A Guide to Natural Bug Prevention
As animal guardians, we all want to keep our furry friends healthy and happy. One common problem that many animal guardians face is dealing with fleas, flies, and ticks. The warm fur of cats, dogs and horses is the ideal environment for tick and fleas. These tiny pests can cause a lot of discomfort for your animals and even transmit diseases.
When it comes to protecting our furry friends from fleas and ticks, many guardians are turning to natural options. Did you know that a healthy diet of fresh whole foods can help boost your dog’s natural defences against these pesky bugs?
The first step is to feed a high quality, biologically appropriate diet. This helps our animals become more resistant to bugs. Whereas those who are feed a poor diet and are exposed to chemicals from routine flea treatments and vaccines, as well as experiencing high stress levels, can develop weaker immune system that makes them more susceptible to infestation and irritation.
Signs Your Animal May Be Infested
Fleas
Small dark spots that look like specks of dirt, excessive scratching, anaemia, pale gums, lethargy, allergic reactions, scabs, irritated skin. Usually found at the top of the tail, hind-end, tummy and armpits.
Ticks
You can see and feel them when they are attached to the animal. Usually found around the head, neck, ears, paws, armpits and groin.
Chemical Versus Natural
Many animal guardians rely on chemical flea and tick preventatives to keep their furry friends free from pests.
However, these products come with potential side effects that can be harmful to your pet’s health over time. Such as:
1. Skin Irritation & Rashes
Some animals may experience skin irritation, redness, or rashes after being treated with chemical flea and tick preventatives.
2. Allergic Reactions
Some animals can have an allergic reaction to the chemicals in flea and tick treatments. Symptoms like itching, hives, and breathing difficulties may arise as a result.
3. Toxicity
Chemical flea and tick treatments can be toxic if ingested or if the product is not used as directed. Symptoms of toxicity can include vomiting, diarrhoea, or worse.
4. Environmental Harm
Chemical flea and tick treatments can harm the environment by contaminating waterways and harming beneficial insects and wildlife.
5. Stress
Chemical flea and tick treatments can also cause stress to animals by increasing the toxic load that their bodies must process and detoxify. This stress can manifest itself as physiological changes such as increased heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure and excess load on the liver.
Disclaimer: It’s important to note that not all animals will experience these side effects, and the risk will vary depending on the type of treatment and the individual pet’s health.
For these reasons, many guardians are now looking for a more natural alternative as they are:
1. Safer For Your Animal
Natural preventatives, on the other hand, are less likely to cause harmful side effects.
2. Better For The Environment
Natural preventatives are more eco-friendly and won’t harm the planet.
3. Cost-effective
Natural preventatives can be more cost-effective in the long run, as they may not need to be applied as often as chemical treatments.
My Top Tips for Natural Bug Prevention
Aromatic botanicals such as essential oils, hydrosols and herbs are a great natural option that can repel bugs and improve your animal’s overall health.
1. Aromatics
Essential oils can repel insects, and some are insecticidal. However, I do not advise using essential oils on animals topically without proper guidance from a practitioner certified in Applied Zoopharmacognosy also known as Botanical Self-Selection. If you would like to try an essential oil based topical bug repellent, please contact me and I will happily advise.
Here is a list of the most commonly available and effective hydrosols you can offer your animal for added bug protection:
- Lavender: well-known for repelling fleas and soothing irritation from flea bites.
- Cedarwood: is a true insecticide that has been used for centuries to repel fleas and mosquitoes.
- Geranium: is a great tick repellent that also repels lice and fleas.
- Lemongrass: is one of the best bug repellents that can also help with arthritis and digestive problems.
- Patchouli: is a great insect repellent and is also useful for soothing insect bites and healing damaged skin.
- Peppermint: is a helpful insect repellent and is often a favourite with animals with digestive conditions.
- Catnip: comes from the same family as peppermint and is a firm favourite with cats, who will often roll/rub on dried catnip leaves or diluted catnip hydrosols.
Choosing the perfect aromatic couldn’t be easier – just let the animal select! Offer the hydrosols to your animal to give them a chance to sniff each one. Based on his/her reaction, whether it’s sniffing or giving it a lick, he/she’ll let you know which hydrosols(s) he/she loves the most. If he/she turns her nose up at a particular hydrosol, then it’s best to steer clear of it. But if he/she shows excitement over a specific bottle, that’s the one to go for!
Once your animal has chosen his/her favourite hydrosol(s), you can:
- Add a few drops of the hydrosol into a separate water bowl for them to select as and when they need.
- Add a few squirts of the hydrosol to 1/4 bucket of water. After wetting your dog down, sponge on as much of the solution as possible and let them air dry. This method works especially well during hot summer months when your dog or horse can dry off outside.
- To protect your dog/horse’s face and body from pesky mosquitoes, you can use a hydrosols mentions above and selected by your dog/horse. Mix the hydrosol with distilled water in equal parts and offer and apply if selected as needed.
