In the heat of summer, it becomes the perfect environment for fleas and ticks to thrive which is very alarming for our furbabies. With the help of consistent bathes, brushing, and haircuts, you will be able to minimize the spread of fleas. Here are some more tips that we suggest to keep your pup or cat free from fleas and ticks!
- Consistent Bathes
Giving your pet a bath every week will immensely help to minimize the spread of fleas as they do not hold on to your pet’s hair and fall off when they are in water. We would recommend a flea preventative shampoo that also has peppermint or neem in it as they are anti-parasitic. When bathing your pet, it is also a good idea to place a white or light colored towel underneath so that you can see the fleas that fall off.
- Consistent Cleaning of Your Home
Once you notice that your pet has fleas, it is crucial that you begin to clean your home at least once a week as this can lead to a flea infestation throughout your home and even floorboards. By cleaning all surfaces, bedding, and areas in your house you will be able to easily control fleas and ticks. Make sure when you vacuum your home that you empty everything out as fleas will be present in the canister.
- Introduce Natural Predators in Your Yard
Nematodes, a microscopic roundworm, is a type of worm that eats flea larvae! By adding them to your yard, the flea population will reduce greatly within a week. You can find them at garden or pet stores in your area.
- Essential Oils
Essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, cedarwood, and rosemary are great for keeping fleas and ticks away from your pet. However, you must be careful to not use too much, one drop or two is enough diluted, and reapply after a week. We advise all pawrents to do their own independent research or talk with their Vet as some pets can be allergic and advise not to use.
- Protective Clothing on Walks!
When it is summer, all you want to do is take your dog out on walks and hikes, but this is the perfect time for fleas and ticks to latch on to your pet. We suggest putting on a light weight shirt for your dog for protection and prevention of fleas and ticks.
Avoiding chemical flea and tick preventatives are always good as the first option as they have led to issues in pets like skin allergies, seizures, and even paralysis. We advise you to control and treat fleas and ticks the natural way. We hope that these tips can help you and your fur babies be flea free this summer!
