Daily Tip: November 7, 2007

If your furry friend has a case of the fleas, try a less-toxic method of flea control such as ANTidote or Bio Flea Halt. If fleas have already invaded your home, applying Borax to the carpet is a fairly low-risk way to kill them off. (But be careful, Borax can be an eye irritant and should not be ingested in large amounts by your pet.) Or replace the chemical flea dip with this natural recipe from Care2: Cut up four lemons and simmer for about an hour in one quart of water, adding more water if necessary. Cool and strain the mixture before rubbing it into your dog’s coat. Be sure to avoid your pet’s eyes and exercise appropriate caution—citrus-peel extract products like this one can be very strong. Ventilate the room properly and do not use this solution if you’re asthmatic. And do not use this flea bath on cats!

Receive these Tips in your inbox Monday through Friday by signing up here.