Looking for natural repellents? Like any dog or cat owner, you probably know that protecting your pet from external parasites is very important for its health. These days, there are many solutions for keeping unwanted pests away, some chemical-based and others natural. The latter often use garlic for its repellent effect. We'll explain why.
Why is it important to fight against external parasites?
External parasites are most prevalent in spring and summer, although they are increasingly found throughout the year. The most well-known are fleas and ticks, but others exist: harvest mites, other mites, sandflies, lice, and even mosquitoes. These tiny pests are not only unpleasant because their bites cause intense itching, but they can also transmit numerous diseases. Among the most common are Lyme disease, heartworm, feline bartonellosis, and babesiosis. Some of these diseases are very serious and incurable. Prevention is therefore essential. Ideally, you should prevent parasites from infesting your pet in the first place. For this, it's best to use products that are insect repellent rather than insecticides. Insecticides are more appropriate if your dog or cat is already infested. The goal is to get rid of these unwanted pests as quickly as possible, as they lay eggs on the animal and in its environment, multiplying daily. To avoid the nightmare of flea and tick infestations, we recommend using a parasite control product with insect-repellent action year-round, especially if you opt for a natural solution. In this case, consistency is even more important than the dosage. Furthermore, as we've already mentioned, parasites tend to be present throughout the year these days.
Why does garlic act as a natural repellent?
Garlic is a plant with many benefits. This vegetable has a powerful and characteristic odor. Garlic contains allicin, an active molecule. Once ingested, it releases volatile sulfur compounds that repel insects, thus producing natural repellent effects. However, garlic isn't without its drawbacks. It is frequently cited among foods toxic to pets, which may raise some questions. So, can you really give garlic to your pet as a repellent without risk? The answer is yes! It's true that garlic can be dangerous for dogs and cats. But it's important to know that this depends primarily on the dose ingested. From 0.5% of a dog's weight, garlic is indeed toxic. This corresponds, for example, to a dose of 25g for a 5kg dog. Repellent products containing garlic are well below this dosage. So there's no problem.
In what form should garlic be given as a natural repellent to a dog or cat?
The idea is obviously not to feed your pet raw garlic cloves. Garlic is generally dehydrated and ground into powder before being incorporated into formulas. Furthermore, opting for a commercial product instead of homemade remedies ensures optimal dosage. If your furry friend is a glutton, be sure to store the product out of their reach. This will prevent them from eating the entire package at once. You'll find garlic-based flea and tick repellents in the form of tablets, capsules, oils, or even biscuits. The selection is vast, especially for dogs. This allows you to test different products and find the format that suits you best. Carefully follow the dosage instructions on the product packaging to avoid overdosing.
Additional tips to prevent parasite infestation
We know you'd rather avoid your furry friend being attacked by harmful insects. So, here are a few tips that might be helpful! Use natural repellents regularly (year-round if possible). If you choose natural products, we recommend using several. For example, you can give your pet one oral repellent (tablet, oil) and another topical one (lotion, powder, shampoo, etc.). This is the advantage of products without chemical insecticides. You can use them together without endangering your pet's health. If you're going for a walk in a high-risk area, such as a forest, apply an insect repellent lotion or powder just before your walk to keep the pests away. Upon returning home, it's best to thoroughly inspect your pet to hunt for parasites and eliminate them as quickly as possible! If you notice your dog or cat scratching more than usual, it's likely infested with parasites, so an inspection is essential! If you find ticks, use a tick remover to remove them, not tweezers. In conclusion, garlic is an excellent way to prevent parasites. Ideally, use ready-made natural garlic-based repellents. This way, you can be sure the dosage is optimal, and be sure to follow the instructions carefully. Some pets attract parasites more than others. If this is the case with yours, don't hesitate to use several antiparasitic products made with natural ingredients: collars, spot-on treatments, lotions, tablets, etc.
