Over here at Nugget Oak Naturals, our furbabies are family and we care for them just as naturally and holistically as we do for ourselves. That means we don't rely on conventional or pharmaceutical products for pest prevention. I have had countless conversations with our vets about the incidence and prevalence of pest-borne issues in our area, continually research, and feel comfortable with our decisions. Please understand that this is not veterinary advice and you should do what makes you feel comfortable for your pets in your area and pet's environment.
First, you need to realize that the most important thing is to repel fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes and prevent bites in the first place. Then you need to arm yourself with the knowledge that prescription pest preventatives do NOT repel or prevent pests, rather, the flea, tick, or mosquito must first bite your pet and then the insect will die. Personally, that doesn't work for me for many reasons. It's not a preventative at all and if fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes must start feeding on our pets in order to be killed, then what are those toxins potentially doing to our beloved pets? On top of that, these prescriptions remain in our pet's bodies for 60+ days, there is no antidote if there is a side effect, and they are labeled as toxic to humans yet we are expected to apply or administer them to our pets. Just do a quick search about the side effects and reported deaths from these prescription pills, topicals, and collars and that alone may change your mind.
So, what do we do? Primarily, we support our animals through a balanced, whole foods diet - NOT KIBBLE. This allows their bodies to function properly, improve skin health, and boost immunity. Healthy, species specific nutrition is the first step for making them unattractive to pests due to the natural state of their body. I cook for our dogs and cat and it's extremely easy and much cheaper than buying prepared food. I recommend reading Dr Karen Becker's "The Forever Dog Life" and her companion book, "The Forever Dog Life: 120+ Recipes..." to start. You can also spend some time on the Animal Diet Formulator, which offers recipes and calculators to formulate balanced meals for both dogs and cats, or even the Facebook group Homemade Dog Food ~ The Nourished Pup. Once you learn how to meet all of their nutritional needs, it becomes second nature and so empowering! There are some great prepared foods out there as well that are fresh, frozen, or freeze dried. Whatever you choose, please attempt to stay away from highly processed and junk-laden kibble as it impacts every aspect of your pets health but also alters their pH which causes them to be more inviting to pests.
Once a day, we also add the following to their meals:
- Black Seed Oil: Contains insect repelling properties of thymol and terpenes. Dosage: 1 capsule once a day *NOT safe for cats
- Cistus Incanus: Incredibly beneficial tea which contains bioactive compounds that produce an irritating smell to primarily ticks but also fleas and mosquitoes. Dosage: 1/2 tsp per 10lbs of body weight. Just sprinkle the leaves right on their food. We have larger dogs so we generally do a "loading dose for about a month then decrease to 1 tsp once a day for the rest of the summer. *safe for cats
- Natural Flea/Tick Preventative: I have used and recommend any of the following products. Find what works best for you and what your pet(s) prefer. (Yes, garlic is absolutely FINE for your dogs and cats in these small quantities. Actually, it's very good for them!)
- Flea Free *safe for cats
- Only Natural Pet Brewer's Yeast & Garlic *safe for catsÂ
- Alternative Animal Bug Zap Naturally *safe for cats
- Apple Cider Vinegar if not included in the flea/tick preventative: 1/2-1 tsp on top of food or added to daily water bowl *safe for cats
These meal toppers will help your pets be uninviting to pests by altering the way they smell to fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes through build up in the natural oils of their coats. That being said, it is best to start these in early spring and continue through the fall. We add these toppers late March - early November depending on the weather. But it's never too late to start! Keep in mind that a very thorough bath may wash away the build-up process.
Topically, I wash with Clean Paws Shampoo Bar, use Bug Be Gone Spot On (safe for cats) 1-2x a month, and spray Doggy Bug Be Gone on them daily when they are outside with us on the farm. We also religiously check them for ticks.
We also keep homeopathic Ledum Palustre on hand in the event of a tick bite. Place 2-3 pellets in a bowl or bottle and cover with about 4 ounces of distilled or filtered water, allowing the pellets to dissolve. Give 1cc to 1/2 tsp to your pet by placing it on their tongue or gums via a syringe or allow them to drink it from a cup or bowl. Give immediately after removing the tick and then three times a day for three days. Then dose twice daily for a week and then decrease to twice a week for a month. The remedy will be good for one to two weeks if kept in the fridge and then you will need to mix up some more. Ensure that you are stirring or shaking the remedy solution each time prior to administering. This protocol may be overkill but worth it for the peace of mind if you are fearful of Lyme, ehrlichia, and anaplasmosis. Ledum can also be used as a disease preventative during heavy tick season! Administer it once a week or even drop a pellet in their water bowls. While it can be given in their water it shouldn't be placed on their food. Ledum is safe for cats. (Ledum is also the homeopathic protocol for humans and tick bites!)
Other than controlling what we can and not living in fear of fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, this is all we do! And yep, garlic, black seed oil, cistus incanus, and apple cider vinegar is all beneficial for you as well when it comes to overall health and pest prevention!!