NATURAL FLEA & TICK PREVENTION: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO PROTECTING YOUR PET

By Charly Pruden 

May 1st 2023

Expected Read Time: 15 Minutes

Flea and tick prevention is a crucial aspect of keeping your furry friends healthy and happy. In recent years, more and more pet owners have been turning to natural prevention methods due to concerns about the potential risks associated with chemical-based treatments. 

In this blog post, we will explore the different types of natural flea and tick prevention, the benefits of natural prevention, and how to choose the right natural prevention products for your pet.

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What are Fleas and Ticks, and how do they affect dogs & cats?

Fleas and ticks are common parasites that can cause a range of health issues for dogs and cats. Fleas are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of mammals and birds, while ticks are arachnids that attach themselves to their host and feed on their blood. These pests can transmit diseases such as Ehrlichia and Lyme disease.

The Problem with Traditional Flea and Tick Prevention and Treatments

While chemical-based flea and tick treatments, such as topical spot-ons, consumable pills, and flea collars, are often effective at killing fleas and ticks, they can also have harmful side effects for both pets and humans.


Many chemical flea and tick treatment brands that are widely available at veterinary offices and pet stores contain pesticides that work by poisoning the blood of the host (your pet) so that any ticks or fleas residing on the pet are killed.


These chemical-based products can negatively impact gut health, skin health, and other organs of the body and have been linked to seizures, and worse. One popular flea & tick collar is under fire as 2700 pet deaths and over 100,000 adverse reactions have been associated with its use. [1]


A peer-reviewed paper found that 66.6% of dogs out of 2751 respondents experienced a reaction to flea treatment (Bravecto, Nextgard, Simparica). [4]


It’s also important to note that these methods only work when your pet already has a flea and tick infestation; most of these products are not preventative products.


There’s even an FDA Warning against Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica, and more, as they have been linked to neurological concerns and seizures. [2]


At PAWDEGA, we see a lot of pets struggling with side effects such as vomiting, itchiness, diarrhea, and worse, which typically show up hours or weeks after administering conventional flea and tick treatments.


According to a Consumer Report issued by the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, Chemical-based flea and tick products have also been shown to be extremely dangerous for pets and their owners, especially young children and pregnant women. [3]


Tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP) is a chemical commonly used in pet products to kill fleas and ticks, even small amounts of exposure can cause irreversible harm to a child’s brain development and increase the risk of learning disabilities. [3]


If your pet has been on chemical flea & tick prevention products in the past, don’t panic. Now that you know the risks involved, you can make a conscious decision to move to natural flea & tick prevention and treatment. If you've used chemical flea & tick prevention products I recommend you use Liver Tonic and Fido’s Flora (or Felix’s Flora for cats), to support the natural detox process and enhance gut health after pesticide treatment. Use natural flea & tick prevention going forward.

Benefits of Natural Flea and Tick Prevention

Using natural flea and tick prevention has a lot of benefits for both your pet and your household. Firstly, natural prevention methods are typically non-toxic, making them safer for use around pets and children. Additionally, using natural prevention methods reduces your pet's exposure to harsh chemicals, that could lead to adverse reactions and long-term health problems.


Natural prevention methods can also help to eliminate fleas and ticks without disrupting the ecosystem. Chemical-based treatments can often kill not only fleas and ticks but also beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, harm wildlife, and contaminate lakes and water sources.

Natural Flea & Tick Prevention: How do I protect my pet?

Natural flea and tick prevention is definitely effective but often requires a multi-faceted approach. We recommend combining a targeted topical solution alongside a healthy diet and supplements that help to create vibrant health from within.

Essential Oils for Natural Flea and Tick Prevention

Essential oils are a popular natural solution for flea and tick prevention. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that are known for their aromatic properties. Some essential oils, such as lemongrass, peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender, have been shown to be effective at repelling fleas and ticks.


