Safe Ways to Prevent Fleas and Ticks 2017 Edition
We hate fleas and ticks but we hate the toxic chemicals to eliminate fleas and ticks even more. Fidose of Reality is all about sharing safe ways to prevent fleas and ticks. Fidose of Reality is all Here’s our reality: A topical chemical flea and tick preventative treatment burned the hair off my dog (it never grew back) and caused what I believe to be the beginning of her end.
That’s a harsh reality and why we inform dog parents what works for us. Fleas and ticks are horrible, on this we all can agree. No matter what method of prevention you choose, the reality is you must do something as a responsible dog parent. We will no longer use topical preventatives that are laden with chemicals nor will I administer a pill that “takes care of it all.” I want nothing toxic, chemical, nor dangerous to my dog on his external body nor affecting his internal system.
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Safe Ways to Prevent Fleas and Ticks
For close to 15 years, I did apply chemicals to my first Cocker Spaniel. It’s what we all did: A magic vile of awesomeness that will ward off any nasty fleas or ticks. The chemical does seep into a dog’s skin and into their bloodstream, and yes, the fleas and ticks mostly stayed away, but the price she paid…I want to do it all over again, but I can’t.
What I can do is teach dog parents safer ways to prevent fleas and ticks, and so here we go. A few caveats:
This is not a one and done solution. It involves sometimes daily preventative treatment, but it is quick and easy.
Assess your dog’s risk factors for fleas and ticks: If he or she ever goes outside or you ever leave the house and come back in, they are at risk. Fleas and ticks love you as their host. Fleas and ticks love dogs who potty outside as their host.
Fleas and ticks aren’t fond of a dog who is generally healthy, so a good diet is part of the plan to keep fleas and ticks away. It isn’t the panacea and only factor.
These are the products that I use, have had success with, and always keep stocked up so we never run out:
THE TAG
The Only Natural Pet EasyDefense Flea & Tick Tag is part of a 4-step system we use for safe flea and tick prevention. The EasyDefense Tag is treated with a powerful bio-energetic process and sealed in an electro-magnetic shielded envelope. Just place it on your pet’s collar and it will use your pet’s own inherent energy to send out pest repelling frequencies. It starts working within 3 weeks. It remains effective at preventing biting insects for a full year. I am just now changing my dog’s flea and tick tag after using it successfully for a full year. Using state of the art holistic technology, theEasyDefense Flea & Tick Tag utilizes your pet’s own bio-energy to create a natural preventative to biting insects, including fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. There are no dangerous chemicals or harmful pesticides involved. It is completely safe for pets and humans in the household.
Use this as part of the flea and tick prevention system! Click the photo or link below for more information and to get yours.
P.S. I am not easily sold on a little metal tag that claims to ward off pests. We’ve been using this tag since 2014 as part of the process I am explaining here. No fleas. No ticks. A bit pricier than other treatments, but I am of the ilk of pay now or pay later.
Only Natural Pet EasyDefense Flea & Tick Tag
THE TOPICAL
The Only Natural Pet EasyDefense Squeeze-On Dog Flea Control utilizes natural active ingredients to repel fleas, ticks and other biting insects from your pet. You just spread the hair between your dog’s shoulder blades back until you see skin and apply the entire tube of EasyDefense Herbal Flea & Tick Squeeze-On. That’s enough to keep your dog protected for an entire month. Now, I am not a chemical topical applier and there is nothing in this spot-on that is chemical based. I will tell you that until it works through the dog’s coat and skin, you’ll want to protect your bedding or furniture with a sheet. It has a strong scent but it goes away. It is pleasant and not annoying in scent.
Why I use this: I no longer use products on my dog I wouldn’t first use on myself, and this herbal defense fits the bill. Three vials costs under $20 and we are very happy with the product, having used it since 2014. I go through 6 vials in a season because after a bath, I do like to reapply to my dog. The combined, naturally occurring repellent properties of the Geraniol and Peppermint oil will keep the bugs away while leaving him unharmed.
Click the photo or link below for more information and to get yours; just pay attention to the size of the dog you are treating to get the right vial size package.
