Many people treat their pets as family, and justly so. Well, when one of your children, or another family member has a rash or infection you take care of it as quickly as possible. Pets also deserve the same quick attention to keep them healthy. Instead of a huge vet bill, why not try an herbal remedy when your pet gets attacked by fleas. here are a few home remedy suggestions you can try.

Give An Herb Bath

At the first sign of a flea, bathe your pet with a natural pet shampoo that contains flea-repellent herbs. Pennyroyal or eucalyptus oil boost the bathwater's flea killing power. A badly infested dog needs a bath about every two weeks; a cat, about once a month.

Clean, Clean, and Clean Some More

Especially in the Summer, wash the pets bedding in hot soapy water once a week, and dry it in a hot dryer. Also vacuum your rugs every two to three days. Ninety percent of fleas are found where your pet sleeps.

Use Natural Powders

They generally contain such herbs as rosemary, rue, wormwood, pennyroyal, eucalyptus, or citronella, and sometimes tobacco powder. You can also dust the powder, or just diatomaceous earth, in all the nooks and crannies you

can't reach by vacuuming.

Diatomaceous earth is a great home remedy that removes the fleas waxy coating and dries them out, which kills them. Caution: Wear a dust mask to avoid the easily inhaled, finely ground diatomaceous earth used in swimming pool filters; and pennyroyal and tobacco powder in large quantities can be toxic to you and your pets.

Attack Internally

Finally, add garlic and brewer's yeast to your pet's diet. Even try rubbing the yeast into your pet's fur. Both ingredients are said to make a flea's taste buds curl in disgust. There's no scientific proof, but some pet owners swear by this home remedy.

Preventative care goes a long way with pets. Obviously they can't talk to you and let you know that they are beginning to host fleas, so be aware of your pet's behaviour and try these herbal remedies at the first sign.