Flea Remedy: Make Your Own Peppermint Extract from Leaves

Although it may smell sweet to people, peppermint is a known flea repellent when used on dogs. Being a natural product, it is much safer than using chemical-based flea and tick products. One way you can use peppermint to get rid of fleas is to buy bottles of essential oils; another way is to make your own solution from the peppermint leaves in your garden.

First of all, you will need to pick the leaves and make an extract:

Step 1: Macerate (chop) ¼ cup dried peppermint leaves using a food processor or grinder.

Step 2: Place the chopped leaves in a sterile glass jar with ½ cup vodka, apple cider vinegar, or glycerin. Add ½ cup filtered water and cover with a lid that fits tightly.

Step 3: Allow the peppermint to extract for two weeks, shaking daily.

Step 4: Strain the peppermint leaves from the liquid with a cheese cloth or strainer, and discard the leaves. You now have your peppermint extract.

*Note: dried leaves are often preferred to fresh leaves when making a peppermint extract.

Now, there are several ways you can apply this extract to get rid of fleas from your dog:

Flea Bath: Add the peppermint extract to five quarts of warm water. Let it cool to the desired temperature while giving your dog a bath, making sure to completely rinse the shampoo out. Finish by bathing your dog in the peppermint solution.

You have one more option, if you do not have time to make a peppermint extract: Combine two cups fresh peppermint with five quarts warm water. Steep for 30 minutes, then let it cool. Strain the leaves from the water with a cheese cloth or strainer, and bathe your dog in the solution.

Repeat every two weeks, or as needed.

Spray Repellent: You will need approximately 25 drops peppermint extract, one cup water, and a spray bottle. Combine the extract and water in the bottle, and shake it vigorously before each use. Spray the solution along your dog's spine, from head to tail, and in the pit area (where legs meet body). You can spray this repellent on your dog each time he heads outdoors during flea season, and in his kennel area or on his bedding to help avoid a flea infestation.

Flea Collar: This is a healthier solution to the chemical flea collar. Simply place a few drops of the peppermint extract along the inside of your dog's collar, let it dry for a few minutes, then replace the collar on your pet. Repeat every two weeks, or as the smell wears off.

Did you know that peppermint can also help relieve your pet's itching? Just spray him with the homemade "spray repellent" or bathe him in the peppermint solution every four days until the itching has subsided. The cool, minty feeling will soothe his skin temporarily while getting rid of the problem.

References
How to Make Peppermint Extract from Leaves
Home Remedies for Fleas Using Peppermint Extract