When using essential oils for flea and tick prevention, it's essential to dilute the oils properly to avoid any adverse reactions. Essential oils should never be applied directly to a dog's or cat's skin undiluted, and they should be used with caution around pets with respiratory issues.


Top Recommended Essential Oil Spray to Prevent Fleas & Ticks


Our number one recommendation to prevent fleas & ticks in your pet is the Flea & Tick Lemongrass Prevention Spray by Kin+Kind, which uses Lemongrass essential oil, among other ingredients, to be guaranteed effective for dogs & cats.


Super convenient and effective, you can simply spray your pet before going outside, or take the spray with you on outdoor adventures.


If you prefer a natural spot-on, you can also choose Earth Animal’s Herbal Spot-On.

Sale Off
Flea+Tick Lemongrass Repel Spray (NON-TOXIC)
Dhs 89.52
Sale Off
Herbal Flea & Tick Spot-On (Toxic-Free)
Dhs 126.67

Grooming to help prevent fleas & ticks naturally

Regular grooming and bathing can help to prevent fleas and ticks on your pet. Bathing your dog with a natural flea and tick shampoo can help to kill fleas and ticks on contact while brushing your pet's fur with a flea comb can help to remove any fleas or ticks that may be hiding. 


Be careful when choosing a natural flea & tick shampoo, though. Many shampoos claim to be natural but use fragrances and other hidden ingredients that can cause skin irritation. Stick with certified organic or certified bio-based pet shampoos.


The certified bio-based, non-toxic ‘Flea & Tick Lavender Shampoo by Kin+Kind’ is guaranteed to be effective on dogs and kills fleas in less than 2 minutes, while it kills ticks within 6-24 hours.

FLEA & TICK RELIEF:

  • Guaranteed Effective for Dogs

  • Kills Fleas in less than 2 min

  • Kills Ticks in 4-24 hours

  • FREE of DEET, Chemical Insecticides, & Pesticides

  • Safe, Non-Toxic, & Chemical-Free

Sale Off
Flea+Tick Lavender Shampoo for Dogs (NON-TOXIC)
Dhs 89.52

Best pet food to help repel fleas & ticks naturally

Parasites such as fleas & ticks prefer to settle in unhealthy environments. Feeding your pet a balanced raw food diet can help keep their immune system strong, making them less susceptible to flea and tick infestations. 


Unfortunately, kibble can contain up to 60% carbohydrates, contributing to inflammation in the gut, decreased health, digestive problems, and more. Studies have shown that adding as little as 20% raw food to a kibble diet can help reduce disease markers. [5]


At PAWDEGA, we offer the highest-quality raw pet food in the UAE, Paleo Ridge. All meat & poultry are pasture-raised and contain zero synthetics.


I recommend starting with the Paleo Ridge Variety Bundle here.


Additionally, there are some ingredients and supplements that you can add to a raw diet or even commercial dry pet food that help prevent fleas & ticks naturally.

Supplements to help prevent fleas & ticks naturally

Adding immune-supporting supplements to your pet’s diet can also help keep parasites away. Additionally, there are targeted supplements containing ingredients that help deter parasites naturally such as garlic. Choose truly natural supplements and stay away from supplements that use synthetic ingredients such as Vitamin XYZ, and flavors, or filler ingredients such as flour, potato starch, etc.

Here’s a list of our Top supplement recommendations to help prevent fleas & ticks naturally:

Faith's Cleanse & Detox is a herbal powder that cleanses the body of environmental toxins and supports liver & kidney health. If used for more than 30 days, it helps create an environment in which parasites do not like to live, which makes it a natural parasite prevention and dewormer. 

Sale Off
Faith’s Cleanse & Detox
Dhs 160.95

Fido's Flora, the world's first species-specific probiotic, is not a targeted parasite prevention product however, Fido’s Flora has been scientifically proven to balance the immune system and enhance gut health which helps create an environment in which parasites do not like to settle. For cats, Felix’s Flora will be the equivalent.

