Summer will be making a come back I am sure of it!  When it does, makes that you and your pet are ready for the biting, stinging insects that will be making their appearance.  If you use a topical flea and tick preventative like Frontline, Advantage or Revolution, you maybe thinking you have all of your basis covered to protect them from the pests, but think again!  These products are a great preventative, meaning that they prevent fleas, ticks and heartworms(depending on the product you use) from reproducing, however, they  DO NOT keep them off of your pet. 

Summer, is the worst time for mosquitoes and biting flies, to keep them off of you dog you will need to add something else to your arsenal.  Product safety and knowing the health limitations of your pet are very important.  Products that you may use on your dog most times CAN NOT be used on cats.  Be sure to read the labels, if in doubt consult your vet first.   Dogs with sensitive skin or allergies may also have a reaction to certain essential oils and certain fragrances so be careful with those products around your pet.  

One of my favorite repellant products in the summer is a natural flea and tick spray(see receipe below).  It repels fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and biting flies.  The only draw back is that it is water based and has to be applied to both you and your pet often depending your activity level.  It smells wonderful, there are no harmful side effects,and strongly discourages the insects from making you and your pet their next meal!  It is not recommended for coated dogs, unless they have been clipped short, otherwise matting will occur.

Avon Skin Soft can also be used on you and your pet*.  This popular product has been around for years and has been known to be an excellent repellant.  You do have to be careful when applying this product to coated dogs such as Shih Tzu's, Yorkshire Terrier's, Maltese and poodles.  It will tend to make the coat heavy and oily which will attract dirt and sometimes causes matting.

Fly's Off is another popular summer pest product.  It comes in the form of a cream, lotion and spray, it is a product that CAN NOT be used on humans.  I have found that the spray is easy and most affective.  Make sure that you apply it to your pet in well ventilated area or outdoors.  It forms a "halo" around your pet to keep the flying biting, insects away, and it can be safely used on almost every dog.  If your pet has opened wounds from biting flies, do not use any products on them without consulting your vet. 

NATURAL INSECT REPELLENT

8 ounces of water in a spray bottle

8 drops of lavender oil

8 drops of tea tree oil

Shake well before each application

Apply often as necessary