Ticks and fleas love the soft and warm fur of our dogs and cats. It is a perfect place for them to breed and feed on your pet’s blood which might cause health problems for your fur-baby ranging from allergic reactions to serious tick-borne illnesses.
As fur parents, our number one priority is to keep our beloved cats and dogs safe, and this includes keeping them away from ticks, fleas, and other blood-feeding parasites.
Most fur parents usually browse the internet and look for treatment against these parasites. Unfortunately, there’s too much information and misinformation out there, especially when it comes to home remedies.
Here are some home remedies for ticks and fleas.
Water and Soap
MYTH: Soap alone can stop the tick and flea infestation.
FACT: Although soap may kill fleas, veterinarians say it doesn’t repel them or prevent infestations. Think of it as more of a temporary fix than a permanent solution. Therefore, it does not break the flea life cycle and recurring infestations are still possible.
Always remember to be careful in choosing your pet’s shampoo and make sure it doesn’t have strong chemicals which can be harmful to them. Dishwashing liquids for your pet baths are also not recommended because these may dry their skin. Dish soap is very good at degreasing and removing oil from the skin. Pets have fur to protect their skin, so they naturally have less oil on their skin for protection.
Brewer’s yeast and Garlic
MYTH: Use natural remedies like brewer’s yeast and garlic as flea control methods
FACT: While brewer’s yeast is not toxic, it can still be harmful to some dogs and cats. In large dogs, the amount of brewer’s yeast needed to have an effect may cause stomach and intestinal upset. After discussing this supplement with your vet, brewer’s yeast may be appropriate for daily administration.
Not only is there no clinical evidence that garlic has any effect on fleas, but it is also a potentially hazardous substance to pets, particularly cats. Garlic is in the allium family together with onions, leeks, and chives. In some animals, these plants can cause severe anemia and other ill reactions.
There’s nothing wrong with trying natural ways to control ticks and fleas, but if it will also harm our pets, it will be completely useless. Some natural products, no matter how organic they can be, might be dangerous when given to our pets without our veterinary prescription.
Using Lemon as flea-repellant
MYTH: Lemon can kill ticks and fleas.
FACT: It may make your home smell fresh and appealing but it is very unlikely to remove a flea infestation. A study from Iowa State University about the toxic properties of d-limonene in insects and earthworms confirms this by telling us that limonene, a substance found in lemons, only has limited insecticidal properties. Generally, it can’t kill insects like how a pesticide does, but high concentrations of it can repel some of them. (6)
The best care is provided by experts like veterinarians. They can recommend non-toxic tick and flea products best for your dog or cat. Don’t leave your pet’s safety in the things you just read online.
Ask your vet about long-term flea medication, and put a routine reminder on your calendar to give it to your pet. Visit http://www.bravecto.com.ph/ for more products that you can check with your vet to help you with protecting your fur baby.
