Four Natural Remedies to Keep Your Dog Pest Free at Home

From oils to fruit, these items will keep your furry friend toxic free this summer

The convenience of chemical-based bug repellents are plentiful, but why not test out some natural products this summer for your four-legged friend. If the product you’re using now says it’s not safe for your children, then how can it be safe for Fido?

Lavender and Lemon Eucalyptus Oil. A company called Daisy Paw has taken all the hard work out of blending the right oils for your dog and sells not only the essential oil but a cool collar that you can put the oil into.

Lemongrass or Citronella Oil. A recommendation from my favorite essential oil book, The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy, is to add one drop of either essential oil to his/her shampoo.

Rose Geranium Oil. According to Kelly at the blog PrimarilyInspired.com, this essential oil worked wonders on her dog when it came to avoiding ticks. Just a few drops on the shoulder blade and tail and no more ticks. Be sure to pick up Pelargonium capitatum x radens (not Pelargonium graveolens) and no carrier oil needed if used in small amounts.

Lemon. This recipe from Everydayroots.com is so simple that all you need is some lemons and water.

Of course check with your veterinarian before introducing any new product to your pet, especially if they are taking any medications.

Main image photo credit: Flickr user Landon

Athena Snow

Senior Manager, Public Relations & Giving for Coldwell Banker. Grew up in Sarasota and attended college at Western Carolina University. Athena wanted to wake up in that city that doesn’t sleep so headed to Madison Avenue to start her marketing career. She has been with this awesome brand for more than 15 years and can be found generating buzz about CB in every way possible. Athena helps to grow the brand’s position as the most storied real estate company within the industry and has led many high-profile endeavors; she was at the forefront of the brand’s pioneering smart home campaign, raised $6 million in two years to build 130 Habitat for Humanity homes, and led the Homes for Dogs program in partnership with Adopt-a-Pet.com that resulted in tens-of-thousands of dogs finding their furever home. She currently leads the CB Supports St. Jude program, which encourages the Coldwell Banker network’s 96,000+ real estate agents to make donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital for every real estate transaction they represent. In her spare time, you can find her either digging up a new area in her yard for another flower bed or planning her next travel adventure. She's the proud mom of three cats Jolene, Ziggy and Lucy.