THE SOMETIMES SPRAY
SO why would I need one extra spray if the spot-on is there? Because I live in a woodsy area. I live in an area where I take my dog to the park. I take my dog for walks. My dog travels. I want extra protection. Wondercide is made with non-toxic, food-grade ingredients, it is safe and effective for pets of all ages and sizes: including puppies! Available options are cedar or cedar and lemongrass scent. I did not want my dog to smell like the inside of my storage closet. Guess what? He doesn’t! We use this a few times a week from April through October. It all depends on where we are going. If the dog is going to the curb and back, then I don’t use it. Otherwise, a few spritzes a day worked into the coat and he is mega protected!
Wondercide Natural Flea, Tick & Mosquito Control Spray for Pets + Home – 32 oz – Cedar
is not oily, the smell dissipates with time but the efficacy remains. It is not overpowering and yours truly actually put some on her arms and legs. I came back to the car with not one mosquito bite after a nice long walk near woods and deer! You can even spray this onto a flea and watch it go bye bye.
Click below and snag yours in a variety of sizes. Oh in terms of how long you’ll have the bottle, I still have my bottle from last year. It all depends on how many dogs and how big your dog is. Plus I use it!
THE POWDER
Last but not least, we love powder that keeps the nasty ticks and fleas away. Powder for the home, yard, and even on the dog if needed. Extremely versatile, All-in-One Flea Remedy can be safely applied to your pet’s fur and bedding, as well as your carpet, furniture, and even your yard. I sprinkle this on the dog’s bedding and run it through him with a comb after a heavy park session. I do this outside.
That’s it! That is our system to keeping ticks and fleas away. I won’t put anything on my dog I would not use myself. Does it take more time? Sure? Is my dog safer? Absolutely.
BONUS: THE TICK KEY
I also carry a Tick Key 
with me, just in case. This $5 investment pays for itself the first time you use it. This will remain our routine unless we exchange something out or something else comes out that is safe and effective against ticks and fleas. Here’s a 2 pack: I gave one to my spouse.
All of the above are DEET free – never use DEET on a dog. There are no gloves needed to apply, and fleas and ticks are staying away. My dog is healthy, I am happy, and chemicals are no more!
Like this article? Check out 8 Hacks to Prevent Fleas and Ticks
QUESTION: What are you using to keep fleas and ticks away from your dog(s)?
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Hmmmm… interesting I was looking for something like this a couple years ago but couldn’t find anything. We did however switch to seresto collars rather than pills or that stupid topical stinky stuff that left greasy residue everywhere.
So far the seresto collar has worked magic for us because we are in a high tick population area. Thanks for the information we’ll check it out!
I am glad you found something that has worked for you. The folks at Only Natural Pet have a collar, too, but we have not used it just yet. Thanks for chiming in!
I used this collar for my cocker when I lived in the country. I could not wait to move back to the city. But it worked really well, however, they contain chemicals, unfortunately, and I no longer use it.
We never tried the collar but the system works for us without it
I need to get this for my cats. I hate when they sneak out and come back with fleas or ticks. Thanks fro the great advice on keeping my fur babies happy and healthy.
We have learned from experience to consult with our Vet and take their advice especially since our dogs are older gentlemen now. Those little vials can be very dangerous to dogs with certain medical conditions. We purchased some over the counter a few years ago and while it did kill the fleas, the magnitude of the power was frightening. The chemicals in it were too strong to be applied to any living creature. One our boys is currently on a monthly pill which kills fleas and ticks. I’ll check into this Only Natural for the other one. Thanks for the info.
Happy to help. I have seen way too many dogs develop IMHA in their lives after using the spot on chemicals and after what it did to my last Cocker, I will never go that route again.
Hi, Carol!
We have been devoted to Earth Animal’s Internal Powder (we use the yeast free) since Meteor was a puppy – 10 years ago! A tiny spoon of this in his food once a day and any tick that dares to get onto him dies as soon as his skin is pierced. Most ticks won’t even bother with a dog who uses this, but the braver ones end up with a paralyzed proboscis before they can start to exchange their poison with the pups. Meteor had one dose of Frontline in his life and he too ended up with a terrible reaction/burn on his back. We washed it off immediately and the hair didn’t die out…but I was never putting that goo on my precious baby again. Thanks to the people at Whiskers Holistic we were guided to an all natural alternative before he was a year old.
