Have you considered Natural Flea Repellents for Dogs and Cats? Sourcing an effective and safe deterrent for your family pet is important for their overall comfort and for your peace-of-mind. Consider a natural and non-toxic option for cats and dogs...
What are fleas?
Fleas are small parasitic insects that survive by feeding on the blood of other animals. Fleas rely on blood for survival, and female fleas need it to produce eggs. They are typically brownish-black in colour, turning reddish-brown after feeding, and grow to around 2 mm in length. Once they find a host, they feed and reproduce quickly, often spreading into the surrounding environment such as carpets, furniture, and bedding. Despite their tiny size and the fact they can be hard to see, fleas are incredibly agile.
Fleas are highly productive and one female flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day, mostly in the environment; with a few laid on your pet which can fall off in your home. Their life cycle can be as long as several months but they can also live up to two years. They can survive the winter months outdoors or indoors, even if the home is not kept particularly warm, to cause re-infestation in Spring and Summer, as fleas thrive in warmer conditions and are most active during the summer months. We discuss this at the end of the blog with product suggestions to help eliminate adult fleas and larvae from your pet's environment.
The Life Cycle of Fleas
Fleas go through four distinct stages in their life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. In ideal conditions, this entire process can be completed in as little as 12–22 days, although it more commonly takes around three to four weeks. By the time you notice fleas in your home, the infestation is often already well underway. And importantly only about 5% of the flea population exists as visible adults, with the rest developing in earlier stages.
Female fleas lay eggs rapidly, producing around 20–40 each day while living on a host, such as a dog, attracted by body heat. These tiny eggs easily fall off into the surrounding environment, settling into carpets, bedding, and soft furnishings where they remain unnoticed until they hatch. From there, the cycle continues, making infestations difficult to control if not addressed early.
The Link Between Your Dog’s Health and Flea Prevention
One of the key factors in flea prevention is the overall health and immune system of your dog or cat to ensure fleas are kept to a minimum. However on occasions, even healthy dogs and cats may become hosts to fleas. While fleas are opportunistic and will feed on most animals without much discrimination, dogs with strong immune systems are generally better equipped to cope with and resist infestations.
Good health starts with proper nutrition. A well-balanced diet supports the immune system, helping your dog stay resilient against parasites. When a dog is in optimal condition, their body is naturally better prepared to defend itself against unwanted pests like fleas.
To ensure optimal health, ideally feed a species-appropriate diet, such as a raw feeding approach or cooked diet to provide essential nutrients that promote overall vitality, helping dogs maintain strong immunity and better overall health.
Pro-active Prevention is Key
Pro-active prevention is key if you are to avoid having an infestation. These days, with centrally heated houses and disturbed weather patterns, there isn't really a distinct 'flea season'.
So what can you do?
- Regular Checking - Check daily for fleas and ticks on the skin. Grooming regularly and diligently is vital and will allow you to spot anything. Part your dogs fur will ensure easier access to the skin so you can effectively investigate. If you can, use a fine flea comb such as the Bogar Flea Comb or the Ancol Ergo Flea Comb will also help find fleas in your pets fur and skin as they will collect loose flea dirt (undigested blood).
- Look for signs that your dog may have fleas - Is your dog itching more than usual or showning signs of discomfort?, Is your dog scratching or biting in certain places? Fleas are especially drawn to warm, dark areas on your dog; such as their armpits, groin area, base of tail, behind the ears, under the legs. So if your dog is trying to get at these areas, it could be a sign of fleas. Bites - if you are seeing actual bites, which may be red and look like a pimple, these could be flea bites.
- Your pet's overall health plays a key role in flea prevention. Offer a stress-free environment and support your pets immunity by feeding a natural, high quality, species appropriate diet and by following a healthy lifestyle, to build up your pet’s health and resistance.
- Ensure you treat the environment. It isn't sufficient to think that by protecting your pet from fleas that the problem is solved. Fleas love a warm home and will continue to live and breed. Regular cleaning is important as it interrupts the life cycle of the flea. So keep the home environment clean by ensuring floors are vacuumed and your pet's bed linen and toys are washed frequently at a hot temperature and dry on maximum heat. Areas to clean include bedding, carpets & rugs, upholstered furniture and clothing. Also if your dog travels in the car, don't forget to clean the car as well. Steam cleaning at the correct temperature may be effective at killing flea eggs. Top Tip: If you are vacuuming up fleas, larvae and their eggs then it is important to empty any bag or canister in an outside bin to prevent any re-infestation. Afterwards you can clean the canister out with a flea repellent spray, or if you have cut the off a Flea Repelling collar, you can pop that in the bag. Further down we will highlight products that you can use to help keep fleas away from indoors and especially where your dog spends time. Finally avoid chemical cleaners in the home which can all affect your pet's immune load, you could opt for a natural, pet safe probiotic cleaner from Ingenious Probiotics / Provilan as an alternative.
