"Mighty Mint" Peppermint oil safe?

[Brian]

Hey all, quick question for you guys. My poor puppy's paws are driving her mad. Vet thinks it is due to fleas in the lawn. Problem is that we usually allow our leopard tortoises to roam and graze on this lawn. They do have an enclosed area of their own, but free range on the lawn gives them lots more space and greens to graze on. I would like to try and treat the lawn for these fleas, but obviously I am concerned about the torts. I have read about DE but that doesn't seem like a feasible solution. I have read about all the products that are not safe including cedar oils. I came across a product that I have not seen discussed and wanted to see if you could tell me if it is safe. It is called "Mighty Mint" yard spray and bug control. Ingredients are as follows...

Active: Peppermint Oil
Geraniol
Other ingredients:
Glycerin, Polygycerol oleate, soap

If I were to spray my lawn with this and then water a day or 2 later would it be safe to assume that it would wash away safely enough to allow my tortoises to use the area? Even if that means I need to do this more often, I'd rather do that then risk anything.

Thanks for any input.

 

[wellington]

I never heard of dogs getting feet problems from fleas in the grass. If you had fleas in your grass, they would be on your dog.
Wipe your dog's paws with a mild soap and water whenever she comes in from outside and rub in some antibiotic cream like cortizone 10 or any other over the counter antibiotic cream or even an antifungal cream. Use one or the other. If the one doesn't work after a few days then switch to the other.
Be sure to wipe her feet first each time.
Once her feet clear up, then you likely could stop the cream and just wipe her feet with the soap and water.

 

[psmith]

We've been told there's an algae that grows on/in lawns certain times of year that irritates lots of dogs feet. I think wellington has the right idea about wiping down dog feet with some mild soapy water.

 

[Brian]

Thanks guys. We have been using a product on her feet that was recommended by our vet, however he also did say that treating our grass for insects could be beneficial. Any ideas on the mentioned product?

 

[Tom]

Thanks guys. We have been using a product on her feet that was recommended by our vet, however he also did say that treating our grass for insects could be beneficial. Any ideas on the mentioned product?

I agree that fleas don't attack dog feet. They get on the body. When they lick their feet, it is generally allergies. Could even be food allergies. There is no benefit to poisoning your lawn.

If fleas are the problem then put a flea treatment on the dog where it is needed.

 

[wellington]

Thanks guys. We have been using a product on her feet that was recommended by our vet, however he also did say that treating our grass for insects could be beneficial. Any ideas on the mentioned product?

Sorry, but I think your vet is a crack pot!
Steps you should take. Those I already said above. Also do not feed dog food with artificial coloring.
You could also buy any one of the dog shoes/boots/socks and use those on him every time he goes out.
I have no idea about any of the things you listed, except I used peppermint oil once to keep mice out of my shed and it didn't do a thing.
I would chance poisoning your tortoise for something that has other easy fixes.

 

[wellington]

You could also try Coat Defense. Amazon sells it. I'm sure with many more places.

 

[Brian]

Thanks everyone for your answers. It must not be fleas. There is some type of small insect that has infested our lawn. I don't see them, but every time me or my family goes outside barefooted and when my dog spends time in the yard she ends up spending the evenings gnawing at her paws and we all have terrible itching bug bites that are too small to see but will drive us to almost scratching through our skin. I was hoping to find a safe solution to eliminate this major problem.
Again, going to ask.... does anyone know if these ingredients in this product are tortoise safe?

 

[Brian]

I agree that fleas don't attack dog feet. They get on the body. When they lick their feet, it is generally allergies. Could even be food allergies. There is no benefit to poisoning your lawn.

If fleas are the problem then put a flea treatment on the dog where it is needed.

Hey Tom, we have been using the meds the vet recommended but they don't seem to help a whole lot. I also get major bites from bugs I cannot see when out in my lawn. This is why I am trying to find a way to treat the lawn, not just the dog. Any recommendations? Thanks...