How can a wormwood decoction for fleas be made for dogs? - briefly
Steep 1–2 g of dried wormwood per litre of boiling water for 15–20 minutes, strain, cool to lukewarm, and apply evenly to the dog's coat while avoiding the eyes and mucous membranes. Use approximately 5 ml of the decoction per kilogram of body weight, diluted with an equal amount of water if needed.
How can a wormwood decoction for fleas be made for dogs? - in detail
To create a safe and effective wormwood infusion for flea control on a dog, follow these precise steps.
Materials
- Dried wormwood leaves (Artemisia absinthium), 10 g
- Fresh, filtered water, 1 L
- Stainless‑steel pot with lid
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Clean glass bottle with tight‑fitting cap
- Digital kitchen scale, thermometer, measuring cup
Preparation
- Measure 10 g of dried wormwood using the scale.
- Bring 1 L of water to a rolling boil; temperature must reach 100 °C.
- Add the herb to the boiling water, cover the pot, and reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer (≈90 °C).
- Continue simmering for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After 30 minutes, remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool to 40 °C.
- Strain the liquid through the mesh or cheesecloth into the glass bottle, discarding plant material.
Dosage and Application
- Dilute the concentrate 1:4 with fresh water (e.g., 250 ml decoction + 750 ml water) before use.
- Apply the diluted solution to the dog’s coat, focusing on the back, neck, and tail base. Avoid contact with eyes, nose, and open wounds.
- Use a spray bottle or a clean cloth for even distribution.
- Reapply every 48 hours for a two‑week period, then assess flea activity.
Safety Precautions
- Verify that the dog has no known sensitivity to Artemisia species; a small skin patch test (5 ml on a limited area) for 15 minutes is recommended.
- Do not exceed the suggested dilution; concentrated wormwood can irritate skin and mucous membranes.
- Keep the preparation out of reach of children and other pets.
- Consult a veterinarian before starting treatment, especially for puppies, pregnant or lactating dogs, and animals with liver or kidney disease.
Storage
- Store the concentrated decoction in the refrigerator at ≤4 °C.
- Shelf life is 7 days; discard any batch that develops an off‑odor or mold.
By adhering to the measured quantities, temperature controls, and dilution guidelines, the wormwood infusion can serve as a natural flea deterrent while minimizing risk to the animal.