Summer Pests… Natural Flea Reduction Options for Dogs to Explore

I have been researching and trying various natural flea reduction options for years. It’s one area that’s really frustrating and hard to manage especially in the summer. I have been trying to do this all naturally with varying degrees of success. I thought I’d share my experience with you in hopes that this will be helpful.

Quick background- we have 11 acres, 3 large guardian dogs that spend much of their time inside but have free access outdoors as well, 1 little dog, and 10 barn cats with some accessing the house.

Flea Repelling Supplements

Good nutrition goes without saying as healthy dogs tend to manage better. But I have added the following as supplements to help repel the fleas from inside out.This is one part of the flea reduction efforts, so I am not totally sure how effective each supplement is on their own. (none are affiliate links)

1. Biopel from Innovet Pet Dietary Supplement for Dogs and Cats – Innovet Pet - all of our dogs seem to like this but it’s a bit on the pricey end for 3 huge dogs. I use this in addition to a few other supplements.

2. Only Natural Pet Brewers Yeast & Garlic Tablets for Dogs | Only Natural Pet - these are super convenient and inexpensive, I just add them to their food without hiding them and they seem to eat it without any issue. I need easy products that don’t require too much fuss or hiding.

3. Only Natural Pet similar to above but treat version EasyDefense Barrier Bites Soft Flea Chews for Dogs | Only Natural Pet - I use these strictly as treats as they are more expensive and very similar to ingredients in the tablets above. But my pickier dog likes this- so I keep it for him just in case.

4. Cistus Incanus Loose Leaf Tea https://lindenbotanicals.com/product/cistus-incanus-tea/ I just learned about this and ordered it to try. Apparently, this tea is great to keep ticks away and have been used in Sardinia for livestock and pets to repel ticks. I figured anything that would keep ticks away will work for fleas and mosquitoes. I will be trying this myself as well as my dogs as soon as it arrives in the next week. Dosage: Use 1/2 tsp per 10 lbs of body weight, add the herb into their food, always start with a lower dose just to be sure. Herbs get expensive with multiple 100+ lb dogs…

Topical Options

My dogs are very opinionated and will only tolerate certain topical products. I have tried a good number and will include the ones my dogs rejected for reference (and the ones I ended up using for myself… yes, I have fleas…lol)

1. Diatomaceous earth- food grade, I buy in bulk. Amazon.com : HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade 10.5 LB, OMRI Certified, No additives or fillers : Patio, Lawn & Garden ALL of my dogs LOVE this being rubbed into their fur and combed. They will stand there forever on the patio waiting for their turn. This definitely helps a lot but we find this everywhere in our house, too… 

2. Dr. Dobias Flea and Tick Spray Natural Flea and Tick Prevention For Dogs | Dr. Peter Dobias – Dr. Dobias International  I love all of his products, but my dogs run off or get mad at me if I try to spray anything on them. So I spray bedding and floors with his home spray product, and use the one intended for the dogs for myself. 

3. Essential oils and homemade sprays- I have tried these and keep trying. But bottom line, all my dogs absolutely do not like anything with essential oils. Lavender and cedarwood are considered safe at proper 1-2% dilutions. They seem fine if I am using it on myself to repel fleas and mosquitoes. 

4. Natural Flea Shampoos- these are great…if your dogs are cooperative ;) 

5. Manual removal of fleas…I am a master level flea catcher :)

Environment- Inside the House

Since I am super sensitive myself, I have to be really careful what I use. 

1. Flea traps using sticky glue pads Amazon.com : Flea Traps for Inside Your Home, 4 Pack Original Indoor Flea Light Bed Bug Killer w/ 12 Sticky Pads & 12 Light Bulb Refills Replacement, Odorless Insect Infestation Treatment Trap Lamp for Kid Pet : Patio, Lawn & Garden These are absolutely amazing and I have a bunch of these everywhere. It’s safe although it has caught a big fluffy dog tail… lol

2. Diatomaceous earth in corners and against walls in some areas

3. Lots of sweeping and mopping, and washing bedding- I do try to add lavender and cedarwood essential oils to the water whenever I can

4. Neem oil- natural oil that has a very distinct scent and appears to be quite versatile. I have been using this at 3 tsp per 4 oz carrier liquid (around 1.7% dilution per Dr. Andrew Jones, vet) to spray floors, bedding, and outside deck. It appears to help. Some do use this on the dogs topically, but my dogs will not tolerate this or any essential oil based sprays. I just bought mine on Amazon to test and so far, this seems to be quite effective.

Let me know if you’ve tried any of these or if you have any great options you can share! Thanks and have a wonderful day!