Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Natural Flea repellents

Does anyone know of a natural flea and tick repellent that Toby could use? We have another Jack Russell who loves his walks in the woods. We check him for fleas and ticks, but wonder if there is something a dog with AIHA can use that works.

Mary Indiana

I would be interested in what others say about this as well. I have had long discussions with my vet about all the possibilities. One thing he pointed out was that you need to be cautious when using some of the "essential oils" that are suggested on various sites, because they too can be toxic. Also the vet from the critical care unit said that garlic is a big no no and could actually cause a relapse, and in her opinion might be one of the things that could actually set off IMHA. My vet feels that some of the ones he can prescribe would be safe, but since I am too nervous about them he works with me - and together we have decided that until I feel secure in using something I will just put the dogs in the tub and "drown" the fleas/ticks if I see any. So far, if they start to scratch they get to play in the tub for a half hour or so, and they love it - hee hee. they line up for bath time now. jeanne

jeanne texas

Hi all, I have been searching for natural flea repellents for my dog Tipsi as well. I have asked her vet on several occasions what I could do, but they are still insistent that the best alternative is to use Frontline because it's not systemically absorbed. However, I think this is a bunch of crap. And I don't care how safe they say the topical treatments are, Tipsi is not receiving them. I've seen too many articles that discuss the toxic effects of these products. I contacted a holistic vet in my area and she suggested I use a product called neem oil. It can be bought off the website, onlynaturalpet.com. I had never heard of this product, but she felt it would be a safe alternative. Has anyone ever heard of this before? If so, what are your thoughts? Is it safe? Thanks, Layla & Tipsi

Layla Raleigh

I bought some Neem Protect spray this spring and forgot about it! I will be using it as the bugs are out now. It is human grade ingredients...it's the first time I have had it so don't really know how it will work. There are other sprays...one I use from about July until frost b/c my dog is allergic to ragweed and goes nuts with the itching. I had a script spray from a vet a couple of years ago but you have to wear plastic gloves when you put it on your dog...HOW SAFE MUST THAT BE FOR THE DOG? I used it about 2x just a little and won't use again. Mrs. Gates

Mrs. Gates Michigan

HI, Neem comes from a tree in India and surrounding area. It was accidently discovered that it is a mosquito repellent, and oil from i think the bark or leaves is used in spray etc to repell mosquitos. I have also seen neem oil used in womens body products for hair and skin, and suppose it should be an effective moisturizer. I have never seen anything about it repelling fleas. I have seen Orange oil recommended (but not on the skin)for bug repellent, and mixed up some orange peel and vodka, let it sit a few days, and then use a couple of tablespoons when i wash the wood floors. Nice smell, not bad for dog. Also have seen it suggested to use the orange oil in the dog shampoo to kill fleas, but i have not done this. I bought a mix of oils on teh internet that is supposed to be a very good bug/mosquito repellent. It definitely works for mosquitos, not sure about fleas but i dilute it in water and a little witchhazel and spray on Kents back end where he cant lick every now and then (no more than 2 a week and never enough to get him wet - a light spray). The main ingredients are lemon tea trea oil, cedarwood oil, patchouli, and not sure about the other one. Cedarwood seems to be the magic ingredient in almost all of the oils i have looked at. Yes, we have to be very very careful of any oils put on the dogs skin - they are absorbed through the skin so can be harmful. I am comfortable using very little amount diffused on Kent, as opposed to the alternative which is frontline. I also am told it isnt absorbed in the system but am too leary about it since he relapsed after getting frontline and heartguard.

christine fl

christine, thanks for the detailed information. I will check it out and might start using that. It certainly sounds so much safer than the other options. The problem I have with my "flea drowning" method is that by the time I get the dogs in the tub, they have already been bitten a few times, and matilda is just so allergic to flea bites that her skin really reacts. I have also read that you can use food grade diatomaceous earth sprinkled in the year to help control flea/tick (bug) problems. I am thinking of trying this too. jeanne

