When it comes to protecting dogs and cats from fleas, ticks, and other biting bugs, our philosophy at The Barkery is simple: we believe our pets should avoid carrying or consuming insecticides and pesticides. That is why we do our best to provide safe, all-natural flea and tick prevention as a healthy alternative to toxic pesticide products.
This creates a very hard choice for many dog and cat owners, as they wonder how do we safely guard against fleas and ticks? Those little creepy crawlers aren’t just gross; they can actually transmit diseases to both pets and people. Pets need protection, but many of the solutions on store shelves are loaded with chemicals that could be risky to their health - and yours.
Why? What are the risks of popular chemical flea and tick medications?
Although chemical flea and tick medications are used widely throughout the world, it doesn’t guarantee that they are safe. In the United States, our pet’s internal flea and tick medications are regulated through the FDA, with most external products also regulated by the EPA. You may think that means they are safe to use, however, both organizations have well-documented data about the risks associated with these chemical pesticides. Even though there are thousands of deaths and serious side effects, these products have not been recalled and remain on the market.
Common risks listed by both agencies include:
- Seizures
- Muscle Tremors
- Loss of Control of Body Movements
- Skin Reactions
- Gastrointestinal Reactions
- Death
So… what’s a responsible pet lover to do?
Go non-toxic! Fortunately, fleas can be controlled without resorting to harmful chemicals. Here’s what you can do:
Natural Alternatives for Flea and Tick Prevention
Earth Animal Nature’s Protection is a natural flea & tick regimen, working naturally from the inside out and top to bottom for year-round relief of fleas and ticks. Nature’s Protection uses the power of plants, like medicinal herbs, essential oils, and vitamins & minerals to build your dog or cat’s immunity and gently, but powerfully repels and protects against flea and ticks.
Here’s how they work:
Step 1: Internal Protection
Our internal products are the first line of defense against fleas and ticks in all regions of the United States. Earth Animal’s Daily Internal Powder, also available in an herbal, yeast-free formula, contains all-natural ingredients whose organic compounds work to bitter the scent of your pet over time. This change in odor is undetected by us but loathed by fleas, ticks, and biting bugs.
Unlike chemical products, these ingredients also contain amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that boost your pet’s immune system. This means a happier and healthier pet with extra protection against pest-borne diseases.
**For the Internal Powder you will want to start this supplement about 2 weeks before flea season to keep the fleas away. However, if you start it once you see fleas on your dog, it may take up to 1 week to repel.
**If your pet does not like powders added to their food try Earth Animal’s Daily Herbal Drops! Earth Animal’s Nature’s Protection™ Flea & Tick Daily Herbal Drops is a highly absorbable blend that helps boost immunity and guard both dogs and cats from fleas and ticks during times of increased exposure. The combination of these carefully selected herbs boost the body’s defense and quiets the allergic reaction and itching from bites.
Step 2: External Protection
Earth Animal’s external products, including their Herbal Flea & Tick Collars and topical Herbal Spot-On, are the second line of defense against fleas and ticks in all states. They complement their internal products with the power of plants. Earth Animal’s external products use essential oils which serve as a plant’s natural defense against insects. These essential oils work in the same way on our pets by deterring fleas, ticks, and biting insects through scent. If your pet can’t tolerate the collar, you can substitute their Herbal Collar with their Herbal Spot-On. This works in the same way but is applied as a liquid to the shoulder blade area. During peak season or if your pet is particularly active outdoors, you can safely add an extra layer of protection with a daily spritz of Herbal Bug Spray or a monthly bath with our Herbal Shampoo. Be sure to schedule bath time before you reapply our Herbal Spot-On to avoid washing it off.
Looking for more information on Earth Animal’s Nature’s Protection? Check out their website for more information!
Wondercide is another natural alternative for flea and tick prevention. Wondercide delivers the results you expect from conventional flea and tick meds and pest services, without the harmful chemicals. These safe, plant-based sprays for pets & your home will kill, repel, and prevent 98-100% of ticks, fleas and mosquitoes with oils that are safe for your pets but repulsive to the pests. Choose from scents like lemongrass, rosemary, or cedar, or peppermint! Among the Wondercide product line, you will also find ready-to-use flea & tick spray for yard & garden. Wondercide’s Yard & Garden Spray easily attaches to a garden hose to repel fleas, tick’s, mosquitos, and flies – and is safe for beneficial bugs like bees & butterflies.
More Ways to Prevent Fleas & Ticks Naturally
Prebiotics are a form of dietary fiber that feeds probiotics (good bacteria) in the gut. Prebiotics aid in promoting a balanced gut flora by nourishing the good bacteria. This is crucial for a variety of factors, including digestion support, inflammation prevention, and immunity support. The symbiotic interaction between prebiotics and probiotics means that they work to promote gut health. Prebiotics provide food for probiotics, and probiotics aid in the full development of prebiotics in the gut.
Groom your pets regularly. Use a flea & tick shampoo that will kill adult fleas. In addition, comb your animal’s fur with a fine-tooth flea comb, and dunk any critters into a container of sudsy water.
Here are some of the flea & tick shampoos we recommend:
- Nature’s Specialities Quick Relief Neem Shampoo
- Skout’s Honor Flea & Tick Shampoo
- kin+kind Flea & Tick Shampoo for Dogs & Cats
Take preemptive steps in your yard and garden. If you plan ahead, it can be really beneficial to treat your lawn and garden using pet-safe yard treatments! Perhaps you put some nematodes in your yard – this is probably the most natural and holistic solution to managing fleas in your yard. Nematodes are worms that eat flea larvae – you can find them in garden supply stores or online.
Wondercide Yard Treatment is another safe option for your yard. This treatment kills, repels, & prevents fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, ants, and 100s more pests. It also kills the entire pest lifecycle: eggs, larvae, and adults. All you have to do is attach a hose, spray, and enjoy your yard with no wait time for drying. It’s 100% safe to use around pets and people of all ages! The best way to treat nature, is with nature. Wondercide is made with the purest Cedarwood Oil and good things from mother nature like seeds and fruit, and is also biodegradable and free of toxins.
Diatomaceous Earth or DE provides a natural way of dealing with fleas living in your yard or home. Free from harmful toxins, diatomaceous earth is a fine dust that’s made from fossilized remains of a type of algae called diatoms. These tiny shard-like diatoms kill fleas on contact while being completely safe for humans & pets. You can also use this on your dog or cat’s coat or bedding as a natural deodorizer. To de-flea, leave it on your carpet or your pet’s bedding for about a day, then vacuum or sweep it up!
As we are wrapping up, we want to remind you to always use species-specific flea & tick treatments. It is important that whatever flea & tick products you choose this season, ensure it’s safe to use on cats, dogs, or both! Using natural methods takes more effort than dropping a toxic blob of pesticide on your cat’s or dog’s back, but in the long run, your pets, your family, and the bees & butterflies will be healthier! Which we think is well worth it.
As always, The Barkery and Bath is here to help! Please drop by or contact us online if you have any concerns or questions. We can’t wait to see you and your furry companions soon!
