As many of us pursue a more natural, healthy lifestyle, we’d like to share the health with our pets. A conundrum we’re often confronted with is when we start talking flea and tick prevention.
We want to avoid the pests on our pets, but how do we do that without the chemicals?
Katie Berger, owner of holistic pet store Pet Country in Lake Forest, says that while some natural flea and tick prevention can be very effective, some is less so. But she does recommend opting for a more natural approach first, if possible.
“The main reason why natural flea and tick prevention is preferable over chemicals is the word ‘chemicals,’ ” she says. “People are putting poison in their pets to try to eliminate fleas and ticks. Over time, this does damage to the pets, particularly the liver. I always recommend that anyone who uses chemicals as a flea killer also supplement their pets’ diet with milk thistle, which works as a natural liver detoxifier. It won’t completely reverse the effects of the chemical poisons, but it will slow down any adverse effects.”
She added that another problem people are seeing with chemical-based flea and tick products is that many fleas are becoming resistant to them.
“That’s why a lot of people have moved onto the tablet flea killers,” she says. “The topical treatments just don’t work as well anymore.”
While it may take some trial-and-error when going the natural route, here are five suggestions that Berger and other pet owners have found effective:
Diatomaceous earth
A white powder made up of the fossil remains of aquatic organisms, diatomaceous earth works by dehydrating fleas to death, Berger said. Use an organic, food-grade product only, because the pool-grade version is toxic. It can be applied directly onto your dog or cat’s coat and is safe for use all around the house. Avoid direct inhalation of the powder by wearing a face mask. Because it is drying, you may want to use a natural conditioner for your pet’s next bath.
Try: Scratch and Peck Diatomaceous Earth, 2-pound bag for $12.99 at Pet Country
Fresh garlic
Adding small amounts of fresh, organic garlic to your pet’s diet may work as a flea deterrent, Berger says. Garlic is controversial because in very large doses it may cause a type of anemia that can be dangerous to pets. If you decide to try garlic as a repellant, make sure to check with a holistic vet on proper dosage.
Beneficial nematodes
These microscopic worms act as deadly parasites to soil-dwelling pests. Nematodes can kill flea and tick larvae and work effectively as outdoor pest control. “Spray them in your backyard, and you will hopefully kill most, if not all of the flea larvae that may be laying in wait,” Berger says. Find nematodes at your local nursery or online. Make sure to get varieties that attack fleas and ticks.
Try: Beneficial Nematodes -Sc; $8.99 on amazon.com
B vitamins
For some pet owners, B vitamins have helped their pets naturally repel fleas. Flea Treats is a B-vitamin-based product containing brewer’s yeast designed for cats and dogs to help them repel ticks and fleas. Avoid if your pet is sensitive to brewer’s yeast. If pet owners aren’t satisfied with the product, the company offers a refund in exchange for the empty bottle.
Try: Flea Treats, 100 tablets/$8.49, fleatreat.com
Cedarwood oil
Shelley Gardea, an Orange County Young Living Essential Oils specialist, says cedarwood oil is a popular essential oil found in natural flea and tick repellant sprays. She says it’s generally safe for dogs and cats but recommends using a high-quality line.
Her DIY flea and tick repellant recipe uses five to 10 drops each of high-quality cedarwood, lavender and citronella essential oils to eight ounces of water in a glass spray bottle. Shake the mixture and spray over the dog or cat’s coat. Note that pets, especially cats, can be sensitive to essential oils, so use them with caution and in very small amounts.
“Cats are definitely more sensitive to essential oil remedies,” Berger says. “High-quality essential oils given in correct dosages can be very beneficial to cats. … However, depending on the quality and quantity, they can also cause liver damage. When using your own recipe of essential oils for cat flea remedies, I would highly recommend talking to a holistic vet about the correct dosage.”
Try: Cedarwood and citronella $4.95 each for 5 ml bottle; lavender, $6.95 for 5 ml edensgarden.com
