You just gave Rex his monthly flea and tick treatment, and now he’s coming in from the yard looking like he’s found the biggest and best mud puddle in town. He may be delighted, but you are not. He needs a bath NOW! But will a bath remove the flea treatment from him?

It’s a common question and given the cost of monthly Frontline or Advantage applications, you don’t want to apply more than necessary. So what should I do?

According to the manufacturer’s instructions, you should wait 48 hours after applying Frontline or Advantage before bathing your dog. Frontline’s main ingredient, fipronil, is stored in the dog’s sebaceous glands and is constantly reapplied through the hair follicles. Meanwhile, the main ingredient in Advantage is imidacloprid, which coats the skin.

Although both claim to be waterproof, some dog owners have found that the treatments seem to be less effective after bathing. Regular washing with medicated or flea shampoos can dry out the skin, making flea treatments weaker and less likely to work. There is also the problem that many commercial flea shampoos contain harsh chemicals. Do you really want to apply them in addition to the regular monthly treatment? An alternative is to use a natural shampoo after flea treatment applications; a mild shampoo (such as Comfy Dog Oatmeal Shampoo) can help moisturize the skin as it cleanses.

Or maybe you want to consider swapping chemical flea and tick treatments for something more eco-friendly. Most natural products can be used alone or in addition to Frontline and Advantage.

Some natural alternatives to try include:

* Garlic pills and brewer’s yeast. Added to your dog’s food, or given as a daily treat, these are packed with nutrients to help improve your dog’s skin and coat, plus they have the added bonus of repelling fleas and ticks. The scent of garlic and yeast is secreted through the skin, keeping those pesky bugs away.

* Some essential oils are excellent for repelling fleas. Since essential oils can cause irritation when applied directly to the skin, I prefer to add a few dabs on my dog’s collar or add a few drops to a small spray bottle of water and apply a few squirts to his fur. Cedarwood, lavender, citronella, and rosemary oils work well and have helped keep my pets tick-free.

* Flea the Scene offers the best of everything: essential oils that repel fleas and soothe the skin, a range of emollients to moisturize the skin and a sunscreen to protect it from the rays. May be used with or in place of a medical flea and tick application. Plus, it’s also safe for humans, so I can just spray all of us before we hit the park. No bugs, no sunburn, and we all smell great!