It’s finally warming up in Charlotte and time for those pesky fleas and ticks to emerge. Pet owners have traditionally used medications with chemical ingredients for flea and tick prevention. However, many pets suffer side effects.
In 2008 the EPA reported 44,000 reactions in cats and dogs tied to spot-on pest repellants.
Of the dogs that suffered a reaction, most were skin reactions, followed by GI tract and nervous system issues
Most reactions were in dogs that weighed under 20 pounds
Most reactions reported were in dogs younger than 3 years old
If you’re looking for natural flea and tick repellants that are effective yet still safe for your pets and family, there are lots of options on the market. Here are a few natural pet remedies to consider:
Geraniol
This essential oil found in geraniums is a primary ingredient in some all-natural flea and tick products. Geraniol has been shown to be more effective than citronella at repelling fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. Flea Flicker, Tick Kicker from Ark Naturals (www.arknaturals.com) comes in a botanical spray that’s easy to apply and leaves a mild, fresh smell. Spray lightly and massage into pet’s coat.
Only Natural Pet Herbal Defense Squeeze-On (www.onlynaturalpet.com) was designed by scientists and approved by veterinarians for use on dogs. It combines geraniol with peppermint oil. The combined naturally occurring repellant properties of these oils keep bugs away and leave your dog unharmed.
Lemongrass, Cinnamon and Castor Oil
When combined in the right amounts, lemongrass, cinnamon and castor oils can also repel fleas and ticks. Pet Naturals Flea & Tick spray and wipes (www.petnaturals.com) use a combination of these essential oils to make a flea and tick repellant that’s effective and safe, even for puppies and kittens. There are no known toxic effects from animals licking their skin and the product is safe for use on beddings, clothes or other items the pet comes in contact with.
Garlic
It’s not just an old wives’ tale that garlic repels fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. Springtime Inc.’s Bug Off (www.springtimeinc.com) and Healthy Dogma’s Flee Flea Flee (www.healthydogma.com) both offer flea and tick prevention in the form of a supplement. Flee Flea Flee mixes the garlic with kelp to make it more palatable. The garlic and kelp also have vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are good for dogs. Bugg Off Garlic Chewables are human-grade garlic granules pressed into a liver flavored chewable tablet. They provide 24-hour protection against fleas, ticks, flies, mosquitoes and more.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous Earth is both the ingredient and the name of the products produced by Earthworks of Norfolk, Neb. (www.earthworkshealth.com). This product works by cutting away the coating on fleas and ticks. When insects get this powder on their skin and walk around, it scratches their coating and they eventually die of dehydration. This flea and tick control product can be used on cats, dogs, birds, horses and humans.
Holistic Technology
The holistic way of preventing fleas and ticks involves products like Easy Defense tag from Only Natural (www.onlynaturalpet.com) and Shoo!Tag Dog and Cat Flea Repellants (http://www.shootag.com). These products use a bio-energetic process that when placed on your pet uses the pet’s energy to send out frequencies that repel pests. Both products are a bit pricey, but Easy Defense lasts up to three years.
When considering any of these natural flea and tick control products for your pets, keep in mind that no product is 100% safe and that it’s very important to follow manufacturer directions for applying and using natural repellants. If your pet has already been infected with fleas or ticks, some of these products may not work as they are designed to prevent, rather than control, insect infestation.
Matthew Scott
Owner/Pet Lover
Creature Comforts of Charlotte Pet Sitting
http://www.creaturecomfortscharlotte.com
704-960-9751