Fleas & Ticks

Fleas and ticks are common parasites that can cause discomfort and health issues for your pet. Recognising symptoms, tackling infestations, and adopting preventative strategies are essential for maintaining a flea- and tick-free environment.

Recognising Fleas in Dogs

Symptoms & Signs:

✔️ Unusual scratching, head shaking, and excessive licking

✔️ Restlessness and agitation

✔️ Red, itchy bumps on human skin—a sign that fleas have spread into the home

Severe Infestations May Cause:

• Pale gums due to anaemia from flea bites

• Hair loss from constant licking and scratching

• Black or red 'dandruff' (flea faeces)

  
  

📌 Common Areas Fleas Target:

✅ Base of the ears or tail

✅ Armpits

✅ Groin

✅ Rump

Fleas are fast-moving, oval-shaped bugs. If you catch one, it can be crushed between your fingers to confirm their presence. Since fleas can jump from one pet to another, all household animals should be checked to prevent infestations.

Recognising Ticks in Dogs

🐞 Where Ticks Are Found: Ticks often live in grassy or wooded areas, where they are carried by deer or sheep and transmitted through vegetation.

📌 Signs of Tick Attachment:

✔️ A visible parasite latched onto the skin

✔️ Localised swelling or irritation

✔️ Excessive scratching or discomfort in specific areas

⚠️ Ticks must be removed immediately to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Always carry a tick removal tool at home or while traveling with your dog.

Natural Methods for Flea and Tick Removal

Treating Fleas Naturally:

🛁 Lightly dust food-grade diatomaceous earth on your dog’s coat (avoid the face).

🧼 Use a natural flea shampoo—create a soapy ring around the neck to prevent fleas from migrating to the head.

🍏 Apply an apple cider vinegar spray (1 part raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to 10 parts water) after bathing.

🌿 Use a natural flea deterrent spray, such as Alexander's Natural Bugzilla

♻️ Repeat treatments weekly until all fleas are eradicated.

Environmental Maintenance:

🛏️ Wash all bedding (pet and human) regularly.

🧹 Use natural cleaning products on carpets and rugs.

💨 Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth on floors and carpets; vacuum after a few hours (keep pets away while the DE is down).

🧽 Vacuum and mop frequently to remove fleas and eggs.

🌾 Maintain outdoor spaces by mowing lawns and keeping grass short.

Treating Ticks Naturally:

🔍 Use a tick removal tool—always twist rather than pull to ensure complete removal.

🧴 Wash affected areas with antiseptic after tick removal.

🌱 Consider natural tick repellents, such as botanical flea and tick blends.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Preventing Fleas:

🍖 A raw diet improves immune function, making dogs less attractive hosts for fleas.

🚫 Avoid over-vaccination and chemical treatments to maintain a strong immune system.

💊 Boost immunity with probiotics, hemp seeds, and chia seeds.

🌾 Consider brewer’s yeast—introduce it slowly, starting at ⅓ of the recommended dose and increasing gradually over three weeks while monitoring for reactions.

🐕 Use a natural flea preventative, such as Alexander's Natural Bugzilla, River & Wren Botanical Flea & Tick Blend, or Prodog Raw Repel

🧄 Garlic (½ clove per 10kg of dog weight) may help, but it must be fresh, organic, and crushed 15 minutes before feeding to activate its benefits.

🚫 Avoid garlic for:🔹 Pregnant or lactating dogs🔹 Puppies under six months🔹 Breeds such as Akitas and Shiba Inus (they are more sensitive to garlic’s effects)

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a natural, non-toxic substance made from crushed freshwater fossilized organisms. Food-grade DE is safe for animals and highly effective against parasites like fleas, ticks, lice, and mites. Instead of poisoning insects, it dehydrates them quickly, eliminating both adults and larvae. It can also be mixed into food to help combat internal parasites like roundworms and hookworms. If you mix into food it MUST be well mixed in as it can harm sensitive throats.

Feeding Schedule for Internal Parasite Control for FOOD GRADE Diatomaceous Earth

💊 Small dogs & puppies: ½ teaspoon per day

💊 Dogs up to 20kg: 1 teaspoon per day

💊 Dogs over 20kg: 1 tablespoon per day

If a parasite test is positive:

✔ Low count: Use food-grade DE for 14 consecutive days

✔ Medium count: Use for 21 consecutive days

✔ High count: Use for 28 consecutive days

📌 Always retest after treatment to confirm elimination.

External Use

For flea infestations, lightly dust food-grade DE onto your dog's coat—avoiding the face and ears—and brush through. Follow up with a herbal flea shampoo. Soft furnishings should be washed, and rooms cleansed with DE (keep pets out while treating to prevent inhalation).

Regular use in the home and garden can aid in pest prevention, making DE a versatile and chemical-free solution for pet owners.

Preventing Ticks:

🧴 Use a natural flea/tick shampoo regularly.

🍏 Create an apple cider vinegar spray as a natural tick deterrent.

🌱 Consider natural flea/tick repellent supplements.

🕵️ Check your dog thoroughly after walks in grassy or wooded areas.

Final Thoughts

🐾 Flea and tick prevention is far easier than treatment. By embracing a natural approach, maintaining hygiene, and being proactive, you can keep your dog healthy while minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals.

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