Flea Season Is Upon Us

In recent years, it seems to have become more and more difficult to manage the flea situation.  Medicine that used to work doesn't seem to have an effect anymore and the drug companies keep coming out with stronger and stronger medications for flea control that I fear are more dangerous to our pets.  Since I don't feel comfortable putting a lot of chemicals on my dog or myself, I am always searching for more gentle ways to combat fleas.

One thing I started giving Kino were garlic capsules, as I read they would deter fleas.  I know there are lots of people that say garlic is bad for dogs (that it is toxic) and there are also a lot of sources that say it is fine in smaller doses.  Given that I have used it successfully for years, I figure it's safe to share this here.

He used to get capsules that I bought at the health food store and that worked just fine for us.  Then someone told me about a company called Springtime (Springtimeinc.com) that makes chewable garlic tabs called Bug-off so I decided to give them a try.  They work just as well and the plus is that I don't have to hide a capsule to get Kino to take it, I can just hand him the chewable pill.  If you are currently looking for something like this, they are running a great sale right now. (buy 2 bottles, get two free).

I also came across a recipe for a homemade flea shampoo.  Kino just got a bath today with this special shampoo, which he was NOT happy about it at all.  (For several hours afterwards, he wouldn't even look at me).  Thankfully, his issue isn't with the shampoo, it is the combination of water and being constrained.  No matter how much progress we make in other areas, getting a bath is still not something he likes or wants.  His tendency to growl at me during the process makes me edgy and short tempered so I think it's safe to say, we both dread the bath thing equally BUT it is a necessity that we have to endure.  At least with our special flea shampoo, we have a better chance of keeping him comfortable post-bath.

For those of you who are interested, here's the recipe:

Get a bottle (I use an empty shampoo bottle) and put the following things in the bottle:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup Dawn dish soap

Shake it up and you are ready to go!  They recommend leaving it on for 5 minutes before rinsing it off.

Fortunately, Kino finally got over being mad and was willing to look at me again (and smile for the camera). I'm sure the treats and ball playing helped quite a bit with his forgiveness / attitude adjustment.

Another option that I came across is to diffuse a few drops of essential oil (lavender or cedar) and put it on a bandana that you then tie around your pets neck.  I add this into the mix at the height of flea season. Not only does it help keep fleas away from him but it makes him smell pretty darn good too.

I am sure there are other options out there as well - those are just the ones I have been playing with so far.  Would love to hear what other natural remedies you have used to manage fleas on your pets!