Natural flea and tick fighters: All about the diseases and some natural remedies

Did you know that one single flea can lay some 2,000 eggs in its lifetime? There are over 2,500 species of fleas and just over 300 in the United States. These little critters cause a lot of havoc for both pets and their owners.

Fleas and ticks are a big problem for pets and their owners for several reasons. For pets, they cause intense itching and discomfort due to their bites, which can lead to excessive scratching, hair loss, and skin infections. Some pets develop flea or tick allergy dermatitis, an allergic reaction to the saliva, making the irritation even worse. Both can also transmit parasites like tapeworms or diseases such as Bartonella (cat scratch disease), posing health risks beyond just annoyance. They can also carry and cause many diseases in our beloved pets.

For owners, fleas are a headache because they don’t stay confined to the pet. They can infest homes—carpets, furniture, bedding—laying eggs and creating a cycle that’s tough to break without thorough cleaning and treatment. A single flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day, so infestations escalate fast. Plus, owners might get bitten too, especially around the ankles, and nobody enjoys that. The cost and effort of flea control—vet visits, medications, sprays, or professional exterminators—add up, making it a persistent and frustrating issue. Essentially, fleas turn a peaceful pet-owning life into a battle against a tiny, resilient enemy.

Diseases linked to fleas and ticks

• Canine anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease that affects dogs, caused by bacteria from the Anaplasma genus, primarily Anaplasma phagocytophilum or Anaplasma platys. These bacteria are transmitted to dogs through the bite of infected ticks, such as the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis) or the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), depending on the specific strain.
• Canine babesiosis is another tick-borne disease that affects dogs, caused by protozoan parasites from the genus Babesia. These parasites invade and destroy red blood cells, leading to a range of symptoms from mild anemia to life-threatening illness. It’s transmitted primarily through tick bites, though in rare cases, it can spread via blood transfusions, contaminated needles, or, with some species, dog bites.
• Canine bartonellosis is a bacterial disease in dogs caused by species of the Bartonella genus, which are transmitted primarily by vectors like fleas, ticks, lice, or biting flies. Unlike anaplasmosis or babesiosis, which are more strictly tick-borne, Bartonella infections can also potentially spread through blood transfusions or contaminated needles. These bacteria invade various cells, including red blood cells, endothelial cells (lining blood vessels), and macrophages, leading to a wide range of symptoms that can be subtle or severe.
• Canine ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne bacterial disease that affects dogs, caused by species of the Ehrlichia genus, most notably Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, and Ehrlichia ewingii. These bacteria are transmitted primarily through the bite of infected ticks, with the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) being the main vector for E. canis. The disease targets different cells depending on the species—white blood cells (monocytes or granulocytes) or platelets—and can range from mild to life-threatening if untreated.
• Canine hepatozoonosis is a tick-borne disease caused by protozoan parasites of the Hepatozoon genus, primarily Hepatozoon canis and Hepatozoon americanum. Unlike many tick-borne diseases where the pathogen is transmitted directly through a tick bite, hepatozoonosis has a unique twist: dogs typically get infected by ingesting an infected tick, not just from the bite itself. The brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) is the main vector for H. canis, while the Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum) spreads H. americanum, which is more common in the U.S.
• Cat scratch disease (CSD) comes from Ctenocephalides felis fleas. The infection is known as cat scratch fever in humans.
• Lyme disease in dogs is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis or Ixodes pacificus), also known as deer ticks. It’s one of the most well-known tick-borne diseases and affects both dogs and humans, though dogs often experience milder or different symptoms compared to people.
• Murine typhus is spread to people through infected fleas from cats and rats and also their feces.
• Other parasites can be spread from fleas such as Mycoplasma haemofelis, tapeworms, and typhus.
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a serious tick-borne disease that affects dogs (and humans), caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii. Despite its name, it’s not limited to the Rocky Mountain region—it’s found across North and South America, particularly in the eastern and southeastern U.S. It’s transmitted by ticks, with the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), and the Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni) being the primary vectors. The bacteria infect endothelial cells lining blood vessels, leading to widespread inflammation and damage.
• The plague is also often spread from oriental rat fleas or ground squirrel fleas.

Natural remedies you can buy

Before buying a natural flea and tick medicine for your pet, there are several key considerations to ensure you choose a safe and effective product. Here’s what to think about:

• Backup plan: If the natural medicine doesn’t work, have a plan—whether it’s a stronger natural alternative or a vet-approved chemical treatment. Fleas and ticks can spread diseases like Lyme or cause anemia, so quick action matters.
• Pet’s health and sensitivities: Check with your veterinarian to confirm the product is safe for your pet’s species, age, weight, and health condition. Some natural ingredients, like certain essential oils, can be toxic to cats or pets with allergies, even if they’re safe for dogs.
• Ingredients: Look at the active components. Common natural options include neem oil, cedarwood, peppermint, or diatomaceous earth. Research each ingredient to understand its efficacy and potential side effects. Avoid products with vague labels like “natural oils” without specifics.
• Effectiveness: Natural remedies often work better as preventatives than as treatments for active infestations. Read reviews or studies (if available) to gauge how well the product repels or kills fleas and ticks. Don’t rely solely on marketing claims—look for evidence. Also, the effectiveness can vary geographically and how serious the problems are. For example, in Arizona, I’ve never had to use any flea or tick preventative.
• Application method: Consider how the product is applied—sprays, shampoos, collars, or powders—and whether it suits your pet’s lifestyle and your comfort level. For example, a spray might not work if your pet hates being misted.
• Environmental factors: Think about where you live. Fleas and ticks thrive in warm, humid climates, so a natural product might need to be stronger or paired with other measures (like yard maintenance) in those areas.
• Safety for humans and other pets: Some natural ingredients, like essential oils, can irritate human skin or harm other animals in the household if inhaled or touched. Check if the product requires precautions during use.
• Regulation and quality: Unlike chemical pesticides, natural pet products aren’t always tightly regulated. Choose brands with transparent sourcing, third-party testing, or vet endorsements to avoid low-quality or contaminated batches.

Remedies

Remember there are many different companies making natural prevenatives. Here are just three companies but many more exist. Remember to make sure the formulation can be used on your pet.

1. Wondercide Flea & Tick Spray for Pets + Home with Natural Essential Oils
   It is a plant-based pest control product designed to kill, repel, and prevent fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. It’s formulated with natural essential oils, such as cedarwood, peppermint, lemongrass, or rosemary (depending on the scent variant), and is marketed as a safer alternative to conventional chemical-based flea and tick treatments like drops, pills, or collars. The spray is intended for use on dogs and cats of all ages (when used as directed) as well as on household surfaces like bedding, carpets, and furniture to address pests at various life stages—eggs, larvae, and adults.
   The product is water-based and contains no artificial colors, dyes, fragrances, phenols, or cloves. It’s lab-tested to be effective, with claims of killing fleas in as little as two minutes and ticks within 4-24 hours, while also repelling mosquitoes. Wondercide emphasizes its non-harsh, family-safe formula, making it suitable for use around pets and kids when applied properly. It’s available in multiple sizes (e.g., 4 oz, 16 oz, 32 oz, and gallon) and scents (cedarwood, lemongrass, peppermint, and rosemary), with each scent variation being equally effective against pests, so the choice comes down to personal preference. The spray is made in the USA and is biodegradable, aligning with an eco-conscious approach to pest control.
   For application, you spray it directly on your pet’s coat (avoiding soaking them and testing a small area first) or on household surfaces, with frequency depending on whether you’re treating an active infestation (daily) or preventing pests (2-3 times a week). It’s worth noting that the lemongrass scent may temporarily discolor light fur or fabrics due to its natural yellow tint, and peppermint is cautioned against for pregnant or nursing pets or humans due to potential effects on milk production. Overall, it’s positioned as a holistic, vet-approved option for pet and home pest management.
2. Natural Care Flea and Tick Repellent Spray for Dogs and Home
   Natural Care Flea and Tick Repellent Spray for Dogs and Home is a plant-based pest control product designed to kill and repel fleas, ticks, and sometimes other pests like mosquitoes, using natural ingredients. It’s formulated to be safe for use around dogs (typically those 12 weeks or older) and in household environments when applied as directed. The spray often contains certified natural oils, such as peppermint oil and eugenol (derived from clove), which work by targeting pests on contact without relying on harsh synthetic chemicals like pyrethrins or permethrins.
   This product can be used in two main ways: directly on a dog’s coat (avoiding sensitive areas like eyes, nose, and mouth) to kill fleas and ticks on contact and provide repellency, and on household surfaces—such as pet bedding, carpets, upholstery, and floors—to treat environmental infestations and prevent re-infestation. It’s marketed as a gentler alternative to conventional chemical treatments, aiming to minimize exposure to potentially harmful substances for both pets and people. The spray is typically available in sizes like 14 oz or 32 oz and is made in the USA with a focus on plant-powered efficacy.
   Effectiveness can vary depending on the severity of the infestation and consistent application. For best results, it’s often recommended to use it alongside other flea and tick control methods (like regular cleaning or additional pet treatments) since it targets pests externally rather than systemically. Some versions, like Natural Care Advanced, may include additional oils (e.g., clove or cottonseed) to broaden pest coverage, including mosquitoes, spiders, or ants. Always follow the label instructions for safe and proper use.
   It’s available in a 14 oz aerosol can or 32 oz spray bottle. You can purchase both at Walmart or the aerosol at Amazon. Of note, this formula has a relatively strong smell. In the past, I’ve typically used this for myself and the dog before we went out hiking. We used to live in an area that had really bad mosquitos as well as this really helped.
3. animalEO Essential Oils
   animalEO Essential Oils are a line of veterinarian-formulated essential oil blends and single oils designed specifically for use with animals. Created by Dr. Melissa Shelton, a holistic veterinarian with over a decade of experience in veterinary aromatic medicine, these products aim to support the health and well-being of various animal species, including dogs, cats, horses, birds, and exotics. The oils are crafted with animal safety and efficacy in mind, using high-quality, medical-grade essential oils that Dr. Shelton has personally evaluated for their suitability in animal care.
   The animalEO range includes topical blends, diffusion blends, oral blends, and other application-specific products, such as those for dental health, skin conditions, or behavioral support. These oils are often diluted with carrier oils like fractionated coconut oil to ensure safe application, and they can be used in various ways—such as petting onto fur, adding to drinking water, or diffusing in the environment—depending on the product and the animal’s needs. Dr. Shelton’s approach combines essential oils with nutrition and other holistic modalities to address conditions where traditional veterinary medicine may fall short, emphasizing natural care tailored to animals.
   The formulations are backed by years of clinical use, safety data, and case studies from Dr. Shelton’s practice, making animalEO a trusted option for pet owners seeking holistic alternatives. The product line also reflects a commitment to education, encouraging users to work with veterinarians for health concerns while providing detailed instructions for safe use. Visit their website to shop or learn more about their products.