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Animals, People, & the Earth

Another Way to Protect Pets from Ticks and Fleas

Our pets shouldn't be used to deliver poison to other creatures.

Mother Nature does not use synthetic chemicals, and neither do we.

You may have heard that conventional flea & tick collars containing harmful synthetic chemicals are back in the news for being linked to 2,500 pet deaths and an additional 100,000 incidents. No pet parent should ever have to go through this devastating experience.

When it comes to protecting dogs and cats from fleas, ticks, and other biting bugs, our philosophy at Earth Animal is simple: we believe our pets should never have to carry or consume insecticides and pesticides. That is why we have crafted Nature’s Protection™ Flea and Tick Program, a worry-free flea & tick prevention system that is a healthy alternative to toxic pesticide and insecticide products.

There are over 300 species of fleas and 90 species of ticks found throughout all 50 states. Warming temperatures across the nation have made these pests a year-round concern whether you’re in a rural or urban area. While certainly a nuisance, these pests can pass on debilitating diseases and bacteria that cause chronic pain, infection, fever, kidney failure, neurological issues, anemia, muscle wasting, and more. Their saliva can also trigger allergies for our pets causing skin irritation and itchiness which can lead to hair loss and infection. Fleas can even infect our pets with tapeworms when swallowed during self-grooming.

Given their growing prevalence and the long list of health effects on our pets (and family), flea and tick preventatives are more important than ever.

What are the risks of popular chemical flea and tick medications?

Although flea and tick medications containing toxic insecticides may be widely used, that doesn’t guarantee their safety. In the United States, our pet’s internal flea and tick medications are regulated through the FDA, with most external products also regulated by the EPA. Both organizations have well-documented data about the risks associated with these chemical pesticides. However, despite thousands of deaths and serious side effects, these products have not been recalled and remain on the market.

The risks listed by both agencies include:

  • Seizures
  • Muscle Tremors
  • Loss of Control of Body Movements (Ataxia)
  • Skin Reactions
  • Gastrointestinal Reactions
  • Death

These side effects are linked to the following active ingredients:

Internal Products – see FDA

  • Fluralaner (Bravecto)
  • Moxidectin (Bravecto, Simparica Trio)
  • Lotilaner (Credelio)
  • Afoxolaner (Nexguard)
  • Sarolaner (Simparica, Simparica Trio, Revolution Plus)
  • Pyrantel (Simparica Trio)
  • Selamectin (Revolution Plus)

External Products – see EPA, over 70 brands represented

  • Cyphenothrin
  • Pyriproxyfen
  • Phenothrin
  • S-methoprene
  • Permethrin
  • Dinotefuran
  • Imidacloprid
  • Amitraz
  • Methaflumizone
  • Fipronil
  • Etofenprox

Among the investigations, it was found that the affected pets varied greatly, and some had no prior history of seizures. While some death and injury occurred from accidental exposure of cats to dog preventatives, others were following the exact dosing from the label. The agencies rely heavily on self-reporting of side effects and post-market research to evaluate the true safety of these ingredients. This means that well-meaning pet owners and veterinarians are often not made aware of these risks until there are widespread injuries and casualties. Even with the side effects, these products do not guarantee prevention of fleas and ticks— and evidence suggests a growing resistance to chemical preventatives.

How does Earth Animal’s Nature’s Protection work?

Rather than the synthetic chemical ingredients listed above, Earth Animal’s Nature’s Protection™ uses worry-free ingredients and the power of biology to help keep your pet protected. All Nature’s Protection products are veterinarian-formulated to be gentle, safe, and effective in keeping your pet protected from fleas and ticks.

Here’s how they work:

Step 1: Internal Protection

Our internal products are the first line of defense against fleas and ticks in all regions of the United States. Our Daily Internal Powder, also available in an herbal, yeast-free formula, contains natural ingredients whose organic compounds work to bitter the scent of your pet over time. This change in odor is undetected by us but loathed by fleas, ticks, and biting bugs.

Unlike synthetic chemical products, these ingredients also contain amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that boost your pet’s immune system. This means a happier and healthier pet with extra protection against pest-borne diseases.

Step 2: External Protection

Our external products, including our Herbal Flea & Tick Collars and our topical Herbal Spot-On, are the second line of defense against fleas and ticks in all states. They complement our internal products with the power of plants. Our external products use essential oils which serve as a plant’s natural defense against insects. These essential oils work in the same way on our pets by deterring fleas, ticks, and biting insects through scent.

Why are there 2 Steps in the Nature’s Protection Program?

Every region, pet, and lifestyle comes with a unique set of needs when it comes to repelling fleas and ticks. Some regions have a warmer season when flea and tick populations increase. Our pets vary in health, age, and diet which means the bittering of their scent from the Internal Powder can occur at different rates and in different degrees. In addition, some pets enjoy a more active lifestyle of hiking and romping around in tall grasses where they are more exposed to fleas and ticks. All these factors combined mean it’s essential to layer protection to keep our pets safe from persistent fleas and ticks. Think of Nature’s Protection products as Mother Nature’s team to protect your pet from the inside out and the outside in. Each product acts as an important line of defense and using them together provides the best complete protection for your pet.

Which Nature’s Protection Products Should I Choose?

 

Whether you have a dog or cat, we recommend always starting with an Internal Powder and Herbal Collar. Our Nature’s Protection Daily Internal Powder uses a brewer’s yeast base, while our Daily Herbal Internal Powder is yeast-free and derived from herbs. All pets are different, but many prefer the natural sweetness of the brewer’s yeast over the more bitter taste of the herbal blend. However, we do recommend the herbal option for pets who may have allergies to brewer’s yeast.

 

Just like when you’re switching foods, introduce the powders slowly to allow them to adjust to the new supplement in their diet. We recommend beginning with a quarter of the recommended dose and working your way up to a full or doubled dose, based on your region. A doubled dose is perfectly safe and is recommended when fleas and ticks are at peak populations in your region. The longer you use the internal powders, the more effective they become which is why we recommend year-round use.

If your pet can’t tolerate the collar, you can substitute our Herbal Collar with our Herbal Spot-On. This works in the same way but is applied as a liquid to the shoulder blade area. During peak season or if your pet is particularly active outdoors, you can safely add an extra layer of protection with a daily spritz of Herbal Bug Spray or a monthly bath with our Herbal Shampoo. Be sure to schedule bath time before you reapply our Herbal Spot-On to avoid washing it off.

To find out when your peak season is, view the AKC Peak Season Map.

What if I have fleas in my house when starting Nature’s Protection?

It is important to remove the fleas from your house when starting Nature’s Protection. We recommend vacuuming daily and sprinkling the Herbal Topical Powder in the most common areas where fleas like to feed, reproduce, and hide.

This includes:

  • Crevices in High Populated Areas (Pet Beds, Couches, Living Rooms)
  • Lower Traffic Areas (Carpets, Basements)
  • Upholstery (Curtains, Decorative Blankets)

While working to get rid of fleas, you can also spritz household fabrics with our Herbal Bug Spray and or hand wash them with our Herbal Shampoo.

Looking for more information on Nature’s Protection?

We know the switch to alternative flea and tick prevention can feel like new terrain. Your pets are more than just pets and we are here to support you in any way. We invite you to visit earthanimal.com for more visual guides to help you choose the right products. For more specific questions, you can also contact us on our website or email us at [email protected].

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