. While harmless to humans and pets, it is deadly to ticks and fleas. Apply DE to carpets, furniture, bedding, and any areas where your dog spends time. Let it sit for about 24 hours before vacuuming. You can also apply DE directly to your dog's skin by parting the hair and avoiding sensitive areas like the nose, eyes, and mouth.
While natural solutions may require a little more effort and consistency from pet parents, the reward of a happy, healthy pet that is free from toxins, makes it all worthwhile.
You can find more pet health resources including, videos, podcasts, articles, tips, programs, & raw dog food meal ideas, by joining our FREE Everwell Pets Tribe!
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