The weather is warming up, Summer is almost here and so are Fleas and Ticks! Historically we’ve been really lucky at the furSmith’s. We’ve NEVER had Fleas or Ticks! The odds are against us and every year the concern increases. So, this year we’re heavily pursuing Natural Flea & Tick Prevention for Dogs. Is there such a thing?…THAT WORKS?
Last year we had a huge infestation of Ticks at our Harbor! Ticks literally jumped out of a palm tree onto our Fwiend Shiloh’s Dad’s arm when we were walking! Mom was sooooo grossed out! We ran into another Dog Dad who said his dog was REALLY sick with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever from a Tick at our Harbor and finally pulled through. Needless to say, we avoided the Harbor for awhile and Mom called Dr B who prescribed Flea, Tick and Heart Worm medications right away – which also concerns Mom. We ate those tricky medicine laced treats for a few months then we said no more! Mom agreed if we didn’t want them SOMETHING must be yucky since we WUV treaties!
According to many concerned Paw Pawrents in several long trusted Facebook Groups and a few resources found by trusty Google and even The Farmer’s Almanac…YES! There are a several ways to naturally prevent, repel and even kill fleas and ticks on contact using natural products. So, this year we’re embracing Mom’s “natural” and organic vibe and going to give it a go! Knowing WHEN to use Natural Flea and Tick Prevention for Dogs is the first step!
What Months are Flea and Tick Season?
Flea and Tick Season is typically Spring and Summer (May through September). In the Southern and Southwestern States in the US, Flea and Tick Season can be year round. Yay Us! 🙁 If we aren’t aware, prepared and being proactive this can mean some very serious health concerns for our dogs and pets (and even humans)!
The American Kennel Club provides Flea and Tick Season Map annually to help give guidance. It’s always best to consult your personal Vet for nuances in your area AND to plan according to your pet’s age, health and concerns. Bottom line, if the weather is warm or has warm spells, fleas and ticks are most likely out!
What is the Best Natural Tick Repellant for Dogs?
Being Preventative! AVOID known areas of Fleas and Ticks! Ask around. If people are talking about Fleas and Ticks ask where the “hot spots” are in your area and AVOID them!
Brush your Dog before you go out and upon return. Inspect their eyes, ears, between their toes and run your fingers through their fur to check for fleas and ticks! We have a FAVOWITE Dog Brush that gets rid of all the old fur AND massages at the same time! We’ve referred to sooooo many Fwiends who WUV it too! Check it out on our Pawesome Gear Page!
If your dog has long hair, consider giving them a Summer shave to give less opportunity for fleas and ticks to “hitch a ride”.
Bathe Your Dog Once a Month (if your Vet agrees) in a Vinegar mixture (see below).
Avoid piles of leaves and tall grass when on walks / hikes.
Vacuum Your Home Frequently – Especially where your pets hang out!
How to Keep Fleas and Ticks Out of Your Yard Naturally
Keep your lawn grass short and remove piles of leaves and wood. Organize Wood neatly in dry areas NOT next to the house.
Place Cedar Chips around the Perimeter of your yard. Fleas and Ticks hate them!
Keep Shrubs Trimmed.
Basically, Keep Your Yard Cleaned Up!
How Do You Get Rid of Fleas in Your Home Naturally?
Do Your Pet’s Laundry Frequently
Wash Your Dog’s Bedding and Laundry in Warm Water Once a Week (use Straight White Vinegar in place of Fabric Softener and add 8 drops of lavender or eucalyptus essential oil) or put in Hot dryer for at least 10 minutes!
Trap Fleas Naturally in Your Home
According to AKC Pets Insurance set up this “Natural” DIY Trap (and Block Your Pets from reaching it):
“Fill a wide, shallow pan with soapy water and place it on the floor in the area that you believe is highly populated with fleas. Shine a lamp directly over the water. Fleas are drawn to the heat of the lamp and will jump into the light, only to land in the soapy water. The soap in the water prevents the flea from jumping out, causing him to die”.
Herbal and Natural Ways to Repel Fleas and Ticks on Dogs
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Remember we found a few ingredients that were repetitively mentioned by trusted sources? Here are the Top ones:
Vinegar!
