Researchers Caution Vets On Harms of Flea Treatments for Dogs
Researchers are calling on veterinarians to reduce the prescription of pesticide-based flea treatments for dogs (and cats) due to environmental concerns and potential health risks. A collaborative study by the University of Sussex and Imperial College London highlights the significant presence of harmful pesticides, such as fipronil and imidacloprid, in rivers, which are traced back to flea treatments used on dogs and cats. These findings indicate that pet owners could unknowingly transfer these neurotoxic chemicals to their hands for up to four weeks following application.
Flea Treatments – Environmental Hazards
Professor Dave Goulson of University of Sussex, who led the study, expressed alarm over the routine detection of these insecticides on pet owners, posing a risk not only to human health but also contributing to pollution in aquatic ecosystems. The practice of pre-emptive flea treatment application, often advised by veterinarians even in the absence of fleas, is now under scrutiny for its unnecessary environmental toll and potential harm to aquatic life.
The research team suggests alternatives to chemical prophylactics, such as frequent washing of pet bedding, to mitigate the risk of flea infestation without resorting to harmful insecticides. The study also sheds light on how these chemicals, once used in agriculture and now banned for such purposes, continue to find their way into waterways through domestic sources, like treating dogs for fleas, presenting a significant, yet underappreciated, environmental hazard.
What Chemicals Are Used in Flea Treatments?
Imidacloprid: Imidacloprid is an insecticide that was made to mimic nicotine. Nicotine is naturally found in many plants, including tobacco, and is toxic to insects. Imidacloprid is used to control sucking insects, termites, some soil insects, and fleas on pets. It has been used in products sold in the United States since 1994.
Imidacloprid disrupts the nerve’s ability to send a normal signal, and the nervous system stops working the way it should. Imidacloprid is much more toxic to insects and other invertebrates than it is to mammals and birds because it binds better to the receptors of insect nerve cells.
Fipronil: Fipronil is a broad use insecticide that belongs to the phenylpyrazole chemical family. Fipronil is used to control ants, beetles, cockroaches, fleas, ticks, termites, mole crickets, thrips, rootworms, weevils, and other insects. Fipronil is a white powder with a mouldy odour. Fipronil was first registered for use in the United States in 1996.
Fipronil kills insects, including fleas, when they eat it or come in contact with it. Fipronil works by disrupting the normal function of the central nervous system in insects. Fipronil is more toxic to insects than people and pets because it is more likely to bind to insect nerve endings.
Imidacloprid, part of the neonicotinoid class of pesticides, alongside fipronil, has been detected in UK rivers at concentrations harmful to aquatic organisms, according to Guy Woodward, a professor of ecology at Imperial College London and co-researcher. The findings, published in the Science of the Total Environment journal, suggest a need for re-evaluation of the environmental impact and health safety assessments of pet flea treatments, highlighting a broader concern for the well-being of both pets and their owners, as well as the ecosystem at large. Concerns extend to human health impacts, with a call for more rigorous investigation into the long-term effects of exposure to these neurotoxins, emphasising the urgency for alternative pest management strategies that safeguard environmental and public health.
Natural Flea Treatment for Dogs
The answer to a reduction in the use of powerful, and potentially harmful chemical flea treatments lies in natural alternatives for the treatment of fleas on dogs, which are not only gentler on the environment but on our dogs as well.
These home remedies for fleas on dogs are safe and effective, and they’ll restore safety for both you and your dog! Before we delve into these natural flea treatments for dogs, let’s discuss why you never want fleas to become a problem.
Once fleas invade your home and latch onto your dog, you’re in for a significant amount of undesirable work. This includes:
- Weekly flea baths for your dog.
- Laundering every fabric item in your home.
- Vacuuming everything multiple times to ensure the infestation is entirely eradicated.
Here’s a rundown of actions you’ll need to take if your dog contracts fleas.
The Best Treatments For Fleas On Dogs
During an ongoing flea infestation, bathe your dog to instantly eliminate fleas. Employ a natural shampoo like All Natural Flea shampoo weekly, followed by a final rinse with an Apple Cider Vinegar mix. For this rinse, mix 1 part vinegar with 10 parts water.
Regularly cleaning your dog’s coat with a flea comb is vital for removing fleas and their eggs. Comb from the top of her head to the underside of her tail, including the neck, underbelly, and legs.
Weekly, wash all of your dog’s bedding in hot water with a natural, unscented detergent. If your dog sleeps with you, include your bedding in the wash too.
Vacuum your carpets and floors weekly, focusing particularly on your dog’s favourite spots.
Consider using a diatomaceous earth carpet treatment to prevent fleas from proliferating.
Remember, a flea’s life cycle can extend over several months, so you’ll need to repeat these steps to ensure the flea infestation is entirely eradicated.
Preventing fleas is significantly easier than eliminating them after they’ve settled in.
The Best Natural Home Remedies For Fleas On Dogs
Below are simple home remedies to keep fleas out of your home and off your dog, starting with outdoor measures.
1. In Your Garden: How To Naturally Eliminate Fleas
Nematodes are invaluable for maintaining a flea-free garden. Without fleas in your garden, they’re less likely to hitch a ride on your dog.
Nematodes are small, worm-like multicellular creatures that inhabit soil, effectively controlling various garden pests, including fleas. They’re available for purchase at many garden centres and online.
When soil temperatures exceed 7°C for at least 2 to 3 weeks, it’s time to apply nematodes. These living organisms should be used soon after arrival and applied in spring, summer, and autumn for best results.
Mowing: Keeping your lawn short is advisable in areas prone to fleas.
Plants That Repel Fleas: Cultivate lemon balm, sage, rosemary, catnip, lemongrass, lavender, mugwort, clove basil, cinnamon, thyme and mint around your home and garden where possible to grow them. These plants naturally repel fleas. (1)
Diatomaceous Earth: This non-toxic powder, made from fossilised organisms, disrupts flea eggs. Ensure you purchase food-grade diatomaceous earth and apply it around areas frequented by your dog. Note: DE can irritate the lungs, so wear a mask during application and ensure pets are not nearby until the dust settles.
Garlic Water For Your Garden:
- Ingredients: 8 heads of chopped garlic and nearly 4 litres of boiling water.
- Method: Steep the garlic in water for 12 hours, then strain and lightly spray around your garden.
2. Protect Your Home: Quick Home Remedies For Fleas On Dogs
Removing carpets, especially pile carpets, significantly reduces flea habitats. If carpets are necessary, opt for Berber due to its pest-resistant weave.
Steam cleaning your carpets at least once or twice a year and vacuuming weekly are essential steps. During flea season, spread diatomaceous earth on your carpets, leave for 48 hours, then vacuum.
3. Natural Home Remedies For Fleas On Dogs
Although not much research has been done on natural alternatives for the treatment of fleas on dogs and cats, there is a growing body of research on the effectiveness of various plant-based compounds that have been shown to manage, and treat, flea infestations. (2)
These readily available, and non-toxic, herbs and botanicals are:
Best Herbs and Oils To Treat Fleas
Thyme: Scientifically known as Thymus vulgaris L., hails from the Mediterranean region and belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Widely recognized for its culinary uses in dishes and energy drinks, thyme serves dual purposes for both human and animal consumption, as well as being an agricultural ally for deterring insects from crops. The essential oil of thyme is notably effective in repelling vectors of malaria, filarial, and yellow fever. Furthermore, studies have shown that thymol, carvacrol, and linalool, components of thyme, possess toxic and repellent properties against the castor bean tick, Ixodes ricinus, in laboratory settings. A study showed the essential oil of three plants, thyme, myrtle and yarrow, showed excellent to good repellence against all tested fleas. (3, 4)
Rosemary: Known in scientific circles as Salvia rosmarinus Spenn., is a perennial, evergreen shrub within the Lamiaceae family, originating from the Mediterranean. It has adapted to various parts of Europe and thrives in warm climates worldwide. Traditionally used in seasoning, rosemary also plays a role in agriculture as an insect deterrent. Beyond its culinary application, rosemary essential oil has proven to be effective against the two-spotted spider mite in greenhouse tomatoes, showcasing its versatility and utility in both food and agricultural practices. (5)
Lemon Balm: Melissa, or Melissa officinalis L., commonly referred to as lemon balm, is a perennial herb in the mint family. It emanates a lemony scent and is prized for its fragrant leaves. Originating from the Mediterranean and Central Asia, it now grows widely in temperate regions. Employed in traditional medicine and as an ornamental, lemon balm is known for its flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic acids, tannins, and essential oil, contributing to its antifungal, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antimicrobial benefits. (6, 7)
Fenugreek: Fenugreek, or Trigonella foenum-graecum L., from the Fabaceae family, is celebrated globally as a traditional food and medicinal plant. The seeds are rich in tannins, polyphenols, alkaloids, steroids, and saponins, aiding in glycemic regulation. Additionally, fenugreek seeds are a source of flavonoids, offering anti-inflammatory benefits and polysaccharides, alongside abundant volatile compounds. (8)
Absinthe wormwood: Artemisia absinthium L., a member of the Asteraceae family, is a perennial herb known for its silvery white hairs and oil glands. Essential oils or extracts from Artemisia species are recognised for their antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities, highlighting the plant’s medicinal value. Study showed that due to its strong odour, wormwood can be used to repel insect larvae, moths and fleas (9)
Lemongrass: Lemongrass, or Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf, is a Poaceae family member, often incorporated in culinary recipes. Its essential oil is acknowledged for its strong anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. Additionally, lemongrass is an active ingredient in mosquito repellent formulations, further underscoring its importance in health and wellness. (10)
Garlic: Small amounts of fresh, organic garlic can serve as an internal flea repellent. A safe dosage is ¼ clove of garlic per 4.5 kilograms of body weight, not exceeding two cloves per day. There has been no peer reviewed research to substantiate this however some studies do exist that demonstrate application of garlic extracts have been shown to effectively reduce or eliminate ectoparasites (11).
