iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Bullmastiffs may have short coats, but they are still vulnerable to fleas and ticks during walks, hikes, and time spent outdoors. These parasites can cause itchy skin, allergic reactions, and even transmit diseases, making consistent flea and tick prevention an important part of your dog’s care. A safe, effective prevention plan helps keep your Bullmastiff comfortable while reducing the risk of unwanted pests.
Why Many Bullmastiff Parents Are Turning To Safer, Natural Flea & Tick Control Methods
Many pet parents are expressing concerns about using pesticide/chemical based bug repellants. In August of 2021, the FDA again warned dog and cat owners about the possible adverse effects of chemical flea repellants, including seizures, muscle tremors and ataxia. While the FDA states the majority of pets on these medications show no side-effects, a growing number of pet parents, including members of this 40,000+ member community on Facebook, beg to differ.
In addition to safety concerns, chemical based pesticides have an inherent flaw: fleas and ticks can adapt over time and become immune to the effects. This is why so many people have to rotate brands of traditional flea control products.
Chemical based pesticides, however, can be very effective for most dogs and can potentially prevent infestations better than natural methods. Ultimately, the choice is up to you and your veterinarian.
Even if you use pesticide based flea control products, you might consider also adding in natural flea/tick repellants which can be used along with traditional flea products, and boost their effectiveness.
4 Step Strategy for Safe & Effective Natural Flea & Tick Prevention for Your Bullmastiff
Natural prevention methods can work for your Bullmastiff, if you can be diligent about these 4 areas:
#1 – Protect your Bullmastiff from the inside out
Using nutrition and a natural supplement like this brewer’s yeast and garlic supplement , you can make your Bullmastiff’s body inhospitable to fleas. Most dogs find the chews very tasty, and think they’re getting a treat.
#2 – Protect your Bullmastiff from the outside in
Natural pet-safe essential oil sprays (many available on Amazon) can be applied to your Bullmastiff’s fur and bedding, which helps prevents bugs from making their home on these surfaces. These products contain essential oils which repel fleas and ticks. Some products, such as the one pictured below, also include a plant based compound which kills fleas and their eggs.
#3 – Don’t forget about your yard and home!
A complete natural pest control program cannot ignore your dog’s environment. Even if you rid your dog of fleas, they will keep infesting your dog if the eggs exist in your home or yard. Our favorite natural method of killing fleas in and around your home is by using diatomaceous earth, available on Amazon or at most hardware stores. Unlike pesticides, DE kills pests mechanically anytime they touch the powder, which is harmless for pets and humans.
Another option is using a natural yard spray. Wondercide is a popular brand. These work similar to the pet spray above.
#4 – Check your Bullmastiff daily for fleas and ticks
During the warmer months, make sure to check inspect your Bullmastiff daily for fleas and ticks, especially if they spend a significant amount of time outdoors. Often times a sign of fleas will be flea dirt, the waste product that fleas leave behind in your dog’s fur. A flea comb is a simple tool that will help you discover these pests on your Bullmastiff.
It should be noted that if your dog is already infested with fleas, you’re going to need to first rid them of the bugs before a natural flea repellant strategy can be effective.
More Frequently Asked Questions About Flea & Tick Control Products for Bullmastiffs
1. What’s better for my Bullmastiff, natural or traditional pesticide based flea & tick products?
Ultimately, this is a question only you and your vet can answer. In our personal opinion, natural methods are less effective, but also less prone to dangerous side effects. Pesticide based products can also be easier to administer, but that downsides are possible side effects, some of which seem to be increasing.
2. What are the most common side effects of flea & tick medications for Bullmastiffs?
According to the FDA, the most common reported side effects for Isoxazoline products have been associated with neurologic adverse reactions, including muscle tremors, ataxia (cordination & balance problems), & seizures in some dogs and cats.
3. What’s the best natural flea & tick preventative for Bullmastiffs?
As detailed in the article above, we recommend a 4 prong approach:
(1) Use a natural brewer’s yeast + garlic supplement
(2) Use a natural flea & tick spray on your pet daily during warm months
(3) Treat your yard using a natural product such as diatomaceous earth or Wondercide
(4) Check your Bullmastiff daily (during warmer months) for fleas and ticks.
4. Is Bravecto, NexGard, Simparica, Seresto and K9 Advantix II Safe for Bullmastiffs?
Ultimately this is a question only you and your veterinarian can answer. According to the available FDA adverse reaction data, most pets do fine on these medications. However, adverse reactions appear to be increasing, or are possibly just now being reported more accurately (some estimates are that only 1% of adverse reactions are every reported to the FDA.) According to data compiled by Dr. W Jean Dodds and Jon P Kimball, approximately 60,909 pet deaths have been reported to the FDA from flea, tick, and heartworm medications (data up through April of 2021). Additionally, 15,77,958 total adverse reactions have been reported as well.
Help Your Bullmastiff Stay Flea and Tick Free
Protecting your Bullmastiff from fleas and ticks comes down to building healthy habits that are easy to maintain. Veterinarian-approved preventatives, regular skin checks, routine grooming, and a clean environment all work together to provide reliable protection. With a consistent approach, your Bullmastiff can stay healthy, comfortable, and ready to enjoy every adventure by your side.
Data (USA) from FDA of reported adverse reactions & deaths after administering flea, tick and heartworm treatments – updated April 17th, 2021 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Active drug ingredient | Date released | Adverse reactions | Deaths (including euthanasia) |
| Bravecto | fluralaner | 2014 | 43,602 | 1,533 |
| Bravetco plus | fluralaner+moxidectin | 2019-2020 | 77,459 | 4,753 |
| Comfortis | spinosad | 2012 | 1,62,354 | 4.816 |
| Trifexis | spinosad+milbemycin+oxime | 2011 | 2,00,941 | 6,662 |
| Credelio | lotilaner | 2018 | 3,302 | 95 |
| Revolution | selamectin | 2000 | 19,552 | 1,980 |
| Revolution plus | selamectin+sarolaner | 2019 | 31,605 | 2,346 |
| Nexgard | afoxolaner | 2013 | 36,340 | 1,086 |
| Nexgard Spectra | afoxolaner+milbemycin+oxime | 2014 | 1,90,802 | 5,998 |
| Simparica | sarolaner | 2016 | 14,153 | 432 |
| Simparica trio | sarolaner+moxidectin+pyrantel+pamoate | 2020 | 1,40,646 | 6,717 |
| Heartgard, Ivomec | ivermectin | 1996 | 94,798 | 4,103 |
| Heartgard Plus, Triheart | ivermectin+pyrantel+pamoate | 2003 | 1,05,139 | 5,332 |
| Iverhart Max | ivermectin+pyrantel+pamoate+praziquanel | 2018 | 1,29,815 | 6,207 |
| Interceptor | milbemyxin+oxime | 2013 | 1,54,190 | 3,911 |
| Interceptor Plus, Milbemax | milbemyxin+oxime+praziquantel | 2,01,02,015 | 1,72,860 | 4,938 |
| Totals: | 15,77,958 | 60,909 | ||
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.
Toledo, United States.