Summertime pests and your dog

Fleas, ticks and mosquito's can be harmful to your dog and when using certain brands of flea and tick drugs, sometimes can be fatal to your dog. Sometimes a dog’s immune system and thyroid function can be harmed by using harsh chemicals and at time neurological issues can occur. Try some “common sense” actions to prevent your dog from getting sick this summer outside.

Since pet owners are trying to be a bit more cautious these days as to what they use in their yards and what they put on their pets, a more natural approach to the summertime pests can be simple:

1/ Check your dog with a flea comb to see whether or not he really has fleas
2/ Vacuum your home every week and empty the container outside in a trashbag and seal up.
3/ Wash a dog’s bedding and blankets every week in hot water
4/ Remove any long brush or dead vegetation from the yard
5/ You can add one teaspoon of brewer’s yeast (not baking yeast) to your dog’s food.
6/ Spray your dog down with a flowery scented shampoo diluted with water and let air dry
7/ If fleas are out of control at your home, a safe dog shampoo with pyrethrin is a great fix
8/ You can add chopped fresh garlic to your dog’s food everyday
9/ You can rub citronella or peppermint in their fur to also repel flies and other insects
10/ Empty all standing water in fountains, containers, buckets, bird baths and potted plants to help control mosquito's
11/ Mow your yard weekly
12/ Keep your dog indoors at dawn and dusk which is peak time for mosquito activity

It’s relatively a quick fix if you start to take control immediately before the flea/tick or mosquito’s get out of hand. Dog owners should see their veterinarians if your dog shows signs of fever, depression, lack of coordination, muscle weakness or any type of seizures.

There are great dog grooming items to help with dog hot spots and soothing dog conditioners to help when the critters bite.

Let your dog enjoy his summer too but watch out for those nasty little outdoor pests that can also plague humans. Since we are in the middle of National Mosquito Control Awareness Week 2010 ( June 20-26) you can visit the American Mosquito Control Association for helpful hints about controlling mosquito's and your dog.