I have heard of some. I did not learn of any in vet school. And I do just have to let you know that you need to be very, very careful because I have seen in some blogs where owners have tried to use garlic to repel fleas and ticks. And I should warn you that garlic is toxic to dogs. And I've also seen some owners try to use some essential or natural oils, although some varieties of those can also be toxic. So before you use anything over the counter or anything like that, chat with your veterinarian.

Risks are very minimal. Sometimes I've seen some GI upset, but usually, if you give the flea and tick medication with food, that prevents that.

That's a great question. So to get rid of that 95% of the population, daily vacuuming is essential. Also, be incredibly thorough in washing the dog’s beds and any rugs. The most effective treatment that I've seen, though, is simply to make sure that we treat your animal for three months because fleas can only live a few days without being on their host.

Not at all. I have a chocolate lab myself, and whenever I give him his flea and tick preventative, he thinks it's the best treat ever.