Prevention is key and many customers report great successes following a natural approach. But in some instances, especially if the infestation is severe, the chemical route may be necessary.
- Use natural methods of flea prevention can play a key role in repelling pests and help your dog and cat to resist fleas naturally. The various options are detailed below.
At Healthful Pets we sell a range of natural, chemical-free flea repellents which are all gentle on dogs and cats.
Our range of all-natural flea & tick repellents contain only natural ingredients and essential oils rather than toxic chemicals. These work on the basis that the fleas and ticks do not like the strong smelling essentail oils and naturally repelled. Please note that some flea products are NOT suitable for cats due to the essential oils that they contain, so please check carefully if you have a cat.
The different types you can purchase include:
- Spot-ons
- Collars
- Sprays
- Supplements which can be added to your pets food, including granules, powders, herbs and tinctures.
- Shampoos
Spot-ons
Many customers purchase spot on flea repellents as they are easy to apply, to ensure efficacy and mess-free administration. These are typically applied to either the back of the neck or down the neck and spine of your pet. These products use essential oils, such as neem, geraniol, eucalyptus or ingredients such as quassia bark or lemongrass to naturally repel fleas and ticks.
Brands include
1. The Neem Team Neem Shield Spot on with sweet almond oil, Black seed oil, Neem seed oil, Vitamin E oil, Catnip, Eucalyptus, Bergamot and Rosemary essential oils
2. Mr Slobberchops Natural Flea Spot On for Dogs is a mix of pure essential oils with oils of lemongrass 3%, eucalyptus 3%, peppermint 3% and lavender 1%. They also do a cat version as well, which can be viewed HERE
3. Biospotix Spot On for Dogs and Biospotix Spot-Ons for Cats which uses geraniol as natural flea repellent (suitable for kittens over 3 months).
4. Biospotix also have a Dermocare Spot On which is a multi-action skin care product line called and is availble for both cats and dogs. These contain less flea repellent ingredients but have the addition of other ingredients to soothe the skin for sensitive pets. These contain a blend of Aloe Vera, Evening Primrose oil and organic Tamanu oil (for its soothing, protective and anti- bacterial properties) and a complex of essential oils (Citronella, Tea Tree and Rosemary) which act as a natural insect (fleas, ticks and mosquitos). These do not contain geraniol. This range is ideal for helping with skin and coat problems but can also be used as a natural insect repellent for sensitive cats and dogs, or for those times of the year when fleas and ticks are less prolific.
5. Diet' Dog Flea / Tick Defence Drops for Dogs containing eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, cedarwood, geranium, nutmeg, basil, pine, peppermint, thuja, garlic and juniper. Can be applied onto the skin, on the back of your dog in front of the shoulder blades, on armpits and at the base of the tail. As an alternative, a few drops may be placed on a cotton/fabric dog collar and put around your dog's neck. Renew whenever the aroma starts to fade.
6. The Holistic Hound Don't Bug Me Spot On 50ml this product is licensed and is a winner of the Pet Industry Federation Innovation Award!
Flea Repellent Collars
Flea collars are long-lasting and easy to apply to most pets. They can also be one of the cheaper flea repellenent options out there, depending on the brand and frequency that you need to use them. They work by releasing active ingredients over a period of time. They are adjustable or can be cut to size and water resistant, so ideal for dogs that like to take a dip and go swimming.
Some cat owners can be concerned that a collar may get caught as the cat scrambles through bracken and up trees. Biospotix have addressed this concern by including an anti-strangle feature into their product, as shown below.
Brands include
1.Mr Slobberchops Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs
2. Biospotix collars for dogs and for cats and Biospotix Repellent Collars for small to medium dogs and large dogs and cats
3. Biospotix Dermocare+ collars can be used in conjunction with the dermocare spot on. They are available in both for small to medium dogs and large dogs and for cats
Topical Flea Repellents Sprays
Sprays form a protective film over your pets coat to repel fleas. They work immediately and usually give protection for up to 48 hours. This can be either used by itself or if fleas are particularly prolific, it can be used in conjunction with a spot on or collar to give added protection, especially when fleas are prolific.
