by Mary Beth

Created on: February 20, 2007   Last Updated: May 14, 2007

Three years ago a health problem developed in my life. Several scary trips to the doctor to fix the problem without talking about a lifestyle change brought me to a point of looking at natural products. Guess what I learned as I flipped through pages and pages of natural health books? I was poisoning myself with all the chemicals that were in my home, and my dog and cat were helpless victims of chemicals too as I poured on the flea killer.

I have found some healthy alternatives that get rid of fleas that don't damage the heart and liver or brain. It's not just the pet you have to think about, but you. Are you playing with your pet? Petting him? Holding him close? Just what is in your environment that is giving your headaches?

I have found several remedies that help with fleas...and ticks too. Maybe you have one of these. Be consistent in applying them. Unlike the chemical products that are put on periodically, these natural products will worth with consistency.

For my dog that stays outside, I've bought cedar chips for his bedding. Cedar is a natural flea repellent.

If the dog is inside the house, then natural oil baths and sprays are effective. Tea tree oil, or eucalyptus, can be added to your laundry. Other oils that will repel fleas are lemon(this one smells really good!), chamomile, citronella, lavender, or clove. Put some drops of each or one on a bandanna and tie it around your dog's neck.

For my cat, I cut the toe and heal off a sock. This makes a perfect size collar. I put a few drops of lavender, lemon and clove on this quick collar. You get an extra benefit...your cat smells great! Beware of Tea Tree oil on cats. It is not good for them.

Garlic is also been toted as working at keeping the fleas away. Just a capsule a day for your dog.

A little Brewers yeast in water also helps. Cats love it...fleas hate it.

If you know about Melaleuca products and you have them in your house they also can be used for double duty. A great shampoo to use is Naturals Melaleuca Shampoo. For every two teaspoons of the shampoo add one teaspoon Jojoba oil.

A natural rug refresher is made by putting the following in a sugar shaker: 1/3 cup baking soda, 3 drops peppermint oil, 7 drops thyme, 8 drops lemon, and 2 drops pine. Shake it on the carpet, wait about 15 minutes, then vacuum.

Since using natural products on my home my headaches have disappeared. I feel less fatigued, and I sleep better. As long as the ticks and fleas are not on my cat and dog I am happy to keep up with these easy remedies.

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