Best Tick and Flea Prevention Tips for Dogs

By: Nelson Ansah

It’s easy to disregard flea prevention tips and treatments as we imagine fleas and ticks only affects our dogs. Unfortunately, that’s far from the truth.

Think about it; how often does your dog come running in and lie on your couch? How long do the children play with the pup? Yet, we keep our furry companions close, opening us and our home to flea and tick infestations.

With the early spring season comes the active season for these blood-sucking parasites. Luckily, simple prevention tips can keep fleas and ticks off your dog and your home.

In this article, we’ll discuss these tips so you can eliminate flea and tick infestations from your home. Let’s get to it.

Diatomaceous Earth

When used correctly, diatomaceous earth can prevent fleas and ticks from nagging your pet. It works by penetrating an insect’s exoskeleton and absorbing its oils, thus drying out parasites.

However, it is ineffective at killing insects’ eggs, so you should continue treatment for at least two weeks to guarantee success. If you notice an increase in fleas, consider trying an alternative treatment.

The substance is generally safe for your pet, as it does not harm pets or wildlife. However, it would help if you were careful with its application as it can become airborne. Use it on your dog in the same way you’d use a household detergent.

Moreover, you can use diatomaceous earth for other purposes, including cleaning your home and garden.

Rose Geranium Essential Oil

To prevent fleas and ticks from infesting your dog, apply Rose Geranium essential oil to your dog’s coat. You can also use it directly on your dog’s skin.

Apply the oil behind the shoulder blades and near the base of the tail. However, you should remember that many oils are toxic for dogs and cats. Definitely don’t use these on pregnant animals or those suffering from allergies.

You can get essential oils from your local health food store.

Remember to dilute them before using them on your dog’s coat. Rose Geranium is an excellent essential oil for this purpose, as it has a strong, sweet scent that repels ticks. But, dilute it with a carrier oil before applying it to your dog’s coat.

Salt

You may be thinking that salt keeps fleas and ticks off your dogs. But is salt effective?

Unlike chemicals, salt is safe for pets and humans. But it has to be left on for a few days to work. So here are some steps you should follow:

• Use extra fine salt for flea control.
• Mix salt and water together. This solution will kill the fleas and their eggs.
• Apply it to the dog’s coat, body, and other places fleas can hide.

Ideally, this treatment should be done every night, but if you do not have a bathtub, you can sprinkle salt on your dog’s coat. But be sure to wear a mask when doing it.

Yeast

There are several ways to use yeast for dog flea and tick prevention, including in your food and on your pet’s body.

Yeast is a popular supplement in tablet form that can be directly administered to your pet. It is also straightforward to mix with your dog’s food and works around the clock.

Brewer’s yeast is another popular solution; you can add it to your pet’s food. Citrus oils also work as a flea repellent, so you can rub them on your dog’s coat, leaving it smelling fresh.

You can also rub a drop of lemon juice onto your dog’s fur. If your pet licks the drops, it won’t hurt them.

Natural Grooming Products

It’s important to use shampoo with natural ingredients to prevent fleas and ticks from infecting your dog. Some shampoos contain chemicals that can kill the parasites, while others contain essential oils that repel the insects.

If you’re using chemical shampoos, avoid using them more than once a week to prevent adverse side effects.

Natural shampoos contain essential oils and can be used every time you bathe your dog. Shampoo with natural ingredients is more effective in preventing fleas and ticks than chemical shampoos. Some essential oils like lemongrass, rosemary, and citronella are natural repellents for your dog.

Lemongrass oil can be mixed with water for a spray to use on your dog. Rosemary oil is also a natural flea repellent and heals flea bites. Both oils are great for shampoos for dogs. Make sure to use a gentle shampoo on your dog, so they don’t over-dry.

Final Thoughts

The best way to prevent ticks and fleas from infesting your dog is to keep them healthy. This includes keeping their coat clean and using an effective flea treatment.

Many treatments help prevent ticks and fleas, but the most effective ones are made with some natural ingredients. You can apply these on your dog’s coat or use natural shampoos to avoid ticks and fleas from infecting your pup.