By Micka Goodrich
Keeping your dog safe doesn’t have to mean using harsh chemicals. Below are some toxin-free options for flea, tick, heartworm, and parasite control. Each option is explained clearly so you can choose what works best for your dog and environment. References to reputable sources are included to back up these recommendations.
FLEA & TICK CONTROL
1. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
• Type: Food-grade only (never pool-grade).
• How it works: DE is a fine powder that damages the exoskeletons of fleas and ticks, causing dehydration and death.
• How to use: Lightly dust your dog’s coat (avoid the face) and sprinkle it around bedding, carpets, and outdoor areas. Reapply every few days or after bathing.
• Important Note: Use in a well-ventilated area to prevent respiratory irritation.
• Recommended options:
Diatomaceous earth food grade: https://a.co/d/hzvRfMn $28.99
Parasite Dust (for topical use only): https://www.pethealthandnutritioncenter.com/products/buck-mountain-botanicals-parasite-dust $27.95
2. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
• Type: Raw, unfiltered, with “the mother.”
• How it works: ACV alters the pH of your dog’s skin, making it less attractive to fleas and ticks.
• How to use: Add 1 teaspoon per 25 pounds of body weight to your dog’s food daily. Adjust according to your dog’s size.
• You can also use Diluted (1:5) ACV in a spray bottle and spray directly on your dog.
• A personal favorite of mine is Whitehouse ACV as it’s available at walmart and only $11-12 for a gallon.
3. Raw Garlic
• Type: Fresh, organic, raw garlic (never powdered or prepared forms).
• How it works: Garlic’s natural sulfur compounds help repel fleas and ticks.
• How to use: Chop fresh garlic and let it sit for 10 minutes to activate its beneficial compounds. Give 1/4 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight, 3–4 times a week. Avoid for dogs with anemia, immune mediated diseases, puppies under 6mo, and pregnant or nursing dogs.
4. Herbal Flea & Tick Spray
• Type: Infusions of herbs such as lavender, rosemary, neem, and peppermint (not essential oils).
• How it works: Herbs naturally repel fleas and ticks with their scents and properties.
• How to use: Brew a strong herbal tea, let it cool, and use it as a spray for your dog’s coat. Store unused portions in the fridge for up to a week.
5. Neem Oil
• Type: Cold-pressed, pure neem oil (not an essential oil).
• How it works: Neem oil repels fleas and ticks while soothing irritated skin.
• How to use: Dilute 1:10 with a carrier oil like coconut oil. Apply sparingly to the coat and avoid contact with the face.
HEARTWORM PREVENTION
Heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites. When an infected mosquito bites a dog, it injects microscopic larvae (microfilariae) into the dog’s bloodstream. Over time, these larvae mature into adult heartworms and reside in the heart, lungs, and surrounding blood vessels, and can cause severe health issues.
Heartworm prevention is essential, especially in areas with high mosquito populations. Conventional medications like ivermectin and natural alternatives differ in how they work:
1. Ivermectin
• Type: FDA-approved heartworm preventative.
• How it works: Ivermectin works by targeting the microscopic larvae that are deposited into a dog’s bloodstream by an infected mosquito. Rather than preventing infection, ivermectin eliminates these larvae that may have been introduced in the 30 days prior to administration. By interrupting the life cycle at this stage, ivermectin stops the larvae from maturing into adult heartworms, which could otherwise cause severe damage to the heart, lungs, and surrounding blood vessels. This is why consistent, monthly administration is essential for effective heartworm control.
• It does not repel mosquitoes or prevent them from biting.
• How to use: Administer orally once a month, following your veterinarian’s dosage instructions.
2. Black Walnut Hull Tincture
• Type: Alcohol-free tincture.
• How it works: May create an environment less hospitable to heartworms, though it does not kill larvae directly.
• How to use: Consult a holistic vet for proper dosing as black walnut hull can be potent.
3. Herbal Blends
• Type: Blends containing herbs like wormwood and hawthorn.
• How it works: These support heart health and may help make your dog less susceptible to heartworms, though they do not kill larvae.
• How to use: Use as directed by a holistic vet, as some herbs can be toxic in high amounts.
INTERNAL PARASITE CONTROL
1. Pumpkin Seeds
• Type: Raw, unsalted, and unroasted seeds.
• How it works: Contain cucurbitacin, a compound that paralyzes parasites, making them easier to expel.
• How to use: Grind seeds and mix them into food. Dosage: 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight daily.
2. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
• Type: Food-grade only.
• How it works: DE dehydrates internal parasites in the digestive tract.
• How to use: Mix 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight into food daily for 10 days. Repeat after 10 days if necessary.
3. Parsley Water
• Type: Fresh parsley.
• How it works: Acts as a gentle diuretic and mild dewormer while supporting kidney health.
• How to use: Boil a handful of fresh parsley in 1 quart of water, strain, and cool. Add 1 teaspoon to meals daily for a week.
4. Marshmallow Root
• Type: Dried marshmallow root.
• How it works: Soothes and supports the digestive tract, creating an environment less hospitable to parasites.
• How to use: Steep 1 teaspoon of dried marshmallow root in 1 cup of boiling water, strain, and cool. Add 1–2 tablespoons to food daily.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
1. Location Matters
◦ Flea, tick, and mosquito prevalence varies by region. In high-risk areas, you may need to combine multiple natural methods, particularly for flea and tick prevention.
2. Consistency is Key
◦ Natural options require regular application and monitoring. Unlike chemical treatments, they do not persist in the system and must be reapplied frequently.
3. Consult Your Vet
◦ Always discuss changes to your dog’s health regimen with a trusted veterinarian, particularly when introducing new herbs or transitioning from chemical preventatives.
◦ You can search for a holistic vet here: https://www.ahvma.org/find-a-holistic-veterinarian/#!directory/map/ord=lnm
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is always best to consult with your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s health regimen, especially when introducing new remedies or transitioning from conventional preventatives.
REFERENCES
1. Only Natural Pet – Benefits of Garlic for Dogs & Cats: Authored by Dr. Jean Hofve, this article outlines garlic’s health benefits and addresses safety concerns. https://www.onlynaturalpet.com/blogs/holistic-healthcare-library/benefits-of-garlic-in-pets
2. Dogs Naturally Magazine – Garlic For Dogs: Poison Or Medicine?: Examines garlic’s dual perspectives and proper usage. https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/garlic-for-dogs-poison-or-medicine/
3. Volhard Dog Nutrition – Busting the Myth of Garlic Toxicity for Dogs!: Challenges the notion that garlic is inherently toxic. https://www.volharddognutrition.com/blog/busting-the-myth-of-garlic-toxicity-for-dogs/
4. American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association – Natural Flea and Tick Prevention for Dogs: Insight into holistic prevention methods. https://www.ahvma.org/natural-flea-and-tick-prevention-for-dogs/
5. How to Use Natural Neem Oil for Flea and Tick Control on Dogs: Provides guidance on using neem oil as a natural remedy for fleas and ticks in dogs. Available at: https://www.naturalnews.com/028983_neem_oil_ticks.html
6. Is Diatomaceous Earth Safe For Dogs?: Discusses the safety and benefits of using diatomaceous earth for dogs. Available at: https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/benefits-diatomaceous-earth/