If you are not aware, there are many possible side affects to the flea and tick meds prescribed by our vets. We want to trust our Doctors but they are only prescribing what works best against these pests and not really explaining the all the possible side effects of these pesticides we are giving our pets. What works best in prevention is not always the safest method. The safest method is pretty much using a flea comb everyday to check for fleas. And I know that everyday checking for fleas with a flea comb is a lot of work, so we want to talk about natural safe alternative options.
I, for one, wash my dogs once a week. It actually does not take a lot of time if I wash and let them air dry. I try to use shampoos that either deter fleas like the Wondercide Geranium Shampoo Bar or our new Project Sudz Flea and Tick Shampoo or Shampoo Bar. You can also add a rinse with diluted organic apple cider vinegar to help repel fleas. That would be 1 cup of organic apple cider vinegar to 1 gallon of water poured over your dog after shampooing and massaged into their coat. You do not want to rinse but towel them dry.
Next is to apply a natural oil repellent collar or topical for fleas and ticks. We like the Wondercide collars and spot on treatment. They are safe, effective and can be layered on protection, meaning that I put a new collar on one week then add the topical in two to three weeks to keep the level of potency. Because I wash my dogs frequently and they roll around rubbing things off, I sometimes need to layer on the protection for my dogs. Some people make their own collars with oils and a bandana. I have to say that some oils can be potent and sting our pets eyes like 100% peppermint oil. You want to be very careful when making your own. But cedar oil, peppermint oil, lavender oils can all help in repelling fleas.
We also like to use safe natural sprays when we letting our dogs outside like the Project Sudz Flea and Tick Spray or the Pure and Natural Pet Flea and Tick Spray. They can be sprayed on and rubbed into the fur for extra protection. Stay away from their face and nose since peppermint oil can be an irritant. Natural, food grade diatomaceous earth can also be applied topically to prevent fleas and ticks but not around the eyes, noses and mouth.
Another thing is adding a pinch of fresh chopped garlic to your dogs meal. Garlic in not toxic to dogs, especially in this small amount. Garlic is however something fleas and ticks do not like. To get the best protection you want to crush the clove to release the oils, chop and let sit for 15 minutes to be most effective. Give just 1/4 clove of garlic to every 10 pounds of body weight.
Next thing is to always clean bedding and vacuum to keep up with any infestation because fleas are relentless and can jump and get into your home. So washing bedding and vacuuming is a good defense.
And then if you're watching a good movie, jump on down on the floor with your dog and flea comb your dog once in awhile to make sure all the preventatives are working. Keeping them safe with natural flea and tick control is always a bit of work but doing it naturally is truly the best thing you can do for your pet. They are like family and giving them a toxic free, pesticide free protection is the best solution for their overall health. In our society, convenience has taking priority in our lives and there are no short cuts in helping in the longevity in our pets lives.
Check out our current selection of flea and tick control items to start your toxic free pest prevention.