I started making my own blend. Ordering pure essential oils. Mixing ratios. Testing combinations.
Bailey became my willing test subject.
For two weeks, it seemed to work. I was ecstatic!
Then the problems started:
Week 3: The oils evaporated. Fleas returned overnight.
Week 4: I reapplied stronger concentrations. Bailey developed a rash.
Week 6: Tried carrier oils to make it last. Attracted MORE bugs.
Week 8: The collar got wet at the beach. All protection gone instantly.
I spent months and hundreds of dollars trying every combination. Some worked for days. Others caused skin irritation. Most did nothing.
The worst part? Other dog parents at the park kept asking what I was using because Bailey always smelled like herbs... but was still scratching from fleas.
"I thought you found something natural that worked?"
"Why is Bailey scratching if he's wearing your special collar?"
The embarrassment. The frustration. The failure.