Flea,Tic, and Heartworm Preventatives

[awps]

I’d like to switch from prescription medication (Interceptor and Bravecto) to natural homemade solutions. Way too many listicles about ACV and oil/extract concoctions online though.
Anyone here have experience with holistic alternatives? Preferably in the same general environment (greater NYC or tri-state area). Thanks!

[elbrant]

No guarantees, but...

Fleas & Ticks:

• Cedar is a natural repellent for fleas: Scatter cedar shavings inside the "dog house" if you have one. Or, fill a dog bed with them. The kind they sell in the pet stores work fine.

• Flea & Tick Spray: Combine ingredients in a spray bottle: 1/4 C Witch Hazel, 1/4 C Aloe Vera Juice, 10 drops of Lavender and Lemon Oils, 20 drops Cedar Oil. Do not spray this on the dogs face, avoid getting it into their eyes.

• Homemade Flea Bath: Mix 1/4 C White Vinegar, 1/4 C Dawn Dish soap, and 1/2 C water. Lather up dog with solution (avoid face, eyes, ears, mouth, nose). Wait 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. Dry pup well.

Heart worms:
Heart worms are passed to the dog by mosquitoes who have bitten an infected dog. This concern is less prevalent in NY than in other eastern locations. It may be a concern if you are traveling south during the summer months. Mosquitoes require a mere tablespoon of water to breed, but the cold winter months tends to kill off the mosquito population. I do not know of anything that would be effective in preventing mosquitoes from biting an animal. Being a coastal NC resident, I swear by Avon's Skin So Soft spray. I do not know if this is safe to use on an animal.

[awps]

Very belated thanks for these. Your spray formula works well in wooded areas from Westchester County up through the Hudson Valley area.

[tanza]

I would never take a chance with heart worm... I use NuHeart that is just for heart worm... small pill once a month... we do not have issues with heart worm in NoCal but I do not take a chance. I use it year round. In the area that there is frost/frozen for the winter you can use it just in the spring/summer/fall months.
For fleas/ticks I use frontline but only when I see fleas... again in NoCal not too much of an issue.. I need to use it maybe about twice a year and only when need or if I am traveling with the pups.