Summer has officially started! With its beautiful sunny days, walks in the forest, campfires, swimming in lakes and long evenings on the terrace. Along with all this happiness, comes some risks related to parasites and many harmful insects, both for us and for the animals that accompany us.

We have compiled a short list of solutions to fully enjoy the moments with your companions.

 

Mosquito repellent collars

Some collars available on the market offer different solutions, in various price ranges. Several of these collars use deltamethrin, a pesticide recognized and approved since 1983 in Quebec, which is safe for dogs, but toxic for cats, while others are made with essential oils.

They generally remain effective for a period of 4 to 6 months.

 

A 100% natural spray made in Quebec

Citrobug is an essential oil formula designed for dogs and horses, that cannot be used on cats.

-100% natural

-Biodegradable

-Without DEET or synthetic molecules

-Safe for the environment and for animals

-Effective against a variety of insects

  

Do-it-yourself options (that work on humans too!)

 

Recipes for dogs:

Mosquito repellent lotion (1/2 cup)

 

-1⁄4 cup aloe vera gel

-1⁄4 teaspoon neem oil

-3 drops of cedar wood essential oil

-3 drops of lavender essential oil

-3 drops of lemongrass essential oil
The final gel should have the consistency of hair conditioner. Then, slowly stir in up to 1⁄4 cup of filtered water or geranium hydrosol.

Rub a small amount into your dog's coat every few days. Focus on the areas where the parasites congregate, such as the collar, between the legs and around the ears. Reapply after swimming or if you are going to an insect-infested area.

Tick ​​spray for dogs:

 

-5 tablespoons of white vinegar

-4 ml of lavender essential oil

-150ml of water

Shake in the bottle and spray.

 

Recipes for cats (suitable for dogs too):

Solution against ticks, fleas and mosquitoes

-50ml cider vinegar

-100ml of water

 Apply to coat avoiding eyes and ears.

 

Black soap bath against fleas and ticks

- Wash the cat with a small amount of black soap and leave to rest for a few minutes before rinsing everything.

 

Diatomaceous earth against fleas and ticks

Another useful ingredient to have on hand when warm weather arrives is diatomaceous earth. It is a natural pest and tick repellent that works for both dogs and cats. Apply amorphous soil directly to the animal twice a week, avoiding the eyes and ears.

 

You will also find on the market solutions sold by veterinarians which are generally applied along the spine. Some chewable formulas exist as well.

 

They sell tick kits that you can take with you on outings to remove them as quickly as possible in the event of a bite.

 

Note: If your pets are suffering from health issues, it is best to consult your veterinarian to ensure that the list of products recommended in this article are suitable.

  

Happy summer to all!

 

The KALU team