Fleas and ticks are a nuisance and a health hazard to our canine friends. Fleas cause itching and can spread throughout your home in furniture, clothing and bedding. Ticks carry a host of diseases and threaten your dog's health. Many pet owners prefer to use chemical-free alternatives to traditional flea and tick-killing products. Long-term use of many chemicals is thought to contribute to autism and Alzheimer's, as well as be potentially harmful to the environment.
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Brewer's Yeast
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Brewer's yeast is one of the most common natural alternatives to chemical flea and tick products. It creates an odor and taste to your dog's blood that is repulsive to fleas and ticks. Brewer's yeast is available in both powder and tablet form and can be added to your dog's food or fed as treats throughout the day.
Zinc
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Zinc helps to prevent fleas and ticks by building healthy skin. Most commercial dog foods lack enough zinc to keep your dog's skin healthy. Small dogs should be given 10mg daily and large dogs 20mg daily.
Pyrethrin
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Pyrethrin is derived from Old World chrysanthemum heads and is known for its pesticidal properties It is the main ingredient in many flea shampoos and dips. Use care to not get it in your dog's eyes. Pyrethrin should not be used on puppies under six weeks of age without your vet's recommendation.
Diatomaceous Earth
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Diatomaceous earth is a powdery substance composed of dried algae and is the only flea and tick control method that has been found to be completely safe to use around dogs. Diatomaceous earth can be used both indoors and outdoors. The powder attaches itself to the exoskeleton on the fleas and ticks and causes them to dehydrate and die.
Essential Oils
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Essential oils such as cedarwood, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary and thyme have all been shown to be effective in keeping fleas and ticks away from pets.These oils will need to be reapplied regularly, so this method requires some time. Always use essential oils under your vet's direction, as they must be diluted to avoid skin irritation. Do not use pennyroyal; it is highly toxic to pets and can be fatal.
Prevention
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Prevention can go a long way towards heading off a tick and flea attack. Treat year-round, especially in warmer areas where the threat of ticks and fleas is a year-round problem. Wash dog bedding in hot water on a regular basis.
Vacuum weekly and dispose of the used vacuum bag to get rid of fleas and their eggs. Keep lawns and shrubs trimmed; fleas love to hide in tall grass.
A combination of methods may need to be used to get flea and tick populations under control. Don't let the problem get away from you---begin treatment at the first sign of scratching.
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