Boric Acid and Pets

Boric acid is safe around pets and kids when used responsibly.

Find different forms of boric acid in pharmacies and grocery stores. When using boric acid for your pet's eyes or ears, purchase it in the first aid section of pharmacies. Using boric acid to get rid of fleas and other pests works best if you purchase it in a powder form, called Borax.

Kill Fleas in Carpets

Immediately throw away vacuum bag so fleas do not return. Vacuum Cleaner Bag image by lefebvre_jonathan from Fotolia.com

Sprinkle a thin layer of Borax on carpets and leave it there for at least fifteen minutes. Make sure your pet is in a safe area, away from the boric acid. Although boric acid will likely not affect your dog or cat, it is toxic and can upset their stomach if ingested in large amounts. Vacuum thoroughly for several days, and continue the process until fleas are gone. Flea eggs hatch in approximately four weeks, so you may need to use the Borax several times over a period of four to six weeks.

Eliminate Outdoor Pests

Borax can be used outside to kill fleas. Dog love image by Jovan Suhecki from Fotolia.com

Placing boric acid powder around the perimeter of your home will help to kill insects. When rain is not expected for several days, sprinkle Borax in your grass to kill fleas. The boric acid will only work if it is dry, so do not water your lawn for three to four days after treatment. Boric acid acts to dehydrate insects, but it is safe around kids and pets.

Boric Acid Kills Ear Mites

Ear mits are common and may take time to eliminate. ear image by Alexandr Potapov from Fotolia.com

Ask your veterinarian for a treatment containing boric acid if your pet suffers from ear mites. If your dog or cat has red, swollen inner ears, she may have mites. There are many expensive treatments available for ear mites, but your vet or natural pet food store may be able to guide you toward a safe, inexpensive boric acid remedy.

Treating Eye Problems

Boric acid mixed with water will not sting.the eyes. white cat green eyes image by Steve Marquez from Fotolia.com

Treat your pet's gunky eyes with a solution of one half-teaspoon pharmacy grade boric acid dissolved in one cup of boiling water. Stir and allow the solution to cool. Soak a sterile cotton ball in the boric acid and water, squeeze out excess liquid, and carefully wipe the affected eye. Use a new cotton ball each time you wipe. Throw out the solution but continue the process daily until your pet's eyes are clear.

Use Borax to Clean

Soak his collar at the same time he gets his bath to effectively kill all fleas. Chocolate Labrador Bird Dog image by getgrim from Fotolia.com

Wash your pet's bedding in a small amount of gentle detergent. Borax is often used as a laundry booster, but can be used on its own to gently clean bedding. This works well for animals with sensitive skin. Borax will help remove pet odors from fabric if added to your wash.

If your pet wears a non-leather collar, soak it in Borax and water, then rinse well to kill flea eggs which may have clung to the fibers. Allow the collar to dry before putting it back on your pet.

References

• Earth Easy: Natural Pest Control
• Dog Biz: Use Boric Acid to Get Rid of Ear Mites
• Health 911: Eye Wash

Resources

• Pet Grooming: Using Boric Acid to Remove Tear Stains