Furry friends, take cover because flea season is jumping! (Check The Weather Channel’s map for flea activity in your region.) Popular remedies available from the vet can be relied upon to keep the nasty critters at bay, but some pet owners, myself included, feel uncomfortable applying the more widely-used chemical solutions. “Despite fipronil and Frontline’s determined safety for animals as a flea preventative,” one source reads, “there has been controversy over how safe these products are in long term pet health. According to Whole Dog Journal, a monthly dog care and training publication, the active ingredient found in Frontline is a chemical that has demonstrated potential for nervous system and thyroid toxicity after long term exposure. Even at low dosages, it has been determined that fipronil can potentially cause skin problems, reproductive and hormone issues.”
Not content to even potentially jeopardize the health and welfare of my little beast, but not interested in an infestation, I came across Tick Tock Naturals Organic Insect Repellent as an alternative remedy. With certified organic essential oils like lemongrass, grape seed, and clove, the fragrant solution is long lasting and effective without being harsh. I’ve been spritzing the product into my palms and rubbing it into my dog’s fur, focusing on her hindquarters and back legs. Applying Tick Tock daily seems to be the most efficient, but I’ve skipped days without too heavy of consequence. (The bottle rolled under the couch, what can you do?)
According to the Tick Tock Naturals website, the product is completely cruelty free and the container itself 100% recyclable or reusable. A portion of proceeds from the sale of each bottle is donated to Lyme Research Alliance for funding of research and education of Lyme Disease and Chronic Lyme Disease.
I couldn’t be happier to have a non-toxic way to keep fleas from making the summer miserable for my pet without worrying her long-term health could be as risk. Does your vet prescribe mainstream flea and tick care for your pet without worry or do you and the doggie doctor seek out organic solutions? Please share your successes in the comments, I’d love to hear new suggestions! — Casandra Armour
