One of my schnauzers(Mason) is allergic to fleas, but he's even MORE allergic to any of the commercial flea antidotes. I'm trying the tic clip by anibio, but I'm extremely doubtful of it's effectiveness. Especially since a German friend of mine read all the reviews on the German Blogs which were for the most part negative. Does anyone out there have some suggestions? Mason is now coming off both prednisome and antibiotics from the latest attack of reaction to Advantage. And we are not through flea season here in CA yet (if we ever are).

Well, I've had the Tic Clip on both dogs for nearly 1 month. As well, my neighbor has had it on her Golden Doodle for over two months, and they DO NOT WORK. The only thing I discovered through this process (actually, we both discovered) is that our dogs are more allergic to the Advantage than to the Fleas. My friend's Golden Doodle is VERY Flea sensitive and she is trying the ingestible flea antidote currently, however, I would prefer not to use that internal poison. I am getting rid of the carpets in the house and installing wood flooring to help alleviate some flea drama, but, would like to try more natural methods. I've read all the postings related to flea remedies which have been helpful. What is the best flea powder to use externally--and the best flea shampoo?

Natural flea protection happens by building a strong, healthy immune system. The absolute best natural flea protection solution is to reduce your pet's susceptibility to fleas by improving its health. The healthier your pet is, the less attractive it is to fleas. Parasites and fleas in particular are attracted to weak, unhealthy or young animals whose immune system is not functioning well. The quality of nutrition is a major factor in achieving natural flea protection. Prevent dry skin by adding some vegetable oil to your pet's food, and not washing your dog with drying shampoos. If you must wash to get rid of fleas, a brand name dishwashing liquid will kill fleas on contact and act as repellent.

Make sure your pet is consuming an optimum diet this is vital.

To kill the tiny pests the vacuuming missed, one of the natural products for flea protection is diatomaceous earth, and another natural flea protection substance is borates. Sprinkle garden-grade diatomaceous earth and/or borates in rugs, under sofa cushions, under mattresses and in your pets' bedding. You can rest assured you aren't harming your pets or your family, but you are killing and eliminating fleas

If you've eaten anything made with flour, you've eaten DE. It's used in commercial grain storage as natural, poison-free insect control. When lightly rubbed into your pet's coat, DE is effective against fleas, ticks, lice, and other pests. It's also an organic wormer and kills worms or parasites the pets may have.

Note that the DE we are describing is NOT the DE sold for pool filters. That DE has been chemically treated and is dangerous to humans and animals.

There are more solutions and I would be happy to share them with you if you let me know you would like to go over it.

Thanks, I read about DE and will get some tomorrow...I heard that Eucalyptus is also a natural flea deterent--what do you know about that? Our property has many Euc. trees, so access to the chips, leaves, or "seed" nuts is easy. I've seen these nuts strung as a bead collar, but didn't know how effective they were. My dogs are on a very healthy diet of home prepared foods and supplements--getting Omega 3 oils every day, so hopefully their immune systems are in good order. I would welcome more advice in order to stay away from the chemical alternatives....

Eucalyptus pods and leaves work well for fleas.Fleas don't like the smell of it, along with citronella oil,  pennyroyal oil, balsam, lavender oil, calendula, comfrey, rosemary, tea tree oil and yucca.