by Aurora Anne Taylor

Created on: August 19, 2010

Have you ever read the labels on some of the popular chemical flea products for your dog?  You would be hard pressed to find a flea killer or preventative out there that does  not warn about potential skin irritation, blindness and poisoning if ingested.  Some even warn owners not to touch their pet for up to 48 hours after application!  Most of us suspect the

ugly truth that we are harming our furry friends, ourselves and the environment, but keep using them because we feel we have no choice.  There is an alternative, however:  essential oils.  As these substances are derived from plants in the wild that naturally repel fleas, essential oils can actually be more effective in ridding your dog of these nasty pests along with mosquitoes and ticks as well.

Warning about cats

In short, if you are thinking of using oils on your cat, don't do it!  Cat's systems are not designed to clear essential oils out of their bodies.  Although some advocate that certain oils are relatively safe for your feline friend, you should consider long and hard before you take that risk.  Your cat may initially appear fine, but eventually, the oils will build up and could do him harm.  It is best not to mess with oils in cats and instead focus on other natural flea remedies such as food grade diatomaceous earth (not the pool kind) and brewers yeast. If you use essential oils for your dog and the cat frequents the same areas, you might want to reconsider the risk.

Warning about purity

Herbs and essential oils are not regulated for either humans or animals and can pose some serious risks.  Therefore, it is important to make sure you buy only therapeutic grade oils for use on your pets and yourself or you may end up with toxicity problems equal to or greater than the problems with chemical pest control.  Make sure you do your research and buy only from reputable dealers who perform multiple tests upon their oils to ensure the herbs are grown pesticide free, that the oils are distilled at the proper temperature and they are not cut with toxic substances.  You want only guaranteed, 100% food grade oils with no additives.  These oils cost more and require some time and effort to locate, but they are the only option to guarantee effectiveness and safety.

Warnings aside, here are some of the best essential oils to use on your dog and in your home to rid your lives of nasty fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and even biting flies:

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