In this article
In this age of well-fed, well-groomed pet dogs who share our beds and join us at hotels, it’s easy to think fleas are a thing of the past or only an issue for neglected pets. But unfortunately, that’s not the case. Fleas are persistent little pests, and all dogs remain at risk.
Even if your dog lives indoors full-time, they aren’t automatically immune to fleas and could still end up with an infestation. Fleas are experts at sneaking into homes. You could unknowingly bring the eggs inside on your clothes, or they could find their way in through the windows or open door cracks. Fleas reproduce rapidly, so once they locate your dog, it only takes a few to spark an outbreak in your home.
What can you do to keep your pet protected, especially if you’re seeking more natural, chemical-free solutions? A pet-friendly go-to is NATPAT’s Pet Flea Repellent Stickers.
Before we dive into NATPAT and their line of flea-repellent patches, let’s walk through how fleas operate and why prevention is so important.
The Flea Life Cycle
Fleas are challenging to eradicate thanks to their life cycle. To successfully ward off potential flea infestations, it’s essential to understand their life cycle. Understanding how they reproduce helps explain why they’re so difficult to eliminate once they have established themselves in your home and on your dog’s coat!
A flea’s life cycle consists of four stages, with each rapidly developing in warmer environments (like your pet’s thermal coat):
- Eggs: hatch in 1-10 days
- Larvae: 5-20 days
- Pupae: 5-14 days
- Adults: 2-3 months
The adult flea latches onto a host (like your pet), consumes their blood, and lays eggs. Each flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day. These eggs can drop into your carpet, dog bed, couch, or backyard, where they hatch into larvae. Larvae turn into pupae, which can remain dormant in unfavorable conditions for several months. However, with a suitable host and a few short days, pupae emerge as new adults, ready to repeat the cycle all over again.
This entire process can take as little as three weeks, and since fleas exist in all life stages at once, they’re notoriously tricky to eliminate.
That’s why prevention is key, and natural methods can play a big role.
- Did you know? The most common flea in the United States is called the “cat flea,” but despite its name, it also loves dogs.
NATPAT’s Pet Flea Repellent Stickers
NATPAT is an Australian company that makes essential oil-infused patches to help with things like sleep, focus, and anxiety. They’re best known for their line of kids’ BuzzPatch mosquito stickers, but they also have products for pets, including their Pet Zen Vapor Stickers, Pet Tick Repellent Stickers, and Pet Locket.
With their newly launched Pet Flea Repellent Stickers, NATPAT is setting a new standard in natural flea prevention, as well. Each patch contains essential oils such as citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, and eucalyptus; all plant-based, non-toxic repellents known for keeping fleas at bay.
These easy-to-use biodegradable stickers attach to your dog’s collar, crate, or bedding, creating a gentle flea-repelling zone without spraying anything on your pet. For added ease and convenience, they can be used with a specially designed pet locket for better attachment and comfort. They’re safe for dogs of all ages (including puppies), and they work well alongside traditional treatments or as a preventative step if you’re looking to go greener.
Do note that they don’t treat active infestations, but they’re great for daily prevention and natural protection.
Natural Ways to Repel Fleas at Home
Prescription flea treatments are highly effective, especially for dogs who are prone to infestations. But for ongoing prevention, or for pet parents who want to minimize using chemicals in the home and on their animals, effective prevention starts at home.
Here are our four recommended easy and effective ways to naturally deter fleas in addition to using NATPAT’s flea-repelling stickers.
1. Vacuum and clean your house regularly
If you have pets in your home, regular cleaning is crucial. This is especially important if you have lots of carpeting, rugs, or upholstery because tiny flea eggs can hide in them and get a chance to hatch.
Regularly vacuuming, mopping, and doing laundry can help you nip any potential infestations in the bud.
Veterinarians recommend vacuuming twice in a row because the first round takes up everything on the surface but also pulls any deeper eggs or larvae upward. Going over the same area again can help you get them all.
2. Keep your dog well-groomed
Fleas love warm, furry hiding places, which makes your dog a perfect home. Regular grooming is not just about keeping your dog clean; it’s also a great way to catch flea activity early.
Brush your dog regularly (especially if they have a thick or double coat), and keep an eye out for signs like flea dirt (which looks like black specks) or tiny moving bugs on your dog’s skin. Bathing your dog with a gentle, flea-repelling shampoo can also help, especially after outdoor adventures or dog park visits. Make sure to get behind their ears, neck, and underarms.
If you do spot fleas, act fast! Early treatment is key to avoiding a full-blown infestation.
3. Keep your pet’s things washed
Washing your dog’s favorite blankets, beds, and soft toys weekly in hot water helps disrupt the flea life cycle.
Once all of your dog’s cozy things are clean, you can lightly mist with a pet-safe flea spray or place a natural repellent nearby to discourage fleas from returning.
4. Clean up outdoor areas
Fleas love to lurk in shaded areas with plenty of moisture, soil, and plant matter, so it’s a good idea to keep any outdoor areas your pet has access to clear of branches, leaves, and other excess plant matter.
If your dog lounges outside often, consider placing NATPAT Flea Repellent Stickers on their outdoor bedding or kennel, too, so you’re helping to create a no-flea zone both inside and out.
Bonus Tips for a Naturally Flea-Free Home
Boost your protection even further with these extra tips!
1. Use a flea comb during grooming
There are special fine-toothed flea combs that can help you spot flea dirt or bugs early. When you’re brushing, pay extra attention around your dog’s neck, tail, and belly.
2. Be proactive before outdoor time or travel
The last passenger that you want to bring home with you is a flea. A quick once-over with a brush or flea comb after outings, combined with natural prevention, can go a long way in stopping them before they settle in.
3. Layer multiple gentle strategies
No single method is foolproof. The best approach often involves a combination of grooming, cleaning, and natural flea deterrents, especially during warm months. Combining regular habits with subtle repellents provides a well-rounded line of defense without relying too heavily on harsh chemicals.
Keeping Your Dog Flea-Free, Naturally
Fleas are frustrating, but they’re not inevitable. With a few smart habits and the right preventative tools, you can keep your home (and your pup) itch-free. NATPAT Pet Flea Repellent Stickers are a safe and effective way to stay ahead of fleas without chemicals or hassle.
Although vet-approved flea and tick treatments are the first line of defense for active infestations, there are plenty of natural ways to help prevent them.
Frequent grooming, regular cleaning, and outdoor upkeep all help prevent fleas in your home and on your pet.
Explore NATPAT’s natural approach to flea prevention, because your dog deserves comfort, safety, and a flea-free nap on those fancy sheets.
