I admit to having always used Frontline-type flea/tick treatments on my dogs, but we found that one of the dogs was allergic to an ingredient in them and it would (seemingly) cause her a great deal of discomfort.
Despite her being a full on drama queen, I am inclined to believe something irritates her about these products. So I went on the search for something else to use.
This was a few years ago, during a particularly bad flea problem in this area. Most years we had no real issues, and didn't bother to treat the animals themselves regularly. (Didn't seem necessary. No point in treating a problem we didn't have.) I don't know what has changed exactly, although I tend to blame it on the two stray-ish cats I see wandering around. One is about as nasty looking as can be. I imagine if any living creature was carrying bugs, it'd be him.
This product has been described by some as having a "Christmas" like smell. I really don't know. It's strong though. We suspect that maybe it works by simply choking the fleas to death. For the first 24-36 hours she was almost unbearable to be around. No lap sitting for her. No thanks..
It's cinnamon, and clove, and lord knows what else. The smell isn't awful. It's just strong. A lot to take, especially after the initial application.
Sentry has an entire line of "natural" flea and tick products. Although at this point we have only tried out the squeeze-on treatment and the household spray. (Made that switch, too, as the chemicals in whatever we had been using before made my throat burn and had me coughing like nobody's business.)
Like normal, if you read reviews, you're going to get some mixed ones. I read up before I ordered and saw that the largest amount of complaints seemed to be relating to the smell (gasp) or on lighter dogs apparently this stuff can leave some discoloration in it's wake (ruh-roh.) Seemingly, most people agree that they have fewer or no issues with fleas after application though.
We still treat our other dogs (not year 'round), as well as our fenced area and just outside the fence. In the past it seemed that she would pick up a flea some place and end up scratching like the devil though the other girls were fine. Since using this product she has not picked up any fleas, so, for whatever reason, I am inclined to believe it works.
After using this for a while, I began to buy it for Cleopatra as well (in the cat type, of course.)
This spring it should be about time for another round of treatment - I'm thinking of biting the bullet and treating the whole pack with Sentry's Natural Defense.
Has anyone else tried natural flea treatments? (As in, the type you apply to your dog.) I'm curious. Tell me all about it if you have!
I loved the style of your blog it was beautiful and fruitful, the content is easy to understand. Anyway, all the dog owners facing this problem when the summer is coming. I admired your guides and tips shared here in your article and I will bookmark this one to share the knowledge I learned here. Get more information about dogs, visit us on Free Online Vet.
ReplyDelete