No more Fleas Please! Jun 14, 2010
As every good dog owner knows you have to take care of your furry friend. Provide a roof over his head, food in his belly, water in his bowl and take the necessary health precautions to keep him safe. Living in the south, Toby is exposed to all sorts of insects, including the bloodsucking scourges known as fleas. Up until this summer, I have managed to arm him with enough Frontline to prohibit the little fiends from latching on to him. This year, I failed.
I dropped him off at the place that I board him (on the rare occasion that I go out of town without him). When I picked him up I didn't know that he was coming home with the gift that keeps on giving - fleas. Thanks to another canine visitor who's mom hadn't taken all of the precautions, my poor Toby came home itching himself silly. Once I identified the small, black, irritating cause of the problem I called the boarding place immediately. They offered to give Toby a flea dip (free of charge) and some Capstar which is supposed to kill fleas within 30 minutes. We did all that and four days later guess what? He still has fleas. I know this is going to be an ongoing battle of spraying my house, washing dog beds and other such fun items. But, I'm ready for the challenge... as long as I don't end up with fleas!
Here are a few natural ways in which to fight fleas (who by the way live for 3-4 months!):
1. Groom your dog regularly - Use a natural flea shampoo or add neem oil to regular shampoo. Also, comb your dog with a flea comb to help trap the fleas.
2. Use a natural flea repellent - Some great companies are Flea Away or Bite This! (these are my personal opinions and not an endorsement from Merrick). Eucalyptus also makes a great repellent.
3. Get rid of the fleas in your house - vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. There could be eggs anywhere. And, once done, get rid of the vacuum bag immediately. Remember to dust your vacuum with flea powder.
4. Rid your yard of fleas - Keep your grass short and use natural flea repellents like Cedar Chips wherever possible.
5. Feed your dog a healthy diet - The healthier your dog is the more they can combat fleas. Fleas love to attack pets with weak immune systems. Also, try adding garlic or brewer's yeast to your dogs food. May add to the wonderful breath odor he has... but it will help keep fleas away too!
For now I will continue to fight these tiny menaces that have attached themselves to my beloved pet. It's going to be an uphill battle, but every time I empty a vacuum bag full of them I laugh menacingly as I dump them in the trash and coat them with flea powder... that will teach them to pick on my dog!
