Fleas and Ticks… Blah! What About Natural Pest Control (And Why It’s a Smart Idea)

We all know it: the sun is coming out again, the walks are getting longer, the grass is getting greener... and yes, there they are again. Those annoying biters : fleas and ticks. 😩 But what do you do about it without pumping your dog full of chemical junk?

Don't hang your paws, because there's good news: natural pest control is not only possible, it's effective - and kinder to your dog, yourself and the planet. 🌍

Chemical vs Natural: What's the Difference?

Let's get straight to the point. What exactly is the difference between natural and chemical pest control?

🧪 Chemical control

Think of pipettes, tablets and collars from the pet shop or the vet. They contain insecticides (poison) that kill or repel parasites. Sounds effective - and they often are - but:

• ❗ The active substances can cause side effects (itching, vomiting, lethargy).
• 💧 They are often not water resistant (and therefore rinsed out quickly).
• 🧼 The substance spreads through the skin – cuddling or sleeping in bed becomes less relaxing.
• ♻️ Not exactly environmentally friendly. What is on the skin washes into the water.

🌿 Natural control

Natural solutions take a different approach: they support the immune system and make your dog less attractive to parasites from the inside out. Think of products with:

• Cold pressed coconut oil
• Natural essential oils (such as lemongrass or geranium)
• Herbal mixtures such as garlic, neem or black cumin
• Diatomaceous earth (for home)

They don't work by killing, but by preventing fleas and ticks from biting your dog in the first place .

But… does it really work?

Yup, as long as you use it consistently and keep your expectations realistic. Natural control is not an instant “kill switch”, but rather a deterrent based on smell, taste or skin environment.

You often see that dogs use natural remedies:

• Be less attractive to fleas and ticks
• Developing a stronger immune system
• Less trouble with allergies or skin irritations (which chemical products sometimes cause)

Bonus? You can keep cuddling without worrying about toxins. And you're doing your bit for a more sustainable world. 🌎

Our favorites from the natural pharmacy

At Shop with Marley’s we don’t like chemical junk. We prefer to choose products that are friendly to your dog and nature. A few highlights:

• Zwergnase Castor Oil Immune – a delicious coconut oil with herbal mixture that protects against ticks from within.
• Animal-friendly sprays based on essential oils – for a quick freshen up before a walk.
• Food supplements with garlic, black cumin or brewer's yeast – yes, really!

And don't forget: a clean house = a flea-free zone. Regular vacuuming, washing baskets at 60°C and possibly a little diatomaceous earth in cracks and crevices do wonders.

What do you choose?

Do you go for fast & chemical or natural & sustainable? There is no wrong choice – it’s all about what suits you, your dog and your lifestyle.

But if you ask Marley and Raven? They wag their tails the hardest with an approach that works naturally, has no side effects and remains cuddly.

Our natural heroes in a row 🌱

At Shop with Marley's, we've got a whole host of green warriors to help naturally combat fleas and ticks — and give your dog's health a boost in the process.

🔹 Flea-bye sprays
Our sprays from Be:Loved and Project Sudz are ideal for before a walk or as a quick freshen up. They smell delicious (to us), but are a no-go for fleas, ticks and other vermin. Easy to use and made with natural ingredients.

🔹 Sheep fat with garlic
A classic in natural parasite control! We have this top product from BF Petfood , and of course from our own brand – packed with healthy fatty acids and that extra garlic kick that fleas hate.

🔹 Shampoo bars
Soak them clean with our shampoo bars from Be:Loved and Project Sudz – not only kind to the skin, but also unfriendly to critters who would rather live somewhere else. Plus point: zero plastic, zero mess, but a happy, clean dog.

🔹 Supplements for resistance & defense
We have the most powerful supplements from Hackney Dog House (ideal for skin problems or allergies) and the fine, natural herbal formulas from Zwergnase , such as the Castor Oil Immune. This way you work on a strong defense - from the inside out.

Any questions? 💬

Are you unsure what suits your dog best? Do you want to know if you can combine something? Feel free to send a blaffie! We are happy to help you choose between all that green. Because at Shop with Marley's: we are happy to help - also when it comes to flea control. 😉