How to Keep Your Pets Free from Fleas and Ticks

With so many flea and tick medications on the market today, it's hard to get a hold on which ones work and which ones may harm your pet. Some contain ingredients you have never heard of, while others are priced sky high. It's enough to make you scratch your own head. But never fear, there is a low cost alternative to keep your dog flea and tick free.

Ticks and fleas are unhealthy parasites. They are external by nature and can spread from one household pet to others fairly easily. They also carry dangerous diseases on them and tend to suck blood from the host they're attached to. It's urgent that any infestation of fleas and ticks are caught early to keep them from developing into a major problem. Once the problem becomes severe, it will be extremely difficult to treat.

The best way to treat a flea and tick problem is to not only treat your pet but also the environment they spend their time in. This eliminates the fleas, ticks and their eggs and minimizes the chance they can reproduce. Some the tools you can use are a flea and tick shampoo, a flea and tick fogger and a spray/dust combination for the surrounding environment.

Initially, you want to hit the varmints right where they live. So start with the pet shampoo. Again there is a variety to choose from on the market so you have your pick. You can also check with your local vet to either pick up medicated shampoo or receive a recommendation as to the best over the counter shampoo. Make sure you follow the directions completely to kill all the parasites that could be residing on your pet's body.

Next, take all of your pet's beddings (and clothing if they wear it) and was them completely with ammonia and/or bleach. Vacuum the whole house real good and completely remove that back into the garbage. If you have a bag less vac, pour out the container with the dust and wash it out with bleach before reattaching.

Finally, use a house spray specifically made for fleas and ticks and spray on your carpet, in your closets, on baseboards and especially in corners and dark hidden places. These are places that your fogger may not be able to reach, and those pests can hide there, multiply and become a headache all over again.

Use these tips to keep your pet flea and tick free.