Vinegar kills fleas and ticks on contact and can prevent future infestations. You can use Natural or Organic White Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar. Pour or Spritz some vinegar on a cotton cloth and gently wipe the direction of your dogs fur. Don’t rub the vinegar into the skin and avoid your dog’s eyes.
Rose Geranium (keep away from cats)
According to LymeDisease.Org, the most effective herbal tick repellent for dogs is organic rose geranium essential oil. Do NOT apply essential oils directly to a dog’s skin or get it near its eyes. NEVER allow your dog to lick or ingest essential oils either! Instead, apply Rose Geranium Essential Oil (or your own Essential Oil mixture which also contains Rose Geranium Essential Oil) to the OUTSIDE of your dog’s collar every week. Do not get Rose Geranium Essential Oil on your Cats as it could cause a severe reaction.
Apple Cider Vinegar or Vinegar DIY Natural Shampoo Mixture
Does Apple Cider Kill Fleas and Ticks?
According to AKC Pet Insurance you can make your own Natural Flea and Tick Shampoo that kills Fleas and Ticks on Contact and can prevent infestations! “Combine 1 quart of water, 1 cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of baby shampoo or liquid dish soap. Use this mixture to bathe your dog once or twice a month”.
Tip: Ditch the Fabric Softener in your Washing Machine. Use straight white vinegar with a few drops or Eucalyptus or Lavender Essential Oil in all of your People and Pet Laundry! Fleas and Ticks hate the smell and your Laundry Room, House will smell great and all of your Laundry will be fluffier! Mom’s been doing this for a few years and just found out the Flea and Tick preventative benefits!
DIY Natural Essential Oil Spray and Wipe
Organic Turmeric Oil has been compared in some studies to be as effective in preventing Ticks from grabbing onto a Dog’s Coat. Mom sprinkles organic Turmeric powder on our food AND it’s in our Nupro Powder so we’re not sure if that is a tick repellant. We’re doing more research on Organic Turmeric Oil and Powder to find out!
Which Essential Oils Repel Fleas and Ticks?
There are Several Essential Oils that Repel Fleas and Ticks. These same Essential Oils can be irritating to dogs if used in excess, gotten directly on their skin or ingested AND can create health issues in cats and other pets so, do your research and talk to your vet!
- Cedar – Fleas and Ticks are deterred by cedar
- Citronella – Mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks dislike
- Eucalyptus Oil – Fleas are deterred by the strong eucalyptus smell
- Lavender – The aroma keeps both fleas and ticks away AND prevents tick eggs from hatching
- Lemongrass – A Natural flea repellant
- Peppermint – Can relieve skin irritation and inflammation if your dog is bitten. It is also useful for killing flea larvae in your home and on your pet.
- Rosemary – Rosemary oil acts as a flea repellant and can help heal flea bites
How Do You Make a Natural Flea Repellant for Dogs?
According to PETA, “To make an effective natural insect repellent for dogs that can be applied daily, add five drops each of tea tree oil, citronella oil, rosemary oil, peppermint oil, and eucalyptus oil to one cup of water, shake it, and put it in a spray bottle.”
Mom recommends changing that recipe to:
Pour 1/2 cup organic vinegar (to get the flea and tick killing benefits of the vinegar) & 1/2 cup filtered or distilled water into an amber glass bottle (to protect your mixture).
Add 5 drops each of organic tea tree oil, citronella oil, rosemary oil, peppermint oil, and eucalyptus oil to the vinegar & water mixture.
Shake well then mist your dog’s fur from the neck down (avoiding face and eyes). You could also lightly coat a paper towel or cotton cloth and gently swipe your dog’s coat (do not rub in).
Try this at home first to make sure your dog has zero reaction to your DIY Flea and Tick Spray!
In Summary
Flea and Tick Prevention for your Dog and Pets is a very Personal Decision for you with advice from your Vet. There are many prescriptions and over the counter products available. Some can have very serious health complications if you and your pet are in the unlucky statistic. Contracting a disease from Fleas and Ticks can also cause VERY serious health issues and even death in your pet. So, do your research. Speak with your vet. Consult holistic Veterinarians and make a very guided decision.
We’d love to hear your plans for Flea and Tick Season! Email us or tag us @theScooblife on social media!
Stay Safe and Healthy Fwiend!