Natural Treatments to Keep Fleas and Ticks Off Your Dog

Fleas and ticks are aggravating not only for your dog but for you. Plus they can lead to other more serious health issues. There are a number of sprays and powders available to treat the problem; however their chemical ingredients could prove to be dangerous to both your pet’s health and yours.

Never fear - these chemical products are not the only way you can battle these miniature invaders. You can defend against them with natural treatments that are safe for all those concerned and are usually very effective at eliminating the problem.

For starters, investigate your nearby pet store. It will likely have a lot of different products designed for the elimination of fleas and ticks that are produced from natural components. These products will contain no chemicals that could potentially harm your pet or family members, but they do contain ingredients that are highly effective at eliminating the annoying pests. You should be able to purchase a variety of products from shampoo to flea brushes that will remove them from your dog’s coat. There are also a few remedies that you apply straight to your dog’s skin which will not hurt him at all, but will definitely obliterate the fleas.

One more alternative is a specially designed flea collar that drives off the fleas. These products contain no chemicals that can penetrate your dog’s skin, so there’s no risk to other pets that might touch the collar.

One way to both prevent and treat the problems associated with fleas and ticks is to keep your dog and your house as clean as possible. Give your dog a bath at least once a week and groom his coat daily. Vacuum the rugs in your house and clean your pet’s bedding as often as you can. Ticks and fleas flourish in warm and humid locations, and find them perfect for laying their eggs, so it’s advisable to vacuum these places frequently.

Another way to kill fleas and their eggs is to sprinkle some borax or powdered laundry detergent on your carpets. Let it sit for a couple moments, then vacuum it up along with the pests. Be sure your pets and kids aren’t nearby when you do this. These products aren't known to be harmful, but it’s always good to play it safe.

There are a few homemade remedies which some pet owners maintain are very effective. Brewer's yeast and garlic are believed to be a good treatment for guarding against and eliminating fleas on your dog. Use these treatments carefully. It’s suggested that you check with your vet to ensure that these remedies are actually safe.

It’s also essential that you mow your lawn and trim the shrubbery on your property regularly, so that the fleas have a harder time getting at your pet.

If you're dedicated to preventing the problem of ticks and fleas from taking hold in the first place, you can most likely do away with the chemical treatment options that may be toxic for your dog. If he still develops a problem, natural products will help to protect his health.