Groomers at a local dog park event were telling me last week that on the west coast, this is the worst year for fleas in a decade. Ask your vet for his or her recommendation for the kind of flea drop they recommend for your dog. Apply it according to directions as often as it needs to be applied. But even with that, every time your dog is out in the yard he may bring in some fleas and it’s only a few days until you have a flea circus in your home.

When the dog comes in covered with fleas, a flea comb or a good natural pyrethrin (from the African chrysanthemum flower) flea shampoo is recommended. It paralyzes the flea’s respiratory system but isnt harmful to pets or people. You can use it with any kind of flea drop, it won’t interfere. Borax powder for your carpet will kill fleas without any insecticide. The tiny little crystals cut the fleas up but again, are harmless to pets and people.

Kids and pets are inseparable so make sure that they are both safe and protected from toxins and insecticides.