Garlic

Garlic is safe for dogs when used in moderation, and will not only support your dog’s immune system but can also help repel fleas and other pests. Feed 1⁄4 clove of garlic per 4.5 kg of your dog’s body weight each day. Buy fresh organic garlic and chop it about 15 minutes before adding to food.

This releases allicin, the main medicinal property in garlic. Be sure not to use more than the recommended dosage.

Omega-3s

Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids can support your dog’s & cat’s immune systems. BUT we do NOT recommend Fish oils. If you want to know why, learn more here


To provide your pet with high-quality omega-3, it’s best to alternate between raw fish and Potent-Sea Algae Oil.

Sale Off
Potent-Sea Omega-3 Oil | EPA & DHA
Dhs 185.71
Sale Off
Classic Fish Ground (1kg)
Dhs 59.05Dhs 35.43

Pet T-Shirt to prevent fleas & ticks

If you are living in a high-risk area, consider using a pet t-shirt. This can act as a physical barrier for your pet to prevent pests from crawling onto them.

​​Check your pets for ticks and fleas daily, especially after spending time in a high-risk area.

Targeted House Cleaning to eliminate pests

Vacuuming in the areas where your pets like to hang out, such as underneath their bedding and furniture. Clean these areas with soap and hot water to help get rid of fleas or flea eggs before they hatch. Do not forget to empty the vacuum container outside so the eggs do not hatch in your house.

Are natural solutions as effective as chemical flea & tick solutions?

That’s a great question which we get asked a lot. The truth is that it depends on the individual pet and how healthy your dog or cat is. Some pets may be more susceptible to flea and tick infestations, and therefor may require an array of different layers of natural flea & tick prevention.


It also does depend on where you live. Some geographical areas may have a higher prevalence of these parasites and your decision may vary based on living in high-risk areas. 


However, one thing is clear: natural flea and tick prevention is effective if you take a multi-faceted approach. 


The UAE is generally not a high-risk area, and we have been using a multi-faceted approach to natural flea & tick prevention for our own French Bulldog for over 6 years. We only ever found one tick on her, and that was 6 years ago. Since then we have used different methods of natural protection which means our approach is highly effective. We can confidently say that natural flea & tick prevention is worth it and we happily avoid the risk of using conventional treatments to keep our dog safe.

Conclusion

The FDA is warning against Bravecto, Nextgard, Simparica & Co, as they have been linked to neurological concerns and seizures. A peer-reviewed paper found that 66.6% of dogs show adverse reactions, and consumer reports find chemical-based flea and tick products to be extremely dangerous for pets and their owners, especially young children and pregnant women. 


Natural flea and tick prevention is an important part of keeping your pet healthy and happy


By understanding how fleas and ticks affect dogs and cats and the different natural prevention options available, you can make informed decisions about how to protect your furry friend. By taking a proactive approach to flea and tick prevention, you can reduce the risk of your pet getting infested with these pesky pests and enjoy more quality time with your four-legged companion.


For the best results in helping to prevent fleas & ticks naturally, I highly recommend combining the ‘Flea & Tick Lemongrass Spray’ by Kin+Kind, Faith's Cleanse & Detox, Fido's Flora, as well as considering a Paleo Ridge raw food diet. Any additional supporting products will offer further health benefits.


Don’t wait until your pet develops side effects from chemical flea & tick treatments. Start implementing a natural flea & tick prevention plan today, so you can save money on vet bills and help prevent side effects from ever occurring!

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About Charly Pruden 

Charly is the #dogmom of French Bulldog Milka, and Co-Founder of PAWDEGA. Charly has always had a passion for animals, but her passion for pet wellness activism began when Milka’s undiagnosed health issues were healed by adapting a natural, non-toxic, and proactive pet wellness lifestyle. Through extensive research, content creation, attending pet health conferences in the US, and working with world-renowned holistic and integrative veterinarians, Charly continues to raise awareness on important pet health topics to empower pet parents to help their pets live longer.



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