How to Manage Fleas on Your Pet

People have fury friends as companions. They love their fury friends as much as some people love their children. At this time I am referring to dogs of all sizes and shapes. They in return love their owners unconditionally. They only ask for the most basic of things. A good and loving relationship, a warm comfortable spot to sleep and protection from things that might hurt them. One of the things that might hurt your dog is the annoying flea.

The flea can cause dogs a little annoyance such as biting and even the death of your dog. The reason they can cause the death of the dog is due to the dog's sensitivity to flea bites. They also contribute to the death of your dog in other ways. Some uninformed owners don't take into consideration the dangers of some commercial flea sprays and applications. Some of those sprays and applications are highly toxic. Some are so dangerous that children are strongly urged not to come into contact with them. Adults can also be adversely affected by those commercial remedies. So think about it, if some commercial remedies are dangerous for the human family members, what about the family dog?

Did you know over time some commercial flea remedies have been known to cause cancer in dogs? There is a better way to treat the family dog and keep the fleas off their bodies. Some people revert to using natural home remedies and herbal applications. One of the most popular applications is garlic. Garlic is highly recommended for controlling fleas but comes with controversy. The controversy over garlic is it may be toxic for the family dog if given too much. Experts also advise against giving raw garlic to dogs.

Garlic may be given to your dog as a powder that is rubbed all over the dog except the eyes. Garlic can be boiled and the liquid placed in a spray bottle. Spray the garlic solution all over the dog except the eyes. Then there is garlic juice which is given to the dog in his food. Garlic may also be given in tablet form. It is recommended either of these applications be given about 2 to 3 times a week. There is more good news about garlic for your dog. The smell of garlic is not evident on the dog. You can't smell it! Your dog won't get garlic breath.

All these applications have proven to be safe and effective against flea problems. The garlic works naturally. Once the fleas detects the garlic on the fur or through the blood, they drop off. One important thing, if you apply the garlic to the fur of the dog, do it outdoors. The fleas will drop off outdoors and not in your home.

A garlic home remedy flea powder is a dried combination of herbs and garlic. They are mixed in equal parts. The contents of the powder are eucalyptus, rosemary, fennel, and lavender. Ground the ingredients to a powder and place in a shaker container. A little talcum powder will help keep the ingredients dry and shakable. The size of your batch of flea powder depends on how often you wish to replace your supply.

The best time to start protecting your dog from fleas is to start giving garlic to the dog in early spring before the fleas come into season. If you live in an area that is continuously warm and temperate, follow a preventive program which will keep the fleas under control.

The amount of garlic given to your dog is critical. The size of the dog must be proportionate to the amount of garlic given to your pet. Check with a vet and ask what is the recommended amount for your dog's size. If your vet is not able to provide a safe amount go to an herbal store and see if you can get the help needed. If you must, contact the garlic board and they may be able to direct you to a resource guide for dosage given to your pet dog.

Garlic is not only good for controlling fleas, it is known to rid your dog of worms. It also prevents worms. Garlic also fortifies the dog's immune system. In the long run, the garlic remedies work when applied responsibly. But if your dog is healthy, in good shape, and has a life style which promotes the well being of the dog, fleas will not be a problem. Fleas are generally attracted to dogs with health issues. They seek dogs that are not maintained and deficient in some area of their health. The best defense against fleas is to make sure your dog is in the best possible health for its age and size.

Garlic is effective against fleas. The key is to know what you are doing. Your goal is to prevent and manage fleas. But make sure the dog can handle the amounts of garlic that are appropriate for its size.

What's your garlic remedy for fleas?