The systemic flea and tick repellents such as Frontline, Advantix, (the ones you apply between the shoulder blades of your dog), as well as the flea collars such as Soresto, Hartz, etc.,are insect repellents that enter the bloodstream and not only kill the fleas and ticks, but poison your dog as well. Side effects include seizures, paralysis and more.
They do not prevent Lyme disease. They kill the tick but the tick has already injected your dog with the spirochetes that cause Lyme.
We highly recommend the following alternative preventatives.
- DIATOMACEOUS EARTH: This is from the sea, and is essentially sedimentary deposits formed from the fossil remains of diatoms. It is what is sometimes used in swimming pools to kill parasites and is benign for humans and dogs. Easy to purchase on Amazon and very inexpensive. Comes in a powder which you can rub on your dog before he/she goes outside. You can also add it to your dog’s food, (a tsp a day) during flea and tick season. It kills internal parasites as well.
- FOR YOUR LAWN: Wondercide, (100% Cedar oil). When you mow your lawn, or whomever mows your lawn, purchase a small spreader to pull behind the lawn mower. You will mix the Wondercide with water, (directions on bottle) and as you mow, the spreader will distribute the Cedar all over your lawn. If you just have a patch of grass, hand spray your lawn. It is very effective. We have been doing this for 2 years and it has cut our fleas and ticks down by 80%. Cedar chests have been used for centuries to protect our clothes from insects.
3. GROOM DAILY: Purchase a good flea comb, (Furminator is excellent). Also, a brush if you like, and comb your dog every day. It is a wonderful bonding experience and you will be able to discover ticks and fleas if they are any on your dog.
4. MAKE YOUR OWN SPRAY:
Ingredients:
A 24 Ounce Spray Bottle
20 Drops of Citronella
20 Drops of Cedar Oil
20 Drops of Peppermint Oil
10 Drops of Geranium Oil
3 Tbsp of Olive Oil
Fill spray bottle with water, add all ingredients, and shake. If your dog doesn’t like to be sprayed, just spray the mixture on to a cloth and then rub the cloth all over them especially around the neck and above the tail.