Skip to content
Previous article
Now Reading:
Eight steps to choosing a safe flea product for your dog

Eight steps to choosing a safe flea product for your dog

The most expensive isn't the best when it comes to flea products

Flea problems are one of the most challenging and frustrating parts of living with a dog. The pesky little insects have had hundreds of thousands of years to evolve and perfect their life cycle to make sure that their family tree thrives and does not wither away. Unfortunately, their resilience and adaptability make it much harder to keep an average dog flea free.

Fleas had a heyday until the rise of chemical-based flea products a few decades ago! However, the introduction of powerful drug-based flea control came with a price – serious side effects. Pretty much every single major flea product comes with a history and risk of death after administration.

The success and failure of conventional medicine

It is true that some drugs and conventional medical treatments can be life-saving, especially in life and death situations and emergencies. 

However, conventional western medicine has been much less successful when it comes to disease prevention, chronic disease treatment and cancer prevention.

The pharmaceutical industry has worked very hard to make people believe that treating a disease means taking a drug. There is a pill -for arthritis and pain, a pill for heart disease, kidney problems, high cholesterol, cough, asthma, allergies, diarrhea, thyroid gland problems and auto-immune diseases. The list could be a mile long!

Many people realize that every time they take a drug they are introducing a foreign substance into their body with a high potential for toxicity and side effects. The same applies to their dogs.

The true colour of drug side-effects

Most people are so used to seeing the long-term side effects that they do not even register with them. In fact, dividing the effects of drugs into two categories was a very smart marketing idea. The two terms 'effects' and 'side-effects' gives people a false impression that these two groups are different, while in reality, they are all just the effects of the drugs. 

Reading a drug label may be similar to reading car accident statistics. We acknowledge the likelihood of being in an accident or even dying, but most people assume the chances of such a scenario happening is very low. We simply try not to think about it. 

In the case of taking or administering drugs, it is hard to accept that it can be us or our dogs that become the victims of side-effects because most people try not to think about the worse case scenario.

Flea products and fatalities

The conventional chemically-based flea products are no different. Pretty much every single major flea product on the market causes a multitude of side-effects including death. The details of each product are available on the US Environmental Protection Agency website or in my blog called Flea Product Toxicity Report.

As a veterinarian, I am lucky that none of my patients died as a result of a flea product administration before I stopped using them completely. However, I have seen a few patients get seriously sick and one dog seized immediately after the treatment. It was frightening.

What do most dog lovers do about fleas?

This is one of the main reasons why people have a hard time choosing the right flea product. In the end, most people subconsciously slide into conventional thinking that drugs are more effective than natural products. 

There is also a misconception about the method of product administration. Many people mistakenly believe that an internal product is more effective than a wash, but in reality, the product efficacy has no connection with the method of administration.

How does one choose the right flea product?

The purpose of this article is to give you a few general guidelines that will help make choosing easier.

Here are eight simple steps to choosing the right and the safest flea product for your dog:

  1. Choose a topical product over oral treatment
  2. Choose a residual wash and spray product over a highly concentrated spot treatment that absorbs and stays in the body for a month
  3. Choose a natural product over chemical ones
  4. Read reviews of other dog lovers before you purchase a new product
  5. Pick a product that is not preserved with artificial chemicals
  6. Go with brands not manufactured in China to avoid poor quality or tainted ingredients
  7. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s website to see if there are any reports of fatalities related to the product. If there are reported fatalities, do not risk your dog's life by using the product. 
  8. Go for a product that is guaranteed to work so you do not waste your money and can help your dog promptly. 
best natural flea and tick control for dogs

A few thoughts on flea product value perceptions

When it comes to prices of conventional drugs and flea products, people are used to them being expensive. In fact, the pharmaceutical industry is the only industry that sells chemicals at a higher cost than natural products!

Think about it. Natural and organic foods are more expensive to source and produce than food full of chemicals and preservatives. 

Fabrics and furniture made of natural materials are also more expensive than their plastic counterparts. 

However, when it comes to flea products, people buy chemically-derived drugs for over a hundred dollars per package, despite the potential of these products killing their dog. 

The paradox is that I often hear people complain about the price of all-natural, fully guaranteed and completely safe flea products that are half of the price of the conventional product.

I believe this happens because drug companies have conditioned us to see their products as more valuable by applying huge markups and hiking up the prices. 

It is no longer the 20th century and you have a choice. When it comes to choosing a flea product, you no longer need to go with drugs that threaten the health and life of your dog. 

Recommended reading:

10 wild and crazy facts about fleas

Can feeding a raw diet prevent fleas?

What flea products are the safest - orals, spot-ons or washes? 

© Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM

About the author

Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM is an Integrative veterinarian, nutritionist and creator of natural supplements for dogs and people. Helping you and your dog prevent disease, treat nutritional deficiencies, and enjoy happier, healthier, and longer lives together.