- If you are heading out into a bug-infested area you can spray the selected hydrosols on a kerchief. Tie the kerchief around your dog’s neck and remove it once you’re back home.
For something stronger containing essential oils please contact me and I will happily advise.
Disclaimer: use high-quality aromatics from a reputable company to prevent allergic reactions. Offer for self-selection only. NEVER use aromatics on an animal without their consent. Use caution when using essential oils around animals, as some oils can be toxic if ingested or applied in large quantities. NEVER apply topically to cats!
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another natural flea and tick preventative for animals. You can add a small amount of apple cider vinegar to your animal’s water bowl (separate from their drinking bowl so that they can select if they need it) or apply it directly to their coat. The vinegar’s strong smell and taste will repel fleas and ticks and make your pet less appealing to these pests.
3. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous Earth is derived from fossilised algae called diatom. Once applied to your animal’s coat, the powder will dehydrate fleas and ticks, causing them to die. It’s important to use food-grade diatomaceous earth and not the type used for pool filtration, as the latter can be harmful to animals when ingested. When applying, do so in a well-ventilated area or preferably outside, so that you and your animal do not breath in the fine particles.
4. Green Clay
Green clay is a natural alternative that can be used to prevent fleas and ticks on your furry friend. It works by absorbing excess oil, dirt, and toxins from the skin and coat, which makes the skin less hospitable to pests. Additionally, green clay can soothe and heal any bites or irritations your pet may have from earlier bug bites. Green Clay can make the skin dry so use sparingly or mix it with kaolin clay which is moisturising to the skin to help balance out the drying effect. When applying, ensure you are in a well-ventilated area or preferably outside, so that you and your animal do not breath in the fine particles.
5. Flea Comb & Tick Remover Tool
A Flea comb and a Tick removal tool are simple but effective natural flea and tick preventative for animals (I never go for a walk in the spring or summer without my tick remover tool). Regularly combing your animal’s coat with a flea comb/tick tool can help remove fleas and ticks before they have a chance to latch on. Do not try to remove a tick with substances such as petroleum jelly, alcohol or hot matches as these can shock the tick into releasing fluid back into the animal. When removing a tick with a ‘tick tool’ slide the tool under the tick, gently lift and very slowly and lightly turn the tool. The tick should detach itself after 2-3 turns. Be sure to dispose of any fleas or ticks you find in a sealed container to prevent re-infestation. If you find a tick, be sure to remove it correctly, ensuring that the head is also removed along with the body, and monitor the bite area for inflammation.
6. Herbs
Insect-repelling herbs can be a great addition to your animal’s diet for added bug prevention. These herbs work by creating a scent and taste that insects find distasteful and some even have compounds that repel insects. When ingested, these herbs release their properties into the bloodstream, creating a barrier that makes it difficult for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes to latch onto your animal. Mint and ginger both contain compounds that repel insects, while fenugreek can create a scent that insects find unappealing. Neem has been used for centuries as an insecticide and can also boost the immune system. Lemon balm can repel mosquitoes, and garlic has a strong odour that can make your pet less attractive to bugs. Seaweed is also a good option, as it contains iodine, which is known to repel fleas. Garlic is a natural flea and tick preventative that can be added to your pet’s food. The strong smell and taste of fresh garlic will repel fleas and ticks, making your dog/horse less attractive to these pests. (Caution: when feeding garlic to animals, as it can be toxic in large quantities or long-term use).
My recommended commercial ‘bug-repellent’ supplements are:
- Verm-x Flea and tick powder for dogs
- Billy no mates! – Herbal Flea Deterrent
7. Flower Essences & Crystal Essences
In addition to the other natural methods of bug prevention, you can also consider offering your pet vibrational essences, sometime referred to as “Energetic Medicine”, such as flower and crystal essences. These essences are believed to work on an energetic level, helping to ward off bugs by raising the vibrational frequency of the animal. While there is limited scientific research on the effectiveness of these essences, many guardians have reported success in using them as an additional measure to other bug prevention methods. It’s important to consult with a certified practitioner who can guide you in selecting the appropriate essences for your animal.
While these natural flea and tick preventatives for animals can be effective, it’s important to remember that prevention is key. Regularly grooming your pet, keeping their bedding clean, and maintaining a clean home can all help prevent flea and tick infestations. Additionally, if your animal spends a lot of time outdoors, it’s important to regularly check for fleas and ticks and use a preventative if necessary. By using a combination of these natural preventatives and good preventative practices, you can keep your animal happy and healthy while avoiding the discomfort and health risks associated with fleas and ticks.
Thank you for taking the time to read my article and learn more about natural bug prevention for your animals. If you found this was helpful, please consider sharing it with your fellow animal-loving friends.
Main – Image by Sven Lachmann from Pixabay
