Fleas & Ticks

A Simple, Natural Guide to Flea & Tick Awareness for Dog Owners

Fleas and ticks are common external parasites that can cause discomfort for dogs and frustration for owners. Understanding how to spot them, how owners typically manage them, and how to maintain a clean environment can make a big difference in keeping your home and pets comfortable.

This guide focuses on general awareness and natural approaches that many owners choose to explore, always alongside veterinary advice where needed.

Recognising Fleas

Owners often notice:

• Increased scratching, licking, or head shaking

• Restlessness

• Small dark specks in the coat (flea dirt)

• Itchy red bumps on human skin, suggesting fleas may be in the home

Fleas tend to gather around:

• The base of the tail

• Ears

• Armpits

• Groin

Because fleas move quickly and can jump between pets, it’s important to check all animals in the household if you suspect an infestation.

Recognising Ticks

Ticks are commonly found in grassy or wooded areas and may attach to a dog after outdoor walks.

Owners typically look for:

• A visible tick attached to the skin

• Localised irritation

• Scratching at a specific spot

Tick removal tools are widely used by owners to twist and remove ticks safely. If you’re unsure how to remove a tick, your vet can guide you.

Natural Approaches Owners Often Use

For Fleas

Many owners explore gentle, natural methods such as:

• Lightly dusting food‑grade diatomaceous earth (DE) onto the coat (avoiding the face)

• Using natural flea shampoos

• Applying diluted apple cider vinegar sprays

• Using botanical sprays such as Alexander's Natural Bugzilla

These approaches are typically repeated regularly until the environment is clear.

Environmental Care

A clean environment is essential because most flea eggs and larvae live off the dog.

Owners often:

• Wash bedding frequently

• Vacuum carpets and soft furnishings

• Use natural cleaning products

• Apply DE to carpets (keeping pets out of the room until vacuumed)

• Keep outdoor grass short

  
  

Tick Support

Owners commonly:

• Use tick removal tools

• Wash the area after removal

• Explore botanical flea & tick blends such as River & Wren Botanical Flea & Tick Blend

• Use diluted apple cider vinegar sprays

• Check their dog thoroughly after walks

  
  

Diatomaceous Earth: What Owners Should Know

Food‑grade DE is a natural powder made from fossilised freshwater organisms. Many owners use it externally for fleas and in the home for environmental control.

Some also mix it into food as part of a natural parasite‑awareness routine. Because DE is drying, it must be well mixed into food to avoid throat irritation.

Common Feeding Amounts Used by Owners

• Small dogs & puppies: ½ teaspoon daily

• Dogs up to 20kg: 1 teaspoon daily

• Dogs over 20kg: 1 tablespoon daily

If owners are using DE in response to a positive parasite test, they often follow a set number of days (e.g., 14–28 days) and then retest. Any internal parasite concerns should always be discussed with a vet.

General Prevention Habits

Many owners choose to support overall wellbeing through:

• A balanced raw diet

• Probiotics such as Karnlea Goat Milk Powder with Pre & Postbiotics or Four Leaf Rover Soil Based Pro-Biome

• Organic Seeds such as hemp or chia

• Brewer’s yeast (introduced gradually)

• Natural blends such as River & Wren Botanical Flea & Tick Blend, or Prodog Raw Repel

Some owners also use small amounts of fresh organic garlic, but this is not suitable for puppies, pregnant dogs, or certain breeds such as Akitas and Shiba Inus.

Final Thoughts

Flea and tick management is often easiest when approached proactively. Regular grooming, environmental care, and natural support options can help keep your dog comfortable. For any concerns about bites, irritation, or parasite‑related illness, your vet is the best source of guidance.