BUG OFF! How To Keep Your Dog Out Of The Flea Market!

By Katy Cable- TWR
A 2 minute read

With the days warming up and all of us out at the beaches, parks and doggie events, your pup is probably wearing more than sand, mud and a cute bandana. Right now, no matter where you live, chances are blood sucking fleas are just waiting to spread like wildfire on your pet. Thankfully I've tried a few easy, natural remedies that worked like magic.

Each day I talk to many pet parents who are desperate to get relief for their suffering dogs. I relate to their plight. The first few years we had Raisin I tried, honest to God, EVERY flea prevention product on the market. It started with OTC topicals whose effectiveness diminished after each passing month. Following that I tried all the RX brands my vet had in her arsenal and again, I had to apply harsh chemicals more and more frequently for them to work.

​I tried relentlessly cleaning, scrubbing, and vacuuming my home. I tried flea foggers, flea baths and flea combs on Raisin and still, nothing worked. I even called a non-toxic exterminator with a perfect track record and a money-back guarantee to get rid of these invaders. Guess who was the first customer to receive a FULL-REFUND!

What started out as a few fleas soon turned into a terrible infestation of fleas, spiders, and eventually termites. I was frustrated and out of ideas. The final straw was when I came face-to-face with cockroaches as big as my size 6 foot. I then brokedown called an exterminator to tent our house. Three days and several thousand dollars later, I was finally PEST FREE and never had another flea problem.

When I rescued Olive I started her on a terrific flea/tick/heartworm medication* and never seemed to have a problem. However, when I took her to the vet for what I thought was an allergy to grass, I was informed Olive was suffering from an allergic reaction to a flea bite. I was confused! How could that be? I never saw a flea on her and I had her on flea prevention medication.

Olive's vet informed me that since I take her out for walks each day, it's quite likely for her to come in contact with a flea and get bit. Although she is protected, fleas can still jump on her and bite her before the medication kills them off. So, I tried the following natural flea prevention solutions and Olive hasn't had another issue.

Here's my recipe for a gentle, non-toxic, flea repelling shampoo and spray you can make at home. I’ve tried this myself and gotten great feedback from other pet parents. I recommend also using the spray around the house on area rugs, dog beds, blankets and furniture. Generously spray your pup before heading outdoors. (Pay close attention and avoid spraying on your dog's face.) Follow-up by shampooing your dog once returning home after a day outdoors.

🐞ALL-NATURAL FLEA BUSTER SPRAY:
Slice 1/2 lemon
Add several 3-6 inch sprigs of rosemary & lemon to 2 cups
boiling water.
Stir for 5 minutes then remove from heat, cover pan and let steep overnight.
Remove lemon parts, and rosemary.
Drain juice into large spray bottle filling it halfway.
Fill remaining 1/2 bottle with organic apple cider vinegar.
Mix together and generosly spray your dog before heading outdoors. BE CAREFUL AND AVOID SPRAYING YOUR DOG'S FACE!

🐞ALL-NATURAL FLEA BUSTER SHAMPOO:
​Slice 1/2 lemon and add to 1 Cup boiling water.
Stir for 5 minutes then remove from heat, steep and cool.
Remove lemon parts, drain juice into large canning jar or bottle.
​Add 2/3 Cup Dr Bronner's Purecastle Soap
Add 1/2 cup Apple cider vinegar
1 TBS organic coconut oil
15 drops pure organic lavender oil
mix together and WASH your PUP!

Depending on where you live and your lifestyle, the spray and shampoo might be all you need for prevention. But for those of us living in year-round high-risk areas, these natural repellents will not kill fleas and other parasites and your pet won’t be fully protected. If you need to use stronger chemical flea prevention meds, try a few of these tips to find a safer, less-toxic, less-expen$ive balance.

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Tips For Using FLEA Preventives & Reducing The Risk to Your Pet: Unfortunately there are no chemical-based pest control products without the potential for side effects. What goes on your pet goes in your pet, by absorption through the skin or ingestion. Don't think that simply wearing a collar or a quick shampoo isn't without risk:

1. Always follow dosing directions on the label, using the LOW-END of medication for your dog's weight.
2. Try rotating in a new all-natural topical or collar. There are several products available in most pet stores that contain non-toxic essential oils. Try every other month or a seasonal rotation (early spring & late summer for stronger meds. Then all-natural the remainder of the year.
3. Closely monitor your pet for adverse reactions after you apply or use any product for the first time.
4. Take extreme caution with small dogs, and immune-compromised dogs. Of course be mindful of dogs showing any adverse reactions to prior flea medications.

⚠️While natural, non-toxic products are always preferred, it doesn't have to be a harsh, toxic chemical for your pet to have a horrific reaction. Just like humans with allergies who can't safely touch a strawberry or a peanut, (Be it an unsalted raw one or a Reese's cup) pets too can have adverse reactions from wholesome, organic products if they happen to be have a sensitivity. Before trying ANY product or food on your pet, I urge you to first test out a very small amount first.
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So don't let pests spoil a good time in the great outdoors! These tried and true (and simple) tips will help keep your sweetie pest free!

Pugs and kisses! -Katy 💕🐾

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