What natural products control fleas and ticks?

You can combat pet pests without scary chemicals.

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Wed, Jul 21 2010 at 9:59 AM

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Go Green, Toxins & Chemicals

Q: Now that my baby is crawling, I would like to cut back on the amount of chemicals used around the house. Are there any natural ways to treat my dog for fleas and ticks so I don’t expose my toddler or my dog to those chemicals?

A: Squeezing a topical solution on your dog each month may be the easiest and most effective way to fight fleas. Most of the products contain a synthetic insecticide that attacks a flea’s nervous system. The solution is applied along a dog’s back and usually spreads from follicle to follicle within a day. But this popular method has come under fire recently due to reports of adverse reactions among dogs and cats. The Environmental Protection Agency has called for more stringent testing and evaluation requirements as well as stronger warning labels. In the meantime, I admire you for seeking a chemical-free approach.

Here are a few greener options for you to consider.

Find a flea comb. Regular flea maintenance will require a cache of flea-fighting tools, starting with a good flea comb. These fine-toothed wire tools come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Choose an ergonomic version and schedule standing appointments with your dog for a thorough combing.

Read the label carefully. Look for products such as Bio-Groom Flea and Tick concentrate, which contains Pyrethrin, a biodegradable insecticide that’s made from chrysanthemums. While you still need to exercise caution when applying the chemical, it’s a better option to topical solutions that contain permethrin.

Try neem oil. This all-natural insect repellent comes from the neem tree in India. Add a few drops to your favorite pet shampoo, dilute it with dishwashing liquid for a do-it-yourself flea spray or simply apply the oil directly to your dog’s coat. The primary ingredient in grooming products by Ark Naturals, neem oil also repels mosquitoes.

Consider an oral treatment. Oral tablets provide another alternative to topical solutions. Products like Capstar and Comfortis go to work quickly, killing any adult fleas a few minutes after being consumed.

Enjoy Christmas in July. A relatively new company on the scene, Vet’s Best uses the power of peppermint and clove oils to fight fleas and ticks. I haven’t tried it yet, but the idea of a sweet-smelling dog appeals to me.

Consult your dog’s vet about the remedy that works best for your pet, and follow label directions carefully. Keep in mind that dust mites can create more havoc than fleas, so it pays to tackle that problem, too. My article about dog allergies provides a few more tips for keeping your dog itch-fee.

— Morieka Johnson

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Photo: Junko Kimura/Getty Images

Thumbnail photo: Big Grey Mare/Flickr

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Comments: 7

kiefliedog Apr 02 2011 at 11:06 AM

My dogs have bad reactions to spot treatments - but I have found Brewers yeast with garlic keeps them flea and tick free. One tablet with each meal everyday works for my boys. Four paws available at 1800 Pet Meds.com.

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Erin, C.V.T., B.S. Mar 19 2011 at 9:02 PM

Pyrethrin, permethrin, and their derivatives are extremely toxic to cats and can cause fatal neurological complications. NEVER use a product containing these ingredients on your cat, and ensure that the cat cannot come into contact with a dog that has had a recent application (separate for at least 24 hours). Pure essential oil can cause toxicity in cats as well, resulting in kidney failure. I am a certified veterinary technician who does poison control for a living, and I am all for natural treatments.

.... More

While natural treatment work great in the environment, products containing fipronil (Frontline) or imidacloprid (Advantage--be aware that Advantix also has permethrin) are the safest topicals.

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lorraine may Apr 02 2011 at 9:37 AM

THANKS SO MUCH FOR THIS INFO. MILLIONS OF FAMILIES HAVE BOTH DOGS AND CATS. DID NOT KNOW MUCH OF THIS 411.

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sweetlady196168... Mar 19 2011 at 5:07 PM

i would like to know how many time you can bath a small dog in a weeks time and how many times you can use flea shampoo on a dog

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Tarrant May 18 2013 at 9:48 AM

My vet recommends baths no more than once a week and flea shampoos less often. You should ask your own vet though.

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Andres Jan 10 2011 at 12:20 PM

I had the same problem . I went to Home Depot and a worker
there recommended by the Laundry Detergent Borax,
it's an all natural detergent. You sprinkle it on
your carpet and furniture and let it sit for 24 hours
and then vacuum it. It works, no more problems.
As far as the kitties, try putting a touch of Dawn dishsoap
in the flea bath, it will help get rid of the fleas off of them.
It WORKED for me believe it or not. It was a tip that was sent to me through e mail.

Fleas