Flea and Tick Prevention, Naturally
Updated On: Friday, November 15, 2024 12:37:31 PM America/Los_Angeles
Fleas and ticks are an unfortunate but familiar part of being a dog paw-rent. While pesky critters like fleas and ticks can seem like a mere annoyance, they should be taken seriously because of the dangers that they can pose to your pup. If your dog goes outside at all, flea and tick prevention is a must to keep your fur baby safe. Some places where pets can be exposed to fleas and ticks are:
- Wooded areas
- Leaf piles
- Shrubs and low hanging branches
- Fields
- Tall grasses
Photo by Henry Ravenscroft
You might be wondering, “What if my dog doesn’t really go outside?” There are circumstances in which your dog may not go out regularly. For example, puppies who have yet to get all their shots or dogs who are recovering from a surgery will likely be indoors only for an extended period of time. But keep in mind that even in these cases, you, other pets, or rodents can still bring fleas and other pests into the home.
It’s important to remain vigilant about pests because they carry dangerous diseases that can jeopardize your dog’s health. Potential health complications that can arise from fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other pests are:
- Allergy Dermatitis (fleas)
- Tapeworms (fleas)
- Lyme disease (ticks)
- Heartworm disease (mosquitoes)
- Anemia
What flea and tick prevention is safest for dogs?
If you’ve looked at the prevention products available today, you know that there are lots of options. Many of the well-known brands help keep fleas and ticks at bay, but sometimes that just isn’t enough or you might be searching for a safer option for your dog. A natural spray can help you step up your pest repellant game safely, without worrying about overwhelming your dog with harsh chemicals. Companies like Cedarcide formulate pet-safe bug sprays that are made with essential oils to naturally repel fleas, ticks, and more.
Another option for minimizing exposure to fleas and ticks is to use an indoor dog bathroom during certain seasons when pests are more active. A pee pad like DoggieLawn can still offer access to real grass while keeping your pup just a little bit safer. DoggieLawn is less likely to harbor pests than the grass outside of your home because the grass is grown on a sod farm.
How does natural flea and tick prevention work?
Essential oils, including cedar oil, work by masking the pheromone given off animals and insects. This naturally repels pests even if they don’t come in direct contact with the spray containing the oil(s). An added benefit of oils is that pests don’t develop an immunity to them like they can with other chemicals found in prevention medications. Natural alternatives are an effective preventive measure that can provide added protection to keep your dog happy and healthy!
