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Pekingese have long, luxurious coats that can make it difficult to spot fleas and ticks before they become a bigger problem. These pests can cause persistent itching, skin irritation, and even spread diseases, so a reliable flea and tick prevention routine is essential. With the right combination of preventative care and regular grooming, you can help your Pekingese stay comfortable, healthy, and protected.
Why Many Pekingese 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 that the majority of pets on these medications show no side effects, a growing number of pet parents, including members of this 40,000+ member Facebook community, 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 Pekingese
Natural prevention methods can work for your Pekingese, if you can be diligent about these 4 areas:
#1 – Protect your Pekingese from the inside out
Using nutrition and a natural supplement like this brewer’s yeast and garlic supplement, you can make your Pekingese’s body inhospitable to fleas. Most dogs find the chews very tasty and think they’re getting a treat.
#2 – Protect your Pekingese from the outside in
Natural pet-safe essential oil sprays (many available on Amazon) can be applied to your Pekingese’s fur and bedding, which helps prevent bugs from making their home on these surfaces. These products contain essential oils that repel fleas and ticks. Some products, such as the one pictured below, also include a plant-based compound that 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 similarly to the pet spray above.
#4 – Check your Pekingese daily for fleas and ticks
During the warmer months, make sure to check and inspect your Pekingese daily for fleas and ticks, especially if they spend a significant amount of time outdoors. Often, 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 Pekingese.
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 repellent strategy can be effective.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flea & Tick Control Products for Pekingese
1. What’s better for my Pekingese, 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 the 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 Pekingese?
According to the FDA, the most common reported side effects for Isoxazoline products have been associated with neurologic adverse reactions, including muscle tremors, ataxia (coordination & balance problems), & seizures in some dogs and cats.
3. What’s the best natural flea & tick preventative for Pekingese?
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 Pekingese daily (during warmer months) for fleas and ticks.
4. Is Bravecto, NexGard, Simparica, Seresto, and K9 Advantix II Safe for Pekingese?
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 ever 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.
Keep Your Pekingese Healthy and Pest-Free
An effective flea and tick prevention plan combines veterinarian-approved treatments, routine coat inspections, regular grooming, and a clean home environment. Staying on top of these simple habits can reduce the risk of infestations while helping your Pekingese feel their best. A little preventive care goes a long way toward keeping your loyal companion happy, comfortable, and ready to enjoy every day by your side.
Data (USA) from the 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.