When fleas spring into action, feeding a raw food diet could work as a repellant.

 

The most prevalent flea globally is the cat flea – also known as Ctenocephalides felis’. Its responsible for 90% of all flea infestations, and unlike other fleas like the dog flea, it can snack on any warm-blooded species, including people!

 

 

Dogs living with outdoor cats are therefore more likely to be bitten. However only 5% of a flea population will ever be living on your pet, the remaining 95% reside in your furniture, flooring, carpets, rugs, nooks and crannies in the home.

 

In fact, flea pupae can remain in a dormant or ‘diapause’ state in your furnishings for up to a year.  They’re waiting for triggers to jump into action like heat, vibrations and the smell of carbon dioxide, indicating there’s a host nearby to supply their dinner!

 

Fleas like many biting insects are ‘sugar junkies’ and there’s anecdotal evidence to suggest that dogs and cats eating fresh, whole raw food don’t get bitten as much as those eating high-glycaemic, kibble-based diets.

 

Arguably dogs fed on fresh un-processed options also naturally benefit from a strong immune system where the microbiome is fuelled with whole nutrients rather than sterile ultra- processed options served from tins, bags or sachets with long shelf lives!

 

Studies show that diet like feeding   Naturaw  significantly changes a dog's skin microbiome, which acts as a barrier against the environment. Feeding fresh food has been associated with higher microbiome diversity and increased proportions of beneficial bacteria (like Staphylococcus) compared to dry kibble. A healthier skin barrier, often achieved through nutrient-rich fresh food, may potentially provide better resistance to skin irritation or infections caused by insect bites.

 

 

Dogs with insect bite hypersensitivity (a strong allergic reaction to bug bites) are often highly sensitive to common allergens found in many commercial foods. While not directly linked to being bitten, a diet that reduces overall inflammation through whole functional nutrition can make a dog less reactive to insect bites, resulting in less severe skin reactions.

 

Commercial kibble can be subject to nutrient deficiencies if not formulated properly, whereas fresh diets often boast higher quality, nutrient-dense ingredients. Improved nutrition from a fresh diet can contribute to a healthier skin and coat, making the skin less prone to the damage and inflammation that can attract insects or worsen bite reactions.

 

We’re encouraged to apply ‘Spot-on’ treatments on a monthly basis. Studies from Imperial College in London suggests we’re over doing these spot-on’s with disastrous consequences to British wildlife by polluting rivers and waterways. 

 

Understanding that ‘spot-on’ products contain strong insecticides like Fiprinol and Imidacloprid, which are designed to kill invertebrates. 

 

Both of these chemicals have been found at dangerous levels in British rivers. These chemicals enter the waterways, having been flushed down the sink by millions of Pet Parents, every month, after an application to their dog or cat.

 

 

As your dog sheds tiny particles of insecticide compounds also shed. With studies finding high levels of these insecticides in the home on furniture and in carpets. Fipronil is more prevalent indoors than outdoors. One study found that total fipronil concentrations in indoor dust were up to 15 times higher than in corresponding outdoor dust samples.

 

In treating ‘fleas’ the crucial aspect is the battle within your home environment. I recommend a silicone-based flea spray that doesn’t contain any insecticides that you use on your furnishings – not on your pet!  

 

These silicone sprays suffocate the pupae and stop eggs from hatching. It involves a strict rota of spraying, leaving for 48 hours, vacuuming, disposing of the bag, and repeating. Using a pointy vacuum cleaner attachment really helps with sofa crevices, curtains, floorboards.

 

You cannot drown a flea! They are so small that surface tension is so minimal they cannot sink, they’ve also covered in a waxy oil-like covering that repels water. They can trap water bubbles and survive for two days when submerged.

I opt to repel fleas using the flea hating odour of herbs including rosemary, citronella, lavender. With herbal and essential oil-based soaps, shampoos and sprays there’s plenty of choice on the market.