How to Get Rid of Fleas and Ticks Naturally with Neem Oil Shampoo

Getting rid of fleas and ticks naturally with Neem Oil shampoo is one of the most effective and safe ways to repel and kill fleas on a pet because of the wonderful benefits of this amazing oil. This oil is used in many flea and tick shampoos because of the safety of using it on your pet, the soothing benefits it has on their skin, and the shine it brings to their coat. Traditional flea repellent products are likely to be loaded with toxic chemicals that can harm you pet's liver and cause serious ailments so this is even more reason to use the natural approach to fleas and ticks.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Neem Oil shampoo or Neem Oil
• Bathing area
• Water
• Washcloth
• Cotton balls
• Olive or coconut oil
• Towels
• Brush or comb
• Hair dryer

1. 
    

   ~~Buy Neem Oil Shampoo or Oil~~
   
   There are health food stores in a just about every city that sell Neem Oil products because of their popularity and safety. It is also available online at many web sites. Choose the shampoo for people or pets as it is safe for both or you can buy the oil itself and put a few drops into the pet's shampoo but make sure that the shampoo you are using is not full of chemicals as it can cause skin and health problems. There are also natural recipes on the internet to make shampoo for a pet but make sure it is safe and proven before trying it.
   
   Chemicals that need to be avoided are, pyrethins, permathrin, chlorpyrfois, deet and malathion which are in many pet shampoos and flea collars. These heavy toxins have been under scrutiny for possible causes of serious health ailments in pets and humans.
   Also avoid eucalyptus, lemon, orange and tea tree oil as they can cause serious allergies and side effects in pets.

2. ~~Make Sure Your Pet is not Sick and Old Enough for a Flea Bath~~
   
   Make sure your pet is eating a good diet, preferably organic and is healthy and feeling well before giving it a flea bath. Never bathe an animal under 8 weeks old unless a vet gives the okay and instructs you how to do this. The reason most vets tell you to wait is because of the strong chemicals in the flea products so it may very well be fine to bathe a young pet in Neem Oil shampoo.
   
   If your pet has a serious case of fleas, it may be anemic from the flea bites which would make it very important to have your pet treated immediately for the anemia.

3. 
    

   ~~Bathe Your Pet~~
   
   If your pet is healthy and old enough for a bath, then an area to do this in should be prepared and your pet should be brushed or combed first to remove matted fur.
   
   Make sure that you have a towel or towels depending on the size of your pet, washcloth or sponge, cotton balls, a mat in the tub or container in which you bathe them, a leash if they do not stay put very well, the shampoo,a hair dryer is optional but I like to use one, brush, a sprayer if possible as they work great, and wear old clothes as you will get sprayed when they shake themselves.
   
   Cats are not fond of running water and may do better with a tub or large pan full of water with a big glass or pitcher to rinse them with. Wear long sleeves to avoid scratches to bare arms when they become frightened and stay calm to soothe them during the bath.
   
   Apply a little olive or coconut oil around your pet's eyes to keep soap from burning them. Wet the coat thoroughly by holding the sprayer very close to the body to avoid scaring them with the sound of it.
   
   Wash the face area with a clean washcloth first to avoid getting soap into their eyes and then rub the shampoo into the wet coat from the head down and gently massage it throughout the whole body. Let the Neem Oil shampoo sit on the fur for about 10 minutes to let it work on dirt and fleas and then rinse until the water looks clear.
   
   Give your pet room to shake off before removing him from the tub to avoid a soaking!

4. 
    
   Naturally flea free and happy!

   ~~Dry and Brush~~
   
   If your pet is okay with a hairdryer then proceed to blow dry the coat on a cool setting until somewhat dry. Use a leash and let them get used to the sound and hold the dryer at a distance to a avoid scaring them with it. Use cotton balls or a clean washcloth to dry out the ears to avoid an infection in them.
   
   Now gently brush or comb out the coat and keep your pet out of drafts until completely dry. To maintain flea control, use a Neem Oil pet spray or rub some Neem Oil into your hands with some olive or coconut oil and rub through your pet’s coat weekly to maintain flea and tick prevention.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the water is just a slightly warm as animals can tolerate cooler temps than humans.
• If your pet acts sick after any flea bath or treatment,it could have poisoning from toxic chemicals and you should contact a veterinarian right away.
• Pregnant women should avoid handling or inhaling pure Neem Oil until consulting with their doctor first.

Resources

• Natural Neem Oil Shampoo
• Dog Food Dangers
• Pure Neem Oil

[slphilbrick]

on 6/15/2009 I very much prefer natural products for my family which includes my pets. Neem is a worthy product that can help a great deal. Thanks for complete info !

[2besure]

on 6/7/2009 Thanks for this information. I have two indoor/outdoor cats.

[exercisescience]

on 6/7/2009 Thanks for this article. We now use frontline, but in the past were worried about chemicals in the kitty shampoo. If we start doing the baths again, I will go back to this article.

[sonni57]

on 6/6/2009 Keeping fleas and tics at bay can be a challenge thanks for the good advice.

[63miranda]

on 6/6/2009 Great article! Your dog is so cute! 5*