Who doesn’t hate those disgusting blood-sucking parasites? While you love your pets, one of the downsides of ownership is the potential for unpleasant flea and tick infestations. And once they’ve set up shop in your pet’s coat, getting rid of them can feel like an uphill battle.
Here’s the big problem. Most pet owners wait until their furry friends become infested with fleas and start scratching before taking action. In a panic, they reach for toxic products, such as flea collars, sprays and powders that contain dangerous pesticides.
Many of those dangerous chemicals end up in their pet’s blood stream after being inhaled or swallowed, and can lead to serious health issues, even cancer. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, every year thousands of pet deaths are reported that are caused by chemical tick and flea products.
Not only are commercial flea collars harmful to your pets, when your kids and other family members play with them, they’re also being exposed to toxic pesticides and other chemicals.
That’s why it’s more important than ever to take preventative action before fleas and ticks rear their loathsome microscopic heads and make themselves at home on your cat or dog.
Why Prevention is the Best Defense
Toxic flea collars, powders and sprays should only be used as a last resort. The goal of natural flea protection is to prevent infestation and maintain happy, itch-free pets. The good news is there are many non-toxic alternatives to keeping your furry friends and household free from pests and dangerous chemicals.
Here are your safest and most effective all-natural flea and tick prevention options:
Bathe Your Pets And Pet Bedding Each Week
While bathing your pets may seem obvious, many people overlook the importance of proper pet hygiene to keep fleas and ticks at bay. Fleas are less attracted to clean pets, which is another reason why frequent bathing of your dog and cat is so important. Use a natural neem or peppermint shampoo, and add 2 cups of apple cider vinegar to the warm bath water, which will provide even more flea protection.
And don’t neglect to clean your pets’ bedding! Washing their bedding regularly in hot water with a mild detergent will eliminate flea eggs and larvae.
Use a Flea Comb Each Day
Using a fine flea comb not only helps to prevent flea infestation, but also removes existing pests. Dead pet hair lands on mats, which provide the perfect hiding spot for ticks and a lush breeding ground for fleas. For the best results, comb your furry friends’ stomach, tail and face, which is where pests typically hang out in the largest numbers. Combing also provides you with the ability to find and remove any recent ticks.
Lemon Flea Repellent Spray
Here’s a terrific non-toxic flea repellent spray for your pet that’s much safer than commercial treatments, and surprisingly effective. Simply cut a lemon into quarters, cover it with boiling water, and allow it to steep overnight.
In the morning, spray the concoction on your pet. You can also sponge it directly onto their coat. Avoid their eyes while spraying, and remember to target behind their ears, around the tail and under the legs.
Apple Cider Vinegar Flea Deterrents
Another wonderful do-it-yourself natural flea repellent spray is made with apple cider vinegar. It’s easy to prepare and poses no risk to your pets’ health. Simply mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water. Add the mixture to a spray bottle and frequently spritz it on your dog or cat pet. It’s recommended that you also spray the mixture on their bedding.
You can make this apple cider spray even more powerful by adding a few drops of essential oils that are distasteful to fleas, such as lemongrass, neem and catnip oil.
To deter fleas and ticks from the inside out, add apple cider vinegar to your pet’s food. Use 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar per every 20 pounds of your pet.
The Flea-Busting Power of Coconut Oil
Why is coconut oil such an effective flea repellent? It’s packed with lauric acid, which is coconut oil’s “secret ingredient” that deters both fleas and ticks. It’s also great for providing your cat or dog with healthy skin and coat!
If your pet already has fleas, you can dip your hands in coconut oil and massage them deep into your pet’s coat, working all the way down to the skin. Next, take a fine flea comb and comb it through the fur. The coconut oil will cause the fleas to stick to the comb, and the rest will be repelled by the coconut oil and jump off!
Brewer’s Yeast
Both fleas and ticks have an aversion to the vitamin thiamine, which is abundant in brewer’s yeast. Thiamine is a member of the B vitamin group, and is a non-toxic way to repel fleas and ticks, and also boost your cat or dog’s immune system. How does it work? When your pet consumes brewer’s yeast, it ingests thiamine and later exudes it through its skin. Fleas are repelled by the taste and odor.
Use 1mg per 5 lbs. of body weight in your pet’s food.
You can also help keep fleas away from your dog or cat by rubbing brewer's yeast directly into their coat.
Diatomaceous Earth
You can also sprinkle it on carpets and furniture throughout your home. But use care when applying. Avoid use if anybody in your family is asthmatic or has respiratory conditions. When it handling indoors, wear a mask and try to apply it close to the carpet surface to prevent airborne dust. One day after application, vacuum thoroughly to remove any residue.
An Effective All-Natural Flea Control Supplement
The above may sound like too much work to you. If so and you’re looking for an easy, one-stop solution that combines many of the above in one easy package, Guardian’s Choice Natural Flea Deterrent dog and cat supplement is one of the best ways to control pests on the market.
Unlike other pet supplements, it’s 100% chemical free, completely safe, and effectively repels fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. It only contains the purest natural ingredients that have been shown to help protect dogs and cats from pests. The best part? You’ll have complete peace of mind knowing your furry friends and family aren’t being harmed by dangerous chemicals. Read why more pet owners trust Guardian’s Choice Natural Flea Deterrent: