Fleas, Ticks And Mosquitoes: What To Do And How To Stop Them
In this week’s episode of “It’s A Dog’s Life,” I sat down with Carter Easler, Director of Outreach and Education at CBD Dog Health.
Both Carter and I are currently in Flordia and since it’s May … that means tons of fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes!
I’ve gotten a couple of flea outbreaks at my rescue farm, Fire Flake Farm. And back in the day, I would use the recommended flea and tick medications from the vet, and surprise – they didn’t work.
Unfortunately, we see this every day, we’re giving our pets harmful chemicals to prevent something that might not even happen. But I get it, fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes suck!
Thankfully, there are tons of natural ways to prevent and help treat all circumstances from those dreaded fleas, ticks, and even mosquitoes.
Harmful Medications
Like mentioned before, I use to get them too. Every year, my vet would recommend some products to protect all my dogs from fleas, ticks, and the horrible heartworm! Unfortunately, a lot of these products contain many ingredients which are pesticides and cause major inflammation and allergic reactions in our pets. Here are a few of the pesticides to stay away from that you will see in these medications. (One of the many reasons I don’t give them to my dog’s for years now).
Fluralaner, (INN) is a systemic insecticide and acaricide that is administered orally. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it under the trade name Bravecto for flea treatment in dogs in May 2014.
Pyrethroids, are chemical simulations of pyrethrins, naturally occurring compounds in dried chrysanthemum flowers that incapacitate insect nervous systems. problems included burning and tingling skin, respiratory trouble, involuntary twitching, dizziness, nausea, fainting, convulsions and seizures. In Australia, a union representing transport workers is even mulling a class action lawsuit on behalf of air stewards who allege they suffer neurodegenerative diseases as a result of exposure to the insecticides.
Ivermectin is the macrocyclic lactones (MLs) are parasiticides able to kill a wide variety of arthropods and nematodes. They have a high margin of safety for labeled indications, and has become the best selling antiparasitic in the world. Dogs of certain breeds and mixtures of those breeds have a defect in the ABCB1 gene (formerly MDR1 gene) that results in a lack of functional P-glycoprotein (P-gp), which leads to accumulation of the MLs in the central nervous system (CNS) and a higher risk of adverse effects when exposed.
N-Octyl bicycloheptene dicarboximide MGK-264 Docket. MGK-264 is a pesticide active ingredient that acts as a synergist. Synergists are chemicals which, while lacking pesticidal properties of their own, enhance the pesticidal properties of other active ingredients including pyrethrins and pyrethroids.
PIPERONYL BUTOXIDE a highly toxic substance that causes a range of short- and long-term effects, including cancer and adverse impacts on liver function and the nervous system, is one of the most commonly used synergists in pesticide products.
How To Know If Your Pet Has Fleas
All pets are different. Some of my dogs start itching right away and I know – they got fleas. While others, can have a ton of fleas on them and not have a single reaction.
So, if you suspect fleas or any pesticide on your pet you’re going to have to brush them over a (damp) towel or paper towel and check. If some little specks of dirt fall onto the towel or paper towel and turn red or brown – your pet has fleas.
But don’t panic yet! We’re going to get rid of the fleas NATURALLY!
Natural Solutions
There are a lot of different things you can do to both prevent and treat fleas, ticks, and bug bites. You could even say – it’s a lifestyle.
Bath!
First things first – give your pet a bath. I always add Diatomaceous Earth prior to giving them their bath. Diatomaceous Earth can be put both on your pet and all your furniture, yard, or anywhere your pet hangs out. Diatomaceous Earth is a natural powder made from crushed fossils of freshwater organisms. When the sharp particles hit the pests, they get dehyrtated and die.
After applying it on your dog, grab your natural shampoo and wash them head to toe! I always use Project Sudz Organic Shampoo Bar for Fleas and Ticks to help prevent them from coming back in the future.
If your dog had a severe reaction to the fleas, I would recommend doing a rinse after their bath with Apple Cider Vinegar. I recommend adding 1 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar with 2-4 cups of water and rinse your dog with that.
Natural Repellents
One of the most natural, at-home repellents you can use is garlic! Make sure it’s organic minced garlic and add 1/4 teaspoon to your dog’s food once every 2-3 weeks. This creates a scent that all the fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes hate and don’t want to go to your pet. (This works for us too!)
Project Sudz also creates a great flea and tick spray that’s all-natural. I use this spray before I know my dogs are going out in the forest.
All-in-all, there are many ways we can keep our pets safe from pests without putting pesticides in their body.
About Angela Ardolino
Angela Ardolino is passionate about animals and has dedicated her life to providing all-natural relief to pets of all ages and breeds. Ardolino has worked with animals for over 20 years and operates Fire Flake Farm, a rescue farm in Lutz, FL. A medical cannabis expert, Ardolino holds a degree in the therapeutic uses of cannabis from the University of Vermont School of Medicine and is the founder of CBD Dog Health. Combining her background in broadcast journalism and her passion for pets, Ardolino is the host of a pet-centric podcast, “It’s a Dog’s Life” on Cannabis Radio. Additionally, she is the owner of Beautify the Beast, a natural pet salon and spa. Ardolino cares for anywhere from 5 to 20 dogs, 9 geese, 12 chickens, 12 ducks, 2 rabbits, and 1 pig at any given time on her farm. Visit www.AngelaArdolino.com and www.CBDDogHealth.com to learn more.