We have been slowly working on becoming a toxic free household; now that I’m getting the hang of things with my family, I have started to look at ways to detoxify my pets life as well. The biggest 2 I have been working on is food (which I will have some post coming about homemade doggie food!) and flea meds. So I did some research and found some great info on natural solutions – like did you know both brewers yeast and coconut oil work to keep your pup protected from fleas??
Brewers yeast is known to support good digestive health and aid in controlling diarrhea. It’s also rich in antioxidants which can help make your dog’s skin healthier and shiner! Not only does it help repel fleas, but it does help your dog if they suffer from itchy,dry skin.
100% natural, human-grade coconut oil acts as an effective flea and tick repellent due to the lauric acid in the oil, it can repel and kill flea and ticks on contact. It also helps moisturize their skin and kills yeast, so it has many benefits!
On top of flea prevention, I have looked into anxiety as well; my little pup gets super anxious very easily, especially around loud noises – and 4th of July is just around the corner (and Ohio now allows full blown firework shows from your own backyard, ANNDD no time restrictions, so..) I have been using essential oils myself for a few months now, and have had great benefits from their use. Lavender essential oil is known for its calming effects, and can be given internally, or used for aromatherapy. Not only is is great for anxiety but it has a lot of other great benefits as well – it can help sooth irritated skin, and prevent infections. It has antibacterial, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties. Reduces inflammation in joints and wounds, fights germs and promotes healing, takes the sting out of bites and burns, and yes lavender also helps ward off fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other bugs!
Another great oil for your pup is frankincense essential oil. Studies show that frankincense reduces inflammation and pain, strengthens the immune system, ease gastrointestinal discomfort, and works as an anti-depressant and has a calming effect – so its not only great for you, but for your dog as well.
So with all this great info, we were able to concoct a great treat that is overall great for our pups health. We know dogs can safely inhale and ingest lavender and frankincense, but you should make sure to start them on low doses to gauge their reaction – also please be sure to use pure essential oils only, like Doterra. (some other brands are not safe to ingest, and you need to use caution when buying other brands). With this recipe you can start off with 1 drop of each oil, and work your way up to 3 each for the recipe.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup & 2 tbsp of 100% pure organic coconut oil
1/2 cup Brewer’s yeast
silicone paw (or bone) pans
Lavender Essential Oil
Frankincense Essential Oil
OPTIONAL: you can also use chicken or beef granulated bouillon for flavor
*(I switch mine up so that she doesn’t get sick of the same flavor. You can make them without it for a sweeter coconut flavor, or add the bouillon for a meatier flavor – a small spoonful should suffice)
Condiment bottle (for easier transfer into your silicone pans, its less messy that way)
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine melted coconut, brewers yeast,essential oils and (optional) bouillon for approx 20 seconds, or until smooth
Pour blended mixture into condiment bottle, tighten lid and shake
Fill silicone pans (should do approx 2 or 2 1/2 pans , depending on size)
Chill or freeze until solid
Remove from pan and store in air tight container in refrigerator or freezer (can store up to 6 months)
With the small paw print pan, you give you dog 1 per 10 lbs every day. (so for example, a 3o lb dog will get 3 of these treats, OR if you use a bigger paw print you can use 1). If your dog is super small (under 10 lbs) give 1/2 treat, OR a full treat every other day.
