Homemade Flea Dip

The most vexing part of being a pet owner is having to deal with fleas. And while there are many flea-control products available, some brands aren’t as effective as others, while those that are tend to cost way too much. However, it is possible to save money and keep one’s pet protected from fleas by concocting one’s own homemade flea dip that works just as well, if not better, than any commercial brand.

There are different kinds of flea dip that one can make at home. One type is made with slices of lemon, which contains a chemical called limonene that is harmful to fleas. To begin making a lemon flea dip, water is boiled in a medium-sized saucepan, after which the lemon slices are added in and left to soak overnight. Following this, the lemons are taken out and the resulting mixture is poured in a spray bottle.

Prior to applying the flea dip on one’s pet, rinse the pet first using a mild pet shampoo to get rid of a significant number of the fleas. Afterwards, use a comb to clear away remaining fleas. The lemon flea dip is then sprayed on the pet, especially behind its ears and on the belly, armpits and the tail. Be cautious not to spray the pet in the eyes. The flea dip must be sprayed regularly. Once applied, it will keep the fleas away as well as soothe the pet’s irritated skin.

Another kind of homemade flea dip is an herbal mixture made of 2 cups of fresh rosemary placed in 2 pints of boiled water. The rosemary is left to soak for a half hour, after which the liquid is strained and the herbs are disposed of. The liquid is then added with a sufficient amount of water to make up a gallon of herbal flea dip. The pet is then saturated with the dip, but it should not be rinsed off and instead be allowed to dry off on its own. Aside from repelling fleas, this herbal dip also works on ticks.

This next variety of homemade flea dip involves mixing oils such as almond, lavender and cedar wood oil. The process is very simple; just take 10 milliliters of almond oil, add in 10 drops of lavender oil and 5 drops of cedar wood oil, then shake the mixture well. Apply only 1 to 2 drops of the oil dip on the pet, massaging it into the pet’s skin. This should be done 2 times a week. The oil dip not only wards off fleas, it also soothes and heals the pet’s irritated skin.