Tick and Flea Prevention Tips

It's that time of year again—flea and tick season! As the weather warms up, these pesky parasites become more active, putting your furry friends at risk. Fortunately, there are many ways to protect your pet, from smart outdoor habits to natural repellents and safe removal techniques. Let's dive in!

UNDERSTANDING FLEAS AND TICKS

Fleas and ticks thrive in warm, humid environments and are often picked up by pets exploring the outdoors. These parasites feed on blood, causing persistent itching and discomfort. Beyond irritation, they can also carry serious diseases like Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. By taking proactive measures, you can help prevent infestations and keep your pet happy and healthy.

SAFE OUTDOOR PRACTICES

• Keep your grass trimmed and remove any leaf litter or debris where ticks may hide.
• Avoid tall grassy areas and dense wooded trails, where fleas and ticks are most prevalent.
• After outdoor activities, thoroughly check your pet’s fur, ears, and paws for any signs of ticks.
• Use repellent measures to ensure the ticks don't even want to crawl their way onto your pet.

USE A TICK REMOVER TOOL

Even with the best prevention, ticks can still latch onto your dog. Having a tick remover tool on hand ensures safe removal if you find one on your pup. Be sure to remove ticks properly to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Luckily, these can be found in most pet stores, vet clinics and even in major box stores like Pet Valu and Canadian Tire.

 

Natural Flea & Tick Prevention Products

While natural solutions can be highly effective, no single method is perfect. If you live in an area heavily infested with ticks, research all available options to determine what will work best for your pet’s unique needs. Natural remedies may not fully prevent fleas and ticks from latching or transmitting diseases, so making informed decisions is crucial. Every pet has different needs, so if you're considering a vet-prescribed treatment, ensure you do your own research and consult a professional. The goal is to keep your pet safe in a way that works best for them.

BUG-B-GONE: A NATURAL FLEA & TICK SOLUTION

For an easy-to-use, natural solution, here at Head to Tail Canine Nutrition we offer Bug-B-Gone, a carefully crafted essential oil blend designed to repel fleas and ticks without harmful chemicals.

Ingredients:

• Neem Oil
• Fractionated Coconut Oil (Liquid Coconut Oil)
• Lemongrass
• Lavender
• Cedarwood

How to Use:

• Test a small area on your dog first.
• Add a few drops to your hands and rub over your dog's back.
• Alternatively, apply a few drops to your dog’s collar or bandana.

Note: Bug-B-Gone is not recommended for cats.

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DIY NON-TOXIC PEST SPRAY

Dr. Karen Becker shares a simple, non-toxic recipe that you can easily make at home to help ward off pests:

For Dogs:

• 1/4 Lemon Juice
• 2 Tbsp Vanilla
• 20 drops of catnip oil
• Mix well and spray

Be sure to avoid spraying directly on their face. You can read an article with more recipes from her as well here. Including one for cats!

OUTDOOR SHIELD FROM EARTH MD

For extra protection, consider treating your pet with a natural pest repellent like Outdoor Shield from Earth MD. Outdoor Shield is a natural, ingestible supplement designed to help protect your pet from fleas and ticks from the inside out. It works by gradually building up in your pet’s system, creating an internal environment that pests find less appealing. For general prevention, it is given for one week every other month, while in heavily infested areas, it can be administered for one week each month for enhanced protection.

Check Out Outdoor Shield

ESSENTIAL OIL COLLAR/BANDANA TREATMENT

Dr. Judy Morgan recommends using essential oils to help repel pests naturally. Add the following blend to your dog’s collar or bandana:

• 10 drops citronella oil
• 10 drops geranium oil
• 5 drops patchouli
• 5 drops cedar

Apply 5 drops of the mixture to your dog’s collar or bandana before heading outside.

Read more from Dr. Morgan: Flea and Tick Prevention Revisited

Stay Informed & Stay Protected

At Head to Tail Canine Nutrition, we believe in giving pet owners the tools and information they need to make informed choices. While we love natural remedies, we encourage every pet parent to find what works best for their dog. Whether you choose natural solutions like Bug-B-Gone or other preventatives, the most important thing is keeping your pet safe and healthy all season long. 

Happy adventuring, and stay pest-free!