Natural Flea and Tick Control for Dogs

Flea and tick control for dogs is an important part of keeping your dog healthy and disease free. Many of the popular flea and tick control products introduce chemicals internally or topically and often cause reactions to the chemicals being introduced into your dog's system. Many people have opted to turn to more natural preventative measures and treatments to rid their dog of fleas and ticks and to prevent any further infestations.

This article will describe several natural flea and tick control methods.

Brewer's Yeast

Administering brewer's yeast to your dog is one of the most common natural alternative to chemical flea and tick products. The brewer's yeast creates an odor and taste to your dog's blood and body that is repulsive to fleas and ticks. Brewer's yeast is available in both powder and tablets and can be added to your dog's food or fed as treats throughout the day. The powder is given in doses of 1 teaspoon for every 20 pounds of body weight with quarter teaspoons given for each 5 pound increment above a 20 pound measure. Tablets are dosed by 1 tablet for every 10 pounds. During high flea and tick season, increased doses can be given, up to double the normal amount. Zinc

Zinc is another dietary supplement that helps to prevent fleas and ticks. Many dog foods lack the appropriate amounts of zinc to keep your dog's skin healthy. Adding zinc can help to build healthy skin, a deterrent to fleas and ticks. Dosage is 10 mg daily for small dogs and 20 mg daily for larger dogs. Pyrethrin

There are several products out on the market that utilize pyrethrin as the flea control agent. Pyrethrin is derived from Old World chrysanthemum heads and are known for their pesticidal properties without harm to pets. Follow instructions on the individual package. While a natural product, it must still be used with care around dogs. D-Limonene

D-Limonene is a by-product from the citrus peels that is also being used to control fleas and ticks in the home and yard. Again it should be used carefully around dogs. Diatomaceous Earth

This is the only flea and tick control method that has been found to be completely safe to use around dogs. Diatomaceous earth is a powdery substance composed of dried algae that can be used both indoors and outside. The powder is sprinkled on areas and attaches itself to the exoskeleton on the fleas and ticks. The dried algae have sharp edges that penetrate the flea and tick exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die. Botanicals

Botanicals such as lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil and rosemary can also be used as flea control measures in the home, but must be reapplied frequently to maintain any level of control.

Natural flea and tick control products are seen as safer and less toxic to dogs than the chemical flea control products on the market today. While they take more effort on the part of the dog owner because of more frequent application, these natural products have minimal or no impact upon your dog's systems and allow him to be healthy as well as flea and tick free.