Sounds like you have a fantastic chemical free alternative. Your dogs are happy and healthy – what a great dog mom you are!
I use a medication now after failing to treat my poor dog for maybe one month last year & then finding a fat ugly tick on her! I was mortified & guilt ridden. Now I use a long lasting chew for ease & convenience. I actually use Wondercide in my yard though, it has a strong scent but it’s pretty effective. I wish I could go all natural with my dogs & myself but it just isn’t the best option for us at this point. Great information & products though, I pinned on two of my boards!
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Sounds like a pretty good product. We are so happy never to have had fleas
Lily & Edward
Hi Carol,
Timely post! We currently use Frontline and Wondercide spray when it’s really bad times. However, I’ve very intrigued by the herbal squeeze. Do you need to use the tag with that or is the squeeze alone good enough? I would love to get them both away from chemicals.
Bren
The tag and the spot on – no chemicals. I check for fleas and ticks daily and I use Wondercide as needed for deep woods, etc.
I use FrontLine on my cat, but I would like to use something more natural. I want to reduce his exposure to chemicals.
i have tried some of these products, i always wondered abt the flea tag. i have used so many all natural, holis tic products, i cant even tell you how many. however, the best one that i have found is by Nature’s Pharmacy called flea free. you mix it up with spring water, depending on how strong you need it, with a little blue Dawn. it is the best thing i have found.
They are sure making great strides again fleas and ticks for our pets. I have never even heard of the tick key. My little guy had a tick under his ear once and I freaked. I take all the precautions to avoid fleas & ticks, but unfortunately a few years ago we received a load of bad mulch that contained some ticks. Eeek!
Ah, I’m liking these flea and tick solutions. We lived near a large field of tall grass and it ticks always liked to hide in it.
This is absolutely awesomeness! Wow, you’ve really got this down to a science, Carol. I HATE chemicals on my pets, and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your idea of using all natural products. I’ve made my purchases this year using your suggestions and links. I can’t thank you enough for sharing this.
These are great ways to prevent fleas and ticks on our fur babies. My Dog is allergic to fleas so it is important for us to prevent them.
I’ve been looking for a new brand to switch to for my fur animal lately. Frontline was actually one that my vet recommended to me so I’m definitely gonna have to look more into it now.
Thanks for the good reminder! I need to get into my fur babie’s vet’s office to get their prevention meds!
These are all great tips that I will be passing along to my brother. He lives in a very wooded area with two dogs. Thanks for sharing!
We have always used those vials of fled medication that you mentioned earlier. It’s great to see there are better, safer options for our furry friend!
I use ‘SpringtimeInc. Bug Off Garlic’ for one (1) of my dogs. My OtHeR dog gets sick when I give it to her, AnYwAyS, the fleas walk around on the one dog, but they DoN’t bite & I’ve NeVeR seen any ticks on her!
Thanks for the useful tips! My personal anti fleas and ticks is a food grade, Diatomaceous Earth.
It may appear soft for humans and pets, but it’s extremely sharp for insects and bugs. (It is safe for pet consumption. It is also used to kill intestinal parasites).
It targets the exoskeleton of fleas and ticks, and dries out almost immediately. Just an additional tip that your readers may I find useful.
Thank you for sharing about these products! Gonna find them immediately.
Wow, How can i only recently find out this article! This would very detailed and handful for when i need to treat my pets with flea problems. I be sure to try out these products you suggest. By the way, I’m also a pet blogger, I really like your writing and I’m more than eager to make friends with other pet bloggers!
I have something else that I have been using year around. It is all natural and easily obtained. It is Braggs Raw Vinegar with the Mother. I have cockers and have found that one capful in each bowl with food has kept them flea and tick free. I live in a wooded area where I would expect to find ticks but have yet to see one on any of ,y dogs/