We are told over and over by vets, pet store employees, breeders, rescuers, shelter workers and other pet owners to always use flea and tick prevention on our animals. This is a fantastic idea, and can keep your dog safe from all the diseases that come with a parasite infestation, from anemia to Lyme’s disease. What they don’t tell you are the dangers associated with conventional spot on formulas. The cost you may pay is more than just the product’s price tag, but perhaps your dog’s comfort, health and even future vet expenses.
On the pet store shelves you will see a variety of spot on treatments along with sprays, powders and collars that all claim to do the same thing – protect your pet from biting insects. Most of them work, but not all to the same degree. A few of them may be safe for your particular dog, but his skin is still absorbing toxic pesticides over a long period of time with each and every monthly dose. Those collars hardly even work as they tend to only protect your dog’s neck and face while the rest of him is eaten up by fleas, ticks, flies and mosquitoes. There arealternatives.
The Natural Alternative
The NaturalDog prefers to go with the safest and most effective route as possible with nearly every situation, including flea and tick prevention. A little tip that so few dog owners are even aware of could save their dog from these horrible pests while also saving their wallet from expensive and dangerous spot on treatments that most vets and all pet stores carry these days. Not only is it natural, but it is also safe – even for puppies! (Do not use on pregnant or nursing animals or puppies under 12 weeks of age.) It’s time for some explanation.
Neem oil is an extract derived from the pressed fruits and seeds of the neem tree. This is a type of evergreen native to India. I won’t go on about how many years this plant product has been used to keep biting bugs away from the people of India or it’s other healthful properties when used in the correct context of a health condition, but I will say that this oil has been tested in a laboratory environment against biting bugs. It has been used as a biopesticide for organic farmers as it deters harmful bugs while not harming beneficial bugs in a garden. Neem oil, so beneficial in many ways can save your dog from harmful chemicals in the battle against fleas, ticks and even mosquitoes!
The cheapest and most effective way to use this oil is to buy a bottle of 100% pure organic neem. You can find it at some health food stores, but you may find it more affordable online. Use just a few drops in a 4 oz spray bottle, add a few drops of a carrier oil such as olive or mineral and fill the rest with hot water. Give it a good shake and spray your dog before heading outside. That’s it. Easy to use, safe to use, cheap and it works!
Be Creative!
Have any other ideas on how to cheaply, and safely keep your pet free from fleas and ticks? Speak up in the comments below!
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