Flea & Tick Prevention for Papillons: A Safe & Effective 4 Step Plan

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Papillons may be small, but their energetic personalities and love of outdoor play can expose them to fleas and ticks. These parasites can cause itchy skin, allergic reactions, and even spread diseases, making flea and tick prevention an essential part of your Papillon’s health routine. A safe and effective prevention plan helps keep your Papillon comfortable, protected, and ready for every walk, play session, and adventure.

Why Many Papillon 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 Papillon

Natural prevention methods can work for your Papillon if you can be diligent about these 4 areas:

#1 – Protect your Papillon from the inside out

Using nutrition and a natural supplement like this brewer’s yeast and garlic supplement, you can make your Papillon’s body inhospitable to fleas. Most dogs find the chews very tasty and think they’re getting a treat.

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#2 – Protect your Papillon from the outside in

Natural pet-safe essential oil sprays (many available on Amazon) can be applied to your Papillon’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.

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#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.

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#4 – Check your Papillon daily for fleas and ticks

During the warmer months, make sure to check and inspect your Papillon 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 Papillon.

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flea & Tick Control Products for Papillons

1. What’s better for my Papillon, 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 Papillon’s age, weight, health history, lifestyle, and exposure risk.

2. What are the most common side effects of flea & tick medications for Papillons?

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 Papillon after administering any flea or tick medication.

3. What’s the best natural flea & tick preventative for Papillons?

There is no single natural flea and tick preventative that is best for every Papillon. 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 Papillon 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 Papillon.

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 Papillon regularly: Examine your Papillon 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 Papillons?

Whether a particular flea or tick product is appropriate for your Papillon 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 Papillon’s medical history, age, weight, current medications, and parasite exposure to help determine an appropriate flea and tick prevention plan.

Keep Your Papillon Healthy and Protected

Protecting your Papillon from fleas and ticks is easier with a consistent routine that includes veterinarian-approved preventatives, regular grooming, routine coat checks, and a clean living environment. These simple habits work together to reduce the risk of infestations while supporting your dog’s overall health and comfort. With proactive care, your Papillon can spend more time enjoying life and less time dealing with unwanted pests.

Data (USA) from the FDA of reported adverse reactions & deaths after administering flea, tick, and heartworm treatments – updated April 17th, 2021 Source
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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