Apple Cider Vinegar: ACV helps create an acidic environment on your dog’s skin and balances internal pH levels. Add ½ teaspoon of ACV per 11 kilograms to your dog’s diet. Before using ACV, check your dog’s urine pH to ensure it is between 6.2 and 6.5. Again there is no peer reviewed research that demonstrates clinical effectiveness although there exists a body of anecdotal evidence to support its inclusion as part of a natural mix.
Essential Oils: Use essential oils diluted in a carrier oil, like grape seed oil, to repel fleas. Recommended oils include lavender, lemon, and eucalyptus, among others. Avoid using wintergreen, pennyroyal, or clove oils, as they can be harmful to dogs.
Coconut Oil: Still, on the subject of oils, you can rub some coconut oil all over your dog to repel fleas and get a shiny, luxurious finish on your dog. Unlike essential oils, coconut oil is safe to ingest. So you can add some to your pet food as it acts as an antibacterial treatment when ingested. Studies show that it may have some anti-parasitic (ectoparasiticidal) effect and be as effective as DEET. (12, 13, 14)
Neem Oil: Another great option is neem oil. Mix with water, coconut oil and spray it on affected areas to reduce itchiness. It’s also not toxic when ingested, but it has a nasty taste that dogs don’t like very much. It can however be mixed with, or incorporated into, their food to reduce the bitter taste (13, 15, 16)
Daily Flea Prevention Spray:
- Ingredients: 1 organic lemon, 5ml of neem oil, 10ml of coconut oil, 5ml of lemon balm, 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, 1 sprig of garden sage, 50 ml carrier oil and 750ml of filtered water.
- Method: Infuse overnight and strain into a spray bottle. Refrigerate and use within 1 to 2 weeks.
Chemical-Free Tags and Raw Baltic Amber Resin offer innovative, non-toxic ways to repel fleas.
4. Dog Nutrition To Help Prevent Fleas
A healthy diet is fundamental. Fleas are less attracted to healthy dogs. Ensure your dog’s diet is rich in B vitamins, probiotics, sulphur-rich foods like kale, spinach, cabbage, brussels sprouts, chickpeas, fava beans, lentils, peas and kidney beans and omega fatty acids, Omega-3 and Omega 6.
Embracing these all-natural home remedies for fleas will help you enjoy a flea-free season without resorting to toxic chemicals.
Bonza vegan dog food contains many of the herbs and ingredients mentioned in this article to help support your dog against fleas. Fed in combination with a natural flea treatment for dogs this should help to mitigate against flea infestation.
Banish Bioactive Bites: Natural flea & tick prevention for dogs. Chemical-free soft chews safely repel fleas, ticks & internal worms.
Our specialised soft chews combine potent natural repellents, pest-resistant compounds, and immune-supporting botanicals to:
- Create an environment on your dog’s skin and in their system that pests actively avoid
- Support healthy intestinal flora that naturally resists worm colonisation
- Provide comprehensive protection without compromising your dog’s wellbeing
- Build a natural defence system that works continuously with regular use
Formulated with ingredients scientifically selected for their pest-repelling properties and safety profile, these effective chews deliver reliable protection in a form your dog will happily consume – making consistent preventative care simple and worry-free.
