Natural insect repellent is a great alternative to chemical repellents because it is safe, non-toxic and has no adverse side effects. Natural oils are effective against mosquitoes, fleas and ticks, yet are safe for adults and children as well.
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Significance
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Insect repellent will deter fleas and infected mosquitoes that contain heartworm larvae and the West Nile virus.
Time Frame
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Apply natural insect repellent to your dog after bathing, before going into the woods and at dusk when mosquitoes are more likely to be out.
Benefits
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Natural insect repellent containing essential oils like tea tree, peppermint, clove, thyme, lemon grass and cinnamon will not interfere with your dog's central nervous system. Sentry's Natural Defense (see Resources) can be applied to your dog's skin every two weeks, as opposed to chemical insect repellents that can only be applied once a month.
Expert Insight
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When applying natural repellent to your dog, make sure you separate the fur and massage the oils onto the skin directly for a few seconds. Start with the area between the shoulder blades and work your way down to the tail. Although the essential oils are non-toxic, their scent can be pungent, so wear disposable gloves during the application process.
Warning
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Do not apply natural oils to the dog's eyes or snout. Do not allow your dog to ingest any ingredients of the natural repellent.
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