Brands include
- Biospotix Flea Repellent Spray for Cats and Biospotix Natural Flea & Tick Spray Repellent for Dogs
- The Neem Team The Neem Shield Spray for Dogs
- Mr Slobberchops Don't Bug Me Now Spray for Dogs 250ml
- Diet' Dog Flea & Tick Defence Spray for Dogs (50ml)
- CSJ Skinny Spray for Dogs 250ml
- Wildwash Summer Spray Flea & Bug Repellent for Dogs and Horses 300ml
- Cedarcide Original Bug Spray and Repellent
- Cedarcide Tickshield Extra Strength for Larger dogs over 9kg
- Natural Enzymes KG Pet Spray for mange, fleas, ticks, mites and itchy skin
Supplements which can be added to your pets food
Supplements for fleas can come in the form of liquids, granules, powders or herbs which can be added to yout pets food. Supplements are easy to use and adminster but can take up to 6 weeks for full effectiveness. Some are added daily, some for a few consecutive days each month. It is also often recommended that pets take a break over the winter months and start afresh in early spring to ensure the efficacy of supplement for when it is most needed. Food supplements provide a foundation for helping to keep fleas at bay, and these can be combined with a topical spray for added protection.
Brands include
1. Diet’ Dog Go Away! Fleas and Ticks are sprinkles which can be used for both cats and dogs
2. CSJ Billy No Mates is a herbal supplement for dogs. It is a totally natural mix of mint, lemon balm, fenugreek, seaweed and neem leaves
3. CSJ Billy No Mates tincture is an easy to use liquid which can be added to your dogs drinking water or food.
4. Mr Slobberchops Don't Bug Me Now Food Supplement is specially formulated specifically work on supporting a dogs immune system to manage internal & external parasites.
5. ProDog Repel Flea, Tick, Worm Repellent Supplement for Dogs
6. The Holistic Hound Hairy & Happy Tincture 200ml
7. Verm-x Flea & Tick Powder for dogs
8. The Neam Team Neem Shield Herbs for dogs
9. Hedgerow Hounds Nature's Bounty for Dogs
Also consider Dorwest Garlic & Fenugreek Tablets as both garlic and fenugreek are known for their flea prevention properties.
Natural Flea-control Shampoos
Finally, there are canine-safe, natural, non-toxic shampoos where their scent (often essential oils) will help to repel insects as they don't like the smell. Shampoos are also a great addition and can be used in conjunction with other methods for extra protection. Focus on the areas that fleas love such as the groin area, the armpits and the base of the tail.
Brands include
1. Biospotix Flea Repellent Dog Shampoo
2. CSJ Skinny Dip Shampoo containing neem
3. Wildwash Pro Summer Shampoo for dogs and horses, a blend of plants and herbs uses ingredients such as Horsetail, Eucalyptus and Nettle
4. WildWash PET Buzz Off Flea Shampoo for Dogs 250ml
5 KG Wash Go pet-shampoo-for mange fleas ticks mites and itchy skin for cats and dogs
7. The Neem Team Neem Shield Shampoo for Dogs
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is often used as a natural way to help deter fleas and can be applied both externally and internally. When diluted at a ratio of 2 parts ACV to 10 parts water, it can be used as a gentle rinse or spray to support natural flea protection.
We sell Verm-X Apple Cider for Dogs as well as 4-Legger Restore an apple cider vinegar based conditioning rinse which can used after bathing to help kill fleas and leaves your dog with a shiny coat. You can also use it to wipe your dog's paws after a walk, to ensure that they are bringing fleas into the house.
Products that be used indoors
As approximately 95% of fleas are in the environment, it is important to break the life cycle of the flea and make sure that the environment is kept free of fleas and their eggs. The sprays help to repel the fleas whereas The Neem Team Wipe Out Spray and the Diatomaceous Earth based products uses a completely natural mechanical action that dehydrates fleas, ticks, mites, lice, and their eggs on contact. Please note that Diatomaceous earth is a very fine powder so if you have respiratory issues could be best avoided. The fine powder can also cause problems for your vacuum claner as it is like vacumming up plaster dust!
Products to consider for indoor use include:
- Biospotix Indoor Flea Spray
- The Neem Team Shield (Wipe Out) Household Flea Spray
- Natural Enzymes Cedarcide Spray
- The Clay Cure Diatom Nutri Pet for Dogs and Cats
- Pure Vet Products, De Flea
- Pure Vet products De Neem
In addition Natural Enzymes KG Shampoo can also be used to wash your dogs bedding, with some added flea repelling properties.
Please do a patch test and see any special notes / precautions regarding application when considering options for the home.
As always, it is always important to speak with your veterinarian if you have a dog or cat with seizures before introducing new products into their environment as some essential oils are not suitable in these instances.
You can find our full range of flea products for dogs and flea products for cats on our website
Check out specific details and dosages on our website. Not all products are suitable for cats as they contain essential oils. Read product labels carefully as it may be necessary to consult your veterinarian.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of this article or have any questions, then please contact us on: 01565 740 777