Most Popular

  • Flying with dogs
    In my article, I share the personal story of how I'm able to fly with my dog, Pax, thanks to overcoming challenges with sleepwalking and night terrors. This unique experience not only allowed me to travel with my service dog but also serves as a reminder that even difficult situations can have positive outcomes.
  • dog and pony
    Successful communication is essential for building healthier and more fulfilling relationships and happier lives. In this article, I'll share with you 8 communication hacks to help you avoid unnecessary drama, prioritize active listening and address conflicts effectively.
  • Dalmatian eating fruit
    Can dogs eat bananas, apples, strawberries and other fruit? What about grapes? Find out what fruits are safe, toxic, and healthy for dogs. Learn about the potential health benefits and risks of feeding fruit to your canine companion, and get tips on the ideal time to feed it.
  • Illustration of the anatomy of a heart
    As dog lovers, we all want our beloved pups to live long and healthy lives. Protecting your dog's heart from potential health issues is important, and in this blog Dr. Dobias shares some key points that you might not yet be aware of, read on to find out what you can do to keep your dog's heart safe. 

Dog Health

  • Husky lying on blanket with heart toy
    Dogs have our hearts and that is why we need to protect their heart. Dog’s as they age often face muscle problems and spinal misalignment and you might be surprised to know how that can hurt their heart. Learn how to protect your dog’s spine and by extension their heart.
  • The secret ingredient for a perfect No. 2
    Dogs and humans have evolved side-by-side but they are still quite different when it comes to their digestive tracts and dietary habits. We have studied their original environments such as the soils of the African savanna and consulted with top experts in the field of probiotics and microbiology to come up with a combination that reflects healthy bacterial flora of canines.
  • Man being pointed at
    Criticism can hurt a brand, but constructive feedback can help it grow. In this blog Dr. Dobias talks about the differences between these approaches, and how to handle the power of influence and opinion with care. 
  • Broccoli with vitamins and minerals
    Are you worried that your and your dog's diet is missing something? Maybe you're worried about toxin levels in food, the environment, or flea and tick products. Let's face it; we can't remove ourselves entirely from our toxin-filled world, but we can do things to reduce our exposure to harmful substances. 

Human health

  • Dr. Dobias with Pax
    How do you navigate the seas of life? How do you deal with disappointment? Whatever life throws at us, we can always rely on our dogs to bring joy into our days. In this blog I share my thoughts on the support our dogs provide during the difficult moments in life. 
  • Why 1 in 4 Americans suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
    Learn more about the alarming prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) affecting 1 in 4 Americans. Discover its main risk factors, diagnosis methods, and treatment options to better manage or prevent this silent yet severe condition. 
  • A new perspective on brain health, memory loss, Alzheimer's Disease, and dementia in people and dogs
    The Science of DHA and the Brain: Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily DHA, are the unsung heroes of brain health. They play crucial roles in brain physiology and biological activities, with exciting links between Omega-3 levels and cognitive function. Higher DHA levels have been shown to preserve the integrity of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB), your brain's security system
  • Dr. Dobias and Pax
    It appears that most of the world is ready for change, but whenever I think about the solutions to any of the problems that plague our world, I can’t prevent myself from thinking that we humans are acting like little toddlers who have broken a toy and do not know how to fix it. Despite my generally optimistic attitude, I have had a hard time staying positive at times because I know how complex this all is. Read here for some tools that make me feel good about the world, which I would like to share with you.

News, stories and good life

  • Dr. Peter Dobias with his dog Pax on his lap
    Do you have trouble staying positive during difficult times? These days we are surrounded by a lot of negative messaging, and it's easy to let that get you down. Here are some of my tips for remaining positive, and don't forget to share your tips with me!
  • Man raising fist on a mountain
    Most of us have been exposed to panic-inducing information about the virus spread, however, I have noticed the general absence of one piece of information, how to make your immune system stronger and body more resilient. (It will definitely not happen by stockpiling toilet paper!) I have always loved immunology and the current situation has prompted me to put together two simple lists on how to increase your dog’s and your own immunity.
  • Man with dog wearing a collar
    Does your dog have ear problems, nasal or oral tumors, reverse sneezing or an  itchy head or hair loss on their head? Learn how you can address some of these problems and save thousands in vet care costs.
  • Terrier eating raw food
    Now there is no need to guess if there is something missing in your dogs diet.  The HairQ Test is a highly accurate test for mineral deficiencies, toxins and heavy metals in dogs to finely tune your dog’s diet and supplement schedule.

By clicking "Continue" or continuing to use our site, you acknowledge that you accept our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. We also use cookies to provide you with the best possible experience on our website. You can find out more about the cookies we use and learn how to manage them here. Feel free to check out our policies anytime for more information.

Continue

Cart

Close

Your cart is currently empty.

Start Shopping
Close