Flea and Tick Prevention
Happy Spring Everyone!
We hope everyone is enjoying the sunny weather! I wanted to send out a quick newsletter regarding some pest issues we have been made aware of in the Bay Area. It seems like this year is gearing up to be a bad year specifically for Fleas, but also for mosquitoes and ticks. If your dog isn't currently on a preventative flea treatment , I recommend they take one monthly to quarterly to help prevent any adverse reaction if they receive a bite (consult your vet for specific recommendations). We have had a couple of clients report issues in both San Francisco and Pleasanton and two veterinarians have confirmed that it's not even flea season yet, but they are already seeing issues arising.
As you know I am huge on proactive natural measures so I also want to make some recommendations. One thing everyone should know about the flea and tick medications you receive from the Veterinarian is that it will help fight the toxins once your dog has received a bite but it will not help prevent your dog from being bitten. This means your dog could get bitten or infested, forcing its body to fight the infection while remaining open to secondary issues like ear infections, dermatitis, and tapeworms. Before going for walks (yes even in your neighborhood) I recommend spraying your dog with a homemade or store-bought deterrent. This helps repel and kill pests, limiting the likelihood of them biting your pet at all. Since this year is particularly bad, all of our dogs are also wearing repellent collars. We are asking that dogs boarding with us also come wearing one of these collars. We have not had any issues here at our home and are staying on top of treating the property with natural, pet-safe products. However, because we often have visitors with pets we want to proactively stay ahead of things to keep everyone protected. Below you will find my favorite products as well as a recipe for ones you can make at home. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!
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My top go to products. You can also typically find these products at your local Pet food store.
Wondercide Spray - Recommend spraying it on before walks or hikes, use a rubber glove to rub it into the fur.
Wondercide Collar - Recommend for daily wearing. *Note: This is a repellent; it does not kill pests.* Various sizes available.
Pet Life Spray - Pet Life Unlimited Natural Flea & Tick Spray for Dogs
Homemade Pest Spray courtesy of 'The Forever Dog Life' by Karen Becker and Rodney Habib.
1 tsp neem oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup witch hazel
1/4 cup aloe vera gel
1. Add all ingredients to a spray bottle and shake well until all ingredients are mixed
2. Shake well before each use and avoid eyes wehn spraying
3. Repeat every 4 hours while outside. Shelf life of 2 weeks
Pro Tip: spray on bandana to avoid sticky coats or for easy removal for short walks/sensitive noses (but this will not provide as well of coverage)
Upcoming Calendar Events
April 13-17 Nepopo Gold School
May 2-3 Canine Health and Wellness Livermore Seminar
May 15-21 Adventure Boarding PNW *Availability Pending, Inquire if interested*
September Adventure Boarding Idaho Lake House Exact Dates TBD Spots Available
Our Calendar of availability for boarding/board and train March-July is almost full. If you have not submitted dates to us yet please let us know asap what dates you need as this affects our intake of new clients.
Open House TBD
