Are you ready to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry companions? As the weather gets warmer, it’s important to be aware that with higher temperatures and increased humidity, the risk of fleas and ticks becomes more prominent. These pesky parasites not only cause discomfort and irritation for your pets but also pose serious health risks. Fleas can lead to flea allergy dermatitis, cat scratch disease, and anemia, while ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and more. But worry not, because we have the solution – coconut oil!
When Does Flea and Tick Season Occur?
Flea and tick season varies depending on where you live in the United States. While some states like Florida and Texas experience year-round infestations, others such as Michigan and Iowa have shorter seasons. Educating yourself about the flea and tick season in your region is crucial to protect your family, home, and pets. If you want to find out more about specific regions, the American Kennel Club provides a helpful flea and tick season map.
How to Safeguard Your Home from Fleas and Ticks
Your home is your haven, and you can take steps to defend it against fleas and ticks. Here are some practical tips:
In the Garden
Keep your garden tidy by mowing the grass and trimming shrubs. Eliminate potential hiding spots such as woodpiles and tall weeds. To further protect your pet, sprinkle food-grade, organic Diatomaceous Earth in the areas they frequent. This natural powder destroys flea eggs and kills adult fleas.
Around the House
Maintaining cleanliness plays a significant role in fighting pests. Regularly vacuum your carpets and furnishings, and don’t forget to wash bed linens and pet beds consistently.
Checking for Fleas and Ticks
Regularly inspect your pet for signs of fleas and ticks, especially after outdoor walks. Use a flea comb to find and remove any fleas you discover. In the case of ticks, be cautious when removing them to prevent any potential infections. Using a specially designed tick-removal tool is the safest option for both you and your pet.
The Hazards of Chemical Flea and Tick Preventatives
While many flea and tick treatments flood the market, some prove ineffective or carry serious health risks for your pet. Chemical preventatives, whether used year-round or seasonally, can cause skin irritation, vomiting, seizures, and other health issues. To protect your pets without compromising their well-being, opt for an all-natural preventative. That’s where coconut oil comes in!
Therapeutic Coconut Oil: Safe, Natural, and Effective
Coconut oil is a 100% natural and human-grade solution that acts as an excellent flea and tick repellent. Unlike chemical alternatives, coconut oil doesn’t enter your pet’s bloodstream but rather repels and kills parasites upon contact. By suffocating fleas and ticks and limiting their mobility, coconut oil effectively eliminates these pests without any harmful side effects.
Due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, coconut oil also prevents bites from becoming infected and soothes inflamed skin. To use coconut oil as a flea and tick treatment, massage a generous amount onto your pet’s skin and hair, ensuring thorough coverage. Leave the oil on for at least 8 hours before washing your pet with a natural and gentle shampoo.
When selecting coconut oil for fleas and ticks, opt for a therapeutic-grade option like CocoTherapy Virgin Coconut Oil. Sourced from a certified organic family farm in the Philippines, this oil is high in lauric acid, making it highly effective against stubborn pests.
Make Your Own Natural Flea & Tick Repellent with Coconut Oil
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can create your own safe and effective coconut oil flea and tick repellent.
Natural Flea & Tick Repellent Balm
A balm offers excellent coverage in specific areas such as inside the ears, around the face, armpits, paw pads, and toes. It acts as a deterrent for crawling pests and provides additional protection for foot pads. To make your own balm, mix all the ingredients in a 6 oz mason glass jar. When applying the balm, cover your hands with a small amount and massage it into your pet’s coat, ensuring contact with the skin. Pay extra attention to areas such as foot pads, between the toes, around and inside the ears, face, muzzle, armpits, and belly. Besides repelling fleas and ticks, this balm will leave your pet’s skin and coat shiny and moisturized.
Natural Flea & Tick Repellent Spray
For a quick and easy application, you can make an all-natural flea and tick repellent spray using liquid TriPlex MCT-3 Oil. Mix all the ingredients well in a 14 oz spray glass bottle. Before heading outdoors, lightly spray your dog’s entire coat until it’s damp but not dripping. Ensure thorough brushing and pay extra attention to toes, paw pads, armpits, belly, ears, and other hard-to-reach areas. Avoid spraying the face, but you can prepare a small jar of coconut oil flea and tick repellant balm for the face and muzzle.
A Note to Cat Parents…
While coconut oil is safe for dogs, it’s essential to approach the subject with caution when it comes to cats. Some essential oils can be potentially toxic to cats, so consult your holistic vet before using essential oils on or around them. For cats with flea or tick issues, plain therapeutic virgin coconut oil high in lauric acid is sufficient to eliminate and prevent infestations.
We hope you enjoyed learning about the benefits of coconut oil for fleas and ticks. Have you tried using CocoTherapy coconut oil as a natural pest repellent for your beloved pets? Let us know in the comments! For more information about CocoTherapy and our range of coconut oil, chips, and treats for pets, be sure to check out our website Katten TrimSalon.