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Nothing is more frustrating than finding a flea or tick on your beloved Pitbull. In addition to driving your Pitbull crazy, fleas and ticks can carry dangerous parasites that threaten your beloved pup’s health. But we’re here to help find a solution.
Why Many Pitbull Parents Are Turning To Safer, Natural Flea & Tick Control Methods
Many pet parents are expressing concerns about using pesticide/chemical-based bug repellents. In August of 2021, the FDA again warned dog and cat owners about the possible adverse effects of chemical flea repellents, 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 also consider adding natural flea/tick repellents, which can be used alongside traditional flea products to boost their effectiveness.
4 Step Strategy for Safe & Effective Natural Flea & Tick Prevention for Your Pitbull
Natural prevention methods can work for your Pitbull, if you can be diligent about these 4 areas:
#1 – Protect your Pitbull from the inside out
Using nutrition and a natural supplement like this brewer’s yeast and garlic supplement, you can make your Pitbull’s body inhospitable to fleas. Most dogs find the chews very tasty and think they’re getting a treat.
#2 – Protect your Pitbull from the outside in
Natural pet-safe essential oil sprays (many available on Amazon) can be applied to your Pitbull’s fur and bedding to help prevent bugs from making a 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 Pitbull daily for fleas and ticks
During the warmer months, make sure to check and inspect your Pitbull 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 Pitbull.
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 Pitbulls
1. What’s better for my Pitbull, natural or traditional pesticide-based flea & tick products?
Ultimately, this is a question only you and your veterinarian can answer. Natural and conventional flea and tick products differ in their ingredients, effectiveness, potential side effects, and appropriate uses. Natural methods may appeal to owners seeking alternatives to conventional pesticides, while veterinarian-recommended flea and tick medications may provide more consistent protection. Your veterinarian can help you compare the benefits and risks and choose an appropriate option based on your Pitbull’s age, weight, health history, lifestyle, and exposure risk.
2. What are the most common side effects of flea & tick medications for Pitbulls?
According to the FDA, isoxazoline flea and tick products have been associated with neurologic adverse reactions in some dogs and cats, including muscle tremors, ataxia, and seizures. Pet owners should discuss potential side effects with a veterinarian and monitor their Pitbull after administering any flea or tick medication.
3. What’s the best natural flea & tick preventative for Pitbulls?
There is no single natural flea and tick preventative that is best for every Pitbull. The article recommends a multi-step approach, but any product or ingredient used on or around your dog should first be discussed with a veterinarian to make sure it is appropriate and safe for your individual pet.
Use a supplement: The original approach recommends a brewer’s yeast and garlic supplement. However, garlic can be toxic to dogs depending on the amount and formulation, so do not give your Pitbull a garlic-containing product unless your veterinarian specifically confirms that the product and dosage are appropriate.
Use a flea & tick spray: The approach also includes applying a natural flea & tick spray during warmer months. Follow the product directions carefully and confirm with your veterinarian that its ingredients are suitable for your Pitbull.
Manage fleas and ticks around your property: The original recommendations include products such as diatomaceous earth or Wondercide. Always follow label instructions and make sure any environmental treatment is appropriate for use around pets.
Check your Pitbull regularly: Examine your Pitbull for fleas and ticks after spending time outdoors, particularly during warmer months and in areas where parasites are common. Regular checks can help you identify ticks quickly and notice signs of a flea problem before an infestation becomes more difficult to manage.
4. Are Bravecto, NexGard, Simparica, Seresto, and K9 Advantix II safe for Pitbulls?
Whether a particular flea or tick product is appropriate for your Pitbull is a question to discuss with your veterinarian. Different products use different active ingredients and may have different precautions, potential side effects, age or weight requirements, and methods of administration. The FDA has advised pet owners and veterinarians that isoxazoline products have been associated with neurologic adverse reactions, including tremors, ataxia, and seizures, in some animals. Your veterinarian can review your Pitbull’s medical history, age, weight, current medications, and parasite exposure to help determine an appropriate flea and tick prevention plan.
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.
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