I think we can all agree that fleas are a nuisance for both dogs and their owners.  Wouldn’t it be great if we could find a natural, healthy way to keep them at bay?  In this blog we are going to look at some of the great options for a flea-less dog!  The natural way!  I know, you might be thinking ‘in an ideal world!’, but read on.

Think Deterrents 

We need to start thinking about the fleas before they become a problem.  Using flea deterrent foods treatments as opposed to chemical flea treatments can be far safer for your dog. Flea deterrents will not kill existing fleas but if we can ensure the environment is an unwelcome one for them, hopefully we won’t have them setting up camp in the first place!  Here are our favourite flea deterrents that we use in our house to add to our Ruby’s food:

1. Olives Kitchen Doggy Daily Superfood Nutritional Boost, 
2. Flee Flea and 
3. One clove of garlic (crushed) daily.

If you already have a problem with fleas the best solution would be to use a nit or flea comb in the bath once the dog is lathered in a ‘natural’ brand conditioner for five minutes (this will suffocate the fleas) then comb them and any eggs, out.

Balanced Internal Environment 

This is where the healthy probiotics found in MicroMed come in.  Boosting your dog’s gut health and immune system will ensure that your dog is putting up a big ‘you’re NOT welcome’ sign.  Fleas are less likely to invade a healthy environment.  Add this to a raw food diet and the garlic mentioned above and you are creating the perfect environment for a healthy dog and the worst environment for those fleas!  And the best part is these aren’t major changes, but they do have major impact for your dog.

Essential Oils

Using essential oils is another great option for deterring fleas.  Pop a couple of drops onto your dog’s collar or a bandana for going out in or make up a handy spray to use on the paws before walkies.  Some essential oils that are safe to use in a flea deterrents spray are: Cedar, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Citronella, and Lavender.  Fill a 100ml bottle with water and/or witchhazel and then add four drops of  each and a ½ tsp of sweet almond oil – couldn’t be easier!  Rather, apply a few drops on the outside of the collar and allow it to dry before putting it back on.  Essential oils are an amazing, healthy option but always make sure you are buying the good quality oils and not a ‘knock off’.  If it’s not the real deal it might cause more problems than solutions!

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a fine white dust which is extracted from sedimentary rock at the bottom of the ocean.  It is used as a natural pesticide.  We use food grade diatomaceous earth sprinkled in the outside areas Ruby likes to lie in.  It is a safe and effective solution for your outdoor areas, killing off any fleas that might have made their home in your garden.

Raw Amber Necklace

We are currently waiting on a Baltic raw amber necklace or ‘collar’ for Ruby – we had to choose the prettiest one we could find, and some were gorgeous!  It apparently gives a very low-grade electrical charge that effects the fleas only and they don’t like it, so they exit the host.  We love natural options that make Ruby look super stylish at the same time!

Bonus Tip

A clean home is not a welcoming environment for fleas.  Carpets can be difficult with dogs so keep them regularly vacuumed and give them a proper deep clean now and then.  If a tiled/wooden floor is an option, even better.  And the same applies to your dog.  Regular baths with all natural shampoos and conditioners in one are important.

Why Natural

There are many reasons why natural is best.  In a study done in 2018, the FDA placed warnings on flea and tick medications for reasons ranging from pruritis (also known as skin irritation), muscle tremors, impaired movement, itch and hypersensitivity to touch (because it’s affecting the nervous system), as well as seizures and death.  The way we see it, if natural is an option we’re all for it.  Give these ideas a go and see if they help and remember to let us know what worked for you!