I have been trying to keep away from using chemicals on my dog. I used to. But I started to notice that the liquid I was using to keep fleas and ticks away seemed to make her itch. At least for a few days.
And then there was the cat issue. Apparently, many of the liquids you get to squirt on your dog aren’t good for cats. So in order to use the stuff on the dog, I would have to find the time to keep her away from the cat for a few days, just to give the stuff a chance to dry and not hurt the cat.
Keeping the dog away from the cat was not a big problem. At least not for the dog. She doesn’t really mind the cat. It’s just not one of her favourite animals. Basically, the dog tolerates the cat. And vice versa.
But trying to keep fleas and ticks away from both cats and dogs without the use of chemicals can be a challenge.
The challenge seems to be that it takes a lot more time, carefully combing and checking the animals. Not that they seem to mind. They actually seem to enjoy the process. And, with the weather warming up, this also provides and added benefit. Hair removal.
My dog is not a non-shedding type of dog. She doesn’t have long hair, but she does have a pretty thick undercoat. That means this time of year much or the house becomes sort of dog coloured. Everything gets covered with dog hair. This can be kept at a minimum by the regular combing and brushing.
So there’s a bit of a win-win in the non-chemical method of pest control. The animals get some attention and fewer pests, and I get to exist in an environment with less hair.
And there are other small creatures around the area that probably appreciate the nesting material.
Still, there’s got to be a better way.
