Let’s talk about fleas. Fleas can make your dachshund very sick. If you live anywhere near me--in the deep south--fleas are just everywhere. The usual protocol is Frontline, or one of the many products like it, a poison that you apply monthly to the back of the neck of your dog or cat (be aware that formulas cannot be mixed between cats and dogs). I had only moderate success with my outdoor dachshunds with these products, which prompted a years-long search for a safer, more natural way to control fleas. This summer, 2023, I’ve only seen 3 fleas on any of my dachshunds, and I immediately increased my protocols, so I’ll tell you what I do.

 

There is a wonderful product called “First Saturday Lime,” which is not to be confused with the version of lime sold in hardware and big box stores which is very caustic. First Saturday Lime is considered very safe around people and animals, but not so much so for fleas and ants and spiders and ticks and roaches and other pests. A strategically planned application of this powder can keep these unwanted guests out of the places where our pets live and play. I have a monthly subscription directly from the company. For under $30 a 20 pound bag is delivered straight to my door. I spread it generously, even placing it in the plastic plate I keep under my dogs’ food bowl.

 

I also use diatomaceous earth (DE) in pretty much the same way. The only precaution I take is to make sure it does not get in anybody’s eyes, whether people or pet, as the tiny particles are deceptively sharp and will scratch the eyeball. Also, don’t distribute it in a way that leaves the powdery dust in the air to be inhaled. Wash your hands after touching diatomaceous earth, to avoid accidentally wiping it into your eyes. Both DE and First Saturday Lime might be available at Tractor Supply, tho the last time I bought DE there, it was a huge bag, reddish brown, and I prefer white.

 

One more product I use, just as an extra precaution, is a spray that I buy at Walmart called “Natural Care Flea & Tick Spray.” My pets really don’t like it, but I feel better knowing they have that extra protection, so I apply it occasionally. Be aware that cats—who make great companions to dachshunds— are actually very sensitive to certain products. Don’t dare use formulas made for dogs on your cats. Cats that will be in the same area as your dachshunds need to be flea-free, and you can get a version of the “Natural Care Flea & Tick Spray” that is specially for cats. Don’t put that one on your dachshunds!