Flea & Tick Remedies for Pets

Fleas and ticks on your pets are always an unwelcome nuisance that can invade your home and sense of well-being. Different types of remedies can be used in accordance with your lifestyle and that of your pet to help alleviate the situation and bring peace back to the both of you.

  1. Over the Counter Remedies

    • Your local grocery store or pet supply store will have various shampoos, sprays, powders and ointments readily available to help control fleas, ticks and their larvae. Most of these products will contain pyrethrin, which is a powerful insecticide that attacks the nervous system of the bug, but can also be slightly toxic to animals. These over the counter remedies should be used carefully. Monitor your pet for 48 hours after the first use---especially when used on cats.

    Prescription Remedies

    • A licensed veterinarian can prescribe a flea and tick remedy that may be more suitable to your needs, although slightly more expensive than store-bought alternatives. These prescription remedies can be tailored to your pet's needs, weight, dosage, medical history, and age and may pose less of a health risk than over the counter products, although they may be more potent. Often, these remedies are guaranteed and serve multiple purposes, such as heartworm prevention as well as flea and tick prevention.

    Homeopathic and Natural Remedies

    • Natural and organic remedies are an alternative for pet owners who aren't comfortable using insecticides or engineered products and range from combs, powders, vinegar sprays, shampoos, to oral tablets. Fine toothed flea combs are an easy and quick way to rid your pet of fleas and loose ticks in their fur by brushing through and drowning the insects in a bowl of soapy water. Borax powder is non-toxic and can be sprinkled through the home for a natural and pet-safe flea and tick deterrent. Natural Brewer's Yeast tablets infused with garlic deter fleas when given to your pet on a daily basis.