Jeanne texas

Whatever you use, DO NOT USE FRONTLINE. It can and does leave devastation. My Choe almost died and has been an AIHA patient for 20 months because of FRONTLINE. IT IS POISON. The main ingredient is fibronil a strong pesticide which has not yet been properly regulated by the EPA for animal use. It most definitly absorbs in the animal's system, not just on the skin as advertized. The advertizing is FRAUDULENT. Stay far away from the stuff and tell everyone you know. Big pharma is so powerful these dangerous products will not soon be taken off the market. They are big-time $$ makers and the pharma company's hidden mantra is the he-- with the health of your pet. I experienced it first hand...$9,000 in vet fees and a deathly sick pet. I'm not the only one. Jan

jan philly

My vet says heartguard is ok but I am leery about giving it to Toby. Skippy is healthy so he is taking it. I used Frontline last year. But after what you folks said, I won't use it again. My husband is really good about inspecting the dogs after they have been out and catching the fleas and drowning them in the sink. He's got a knack. I am not so good at it. That is why I am looking for something safe. Thanks for all of the ideas. Mary

Mary Indiana

Well, it's not "natural," but when we got Wiley from her breeder in November 1994, he said to spray her with Avon Skin So Soft, and it would keep the fleas away. We followed his advice, and it worked. Whenever we bathed her, we would towel her off and then spray her with Avon SSS. It helped moisten her skin and fur and she smelled wonderful. And she never had fleas. The vet talked me into using Frontline for a while -- because it addresses ticks, which Avon didn't -- but I didn't like the Frontline, so only used it occasionally for a few years. For us, Avon SSS really worked.

Brenda VA

I use Avon SSS as well.

jan philly

Hi All, The Avon SSS sounds like it would work well, in fact our vet tech thought that is what i was spraying on Kent, cause of the smell. Is there anything in Avon SSS that could be bad for AIHA/IMT dog if too much is absorbed? Re diatomous earth in the yard, i have heard that this works, and our vet recommends it. I have also heard not to put it where the dogs lie and roll, so have not used it yet. I find the orange oil spray seems to work. Maybe the vodka drowns them :) not sure, but kents yard is free of bugs it seems. Neem would probably work well with the orange oil. I have used Borax in the house between the floor boards, left for a day or two, then vacuumed up (dont want it on the dog) Christine

christine fl

Oh, for heartguard, we use dimmitrol from canadavet instead. It is what used to be sold here in US as filaribits. I've mentioned it before on another thread. Vets are familiar with it and have no problem writing a script for it in my experience. Downside is the dog MUST be tested for heartworm first, then it MUST be given everyday. Beats heartguard in my opinion.

christine fl

I found the following uses for SSS/Fleas. I plan to try this, probably mixed with water and vinegar. Sue ANIMAL USES 1. It's a great insect repellent for your pet. (As recommended in "Outdoor Life" and "Field and Stream") 2. Mix 5 parts water, 1 part SSS and mist on animals. Brushing it in makes their coats gleam and keeps insects off so the animals don't fidget in the show ring. 3. Mix in your pet's bath water. It takes the fleas off of them...and in between sprays them with the same mixture as in #2 to help keep them off. 4. Rub on your hands before and after working with your pets and farm animals. It will remove the strong smells. 5. Black Fly Spray For Dogs: Use as a spray or a dip. 1 cup SSS, 1/2 cup liquid detergent and 3 gallons of water. 6. For dogs dry skin mix 1 tablespoon of SSS per gallon of water and use as an after bath rinse. Or spritz your pet's coat once per week. 7. Flea Repellent: Avon's SSS Bath Oil. 1-1/2 ounces per gallon of water; used as a sponge-on dip (or as a spritz) has been tested and proven to have significant, but not complete, flea-repellent activity for a 6-day period. It should help those dry coats, too. 8. Does anyone use the Avon SSS bath oil on his or her chows? I have begun using it on Chancey and it has done wonders for her skin. Like, many chows, she has very dry and flaky skin, especially for being black. Since I started using that product, her dandruff and itchiness has improved tremendously and her hair has become shiny and smooth. It also serves as a great flea and tick protector. I use it about twice a month and I just spray it on her. I really like it. 9. I use the following on my horses and on my dogs when necessary.1-cup Avon SSS bath oil 1-cup white vinegar 1-cup (or more) water 5 cc of essential oil of citronella (from the health food store NOT the type you burn to keep insects away that is available in a drug store) Mix in a spray bottle. Straight SSS works well for mosquito's too but really makes your dog greasy.

Sue PA

This thread was discussed between 01/06/2008 and 03/06/2008

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