Natural flea management requires three levels of care for best results – Internal, Topical, and Environmental.
It takes more effort than a once-a-month drug but it spares your pet’s body the burden of detoxing from those chemicals for which no long-term safety studies have been done.
If you are concerned about chronic health problems and cancer we implore you to kick the drug habit and focus on optimal health and a little diligence to keep your pet healthy and happy.
#1 INTERNAL
Feeding fresh foods to optimize your pet’s health is the number one thing to do all year round to deter fleas and reduce the effect they have on the body.
Pets whose internal ecosystem is not functioning well will show more symptoms and attract more fleas, so only feeding processed food will make your job tackling a flea problem harder. Talk to our staff about how to incorporate more fresh food or make a comprehensive transition to a well-balanced raw diet.
Whole sardines or fish oil should be included in the diet. The high level of omega-3 fatty acids help fight skin inflammation, making your pet’s skin less attractive to fleas as well as reducing reactions to flea bites.
Whole Food Add-ins like Flea Away, Nupro, & Herbal Green Alternative will help deter pests by changing the scent of your pet’s skin to make them less attractive. They need to be used consistently and take 3-6 weeks to integrate into your pet’s system so you will not see an instantaneous effect when first starting them. They will be even more effective with a fresh food diet.
Animal Essentials Detox Blend or Pet Wellness Blends Liver/Detox Formula will ensure that your pet’s liver is functioning well and that their body will be better able to keep their skin healthy and unattractive to fleas. Use it for a few weeks in the Spring; pets who frequently suffer from hotspots or other skin problems should use this blend more than once a year.
If you use any monthly pesticides (internally or topically) use one of these liver-supporting formulas for one week every month.
Homeopet Skin & Itch Relief provides symptomatic relief for animals that are hypersensitive to flea bites. If your pet suffers from an allergic reaction to flea bites you should work with a holistic vet or non-vet practitioner to get to the root of the problem.
#2 TOPICAL
Flea Combs are a very useful grooming tools for dogs and cats. Just comb through next to the skin, trap the fleas on the comb with your fingers and wipe them off into a small amount of soapy water (any soap kills fleas, dish soap is a good choice). Spending a minute a day on this easy grooming task will help keep fleas in check. Flea combs are also a convenient way to check for new ticks after a trail hike (get a tick tool for easy removal).
Natural deterrent sprays made with essential oils are important and useful. Spray them on before heading out to the lagoon or trail to deter fleas and ticks from hitching a ride. They are not long-lasting, most need to be used daily if fleas are in the environment. Be sure not to spray near the face (spray onto a cloth and then wipe carefully around ears and throat). Because essential oils can be risky for cats only by those labeled for cats.
Herbal Shampoos can be more effective than some other shampoos at killing fleas on your pet, but truly any soap kills fleas, so please don’t resort to pesticides. Many pet shampoos with essential oils designed to fight fleas are also helpful in dealing with inflamed bites from insects.
DeFlea spray kills fleas and flea eggs on contact without harming your pet. The spray can be used directly on your cat or dog (over 12 weeks of age), their bedding, and household furniture. The formula uses dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate to soften the shell, and undecylenic acid (an extract of castor beans) to kill the fleas, larvae, and eggs. This product does not deter fleas, and does not have residual benefits.
Bio-Energetic Tags for your pet’s collar make a good addition to all of your other prevention methods. They take about a month to become effective but last for up to one year, and are absolutely safe for your pet.
#3 AROUND THE HOME & YARD
Simple Cleaning Routines can help keep down fleas. Wash all pet bedding frequently (every week is best). Use mats, blankets, or towels on furniture or carpeted areas where your pet hangs out so you can clean those areas more easily. Steam clean carpets.
Wondercide Yard Spray or Vet’s Best Yard Spray can be applied outdoors to kill & deter fleas and destroy flea eggs. Follow instructions to repeat applications for best results.
Diatomaceous Earth or Boric Acid powders can be used under cushions, under baseboards, and in carpets. These products should be used according to product directions for safety.
Beneficial Nematodes (available online or through your local natural landscape business) provide long-term benefits in your yard. Easily sprayed into your lawn, they eat flea larvae before they get your pet.
DeFlea Spray, as mentioned above, can be used on furniture and bedding.
Download our Pet Health Guide on Natural Flea Management
