How To Prevent Fleas
What are the best ways to prevent fleas and flea medications
These are very common questions that just about every dog and cat owner asks when trying to keep their pets and homes flea-free.
Fleas are like roaches - they have been around for a very long time. There doesn't seem to be a way to eliminate them permanently.
Every year, with every new season, the fleas like to come around for a long, annoying stay. And if you live in the tropical areas then they pretty much stay year-round.
So What Can You Do About It?
Your options to counter the flea problem vary. Choosing the right method ensures success in your quest to get rid of your flea infestation. The wrong method only delays their unwelcome stay as a resident in your home.
Below are the most common ways to deal with fleas (Click the links below for more information):
1) Over The Counter Flea Spot Treatments
2) Flea Dips
3) Flea Collars
4) Flea Fighting Shampoos
5) Flea Pet Powders
Flea Advice For Puppies
Do not use flea collars on puppies (in general) and powder is usually out of the question if they are not even eight weeks old yet.
Flea Advice For The Older Dog
Use caution with chemicals on older dogs. Why? Because just like people, as dogs age they become extremely sensitive to chemicals. Old canines tend to get dermatitis too.
Dietary Flea Prevention: The Natural Way
Over the years Brewer's Yeast has been given to dogs to ward off fleas. You can take 1/2 teaspoon and mix it into your dog's food, then increase that dose over time. Fleas dislike the yeast. Brewer's yeast is also full of vitamins that are good for your dog.
Garlic is also a good alternative for flea prevention but you have to be creative with it and somehow grind or mix into food or treats for your dog. It should be fresh garlic, not powder or processed.
Veterinary Intervention
Your vet can provide spot treatments that kill fleas instantly after biting. You can also get some good over the counter options. Just keep in mind that many of these products may work on some dogs, but provide no benefit to others.
Try This Chemical-Free Soak
Wash your dog with normal shampoo, something gentle, and then change the water so that his entire body can be soaking for about 15 minutes.
Beforehand, mix of one teaspoon of the herb rosemary in boiled water in about one gallon. Let it cool, then add to the dog's water soak. Once the 15 minutes are up, wash the dog once again with a gentle shampoo and use the same rosemary water to rinse. It smells nice and does work.
Tip: Some people have used pennyroyal with good results in this soak treatment.
If you have found signs of a flea outbreak, do not panic. There are many different products that can quickly and easily eliminate your flea problem. For more useful information on these remedies, I encourage you to
visit Amazon.com for top flea prevention products