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Dobermans are active, athletic dogs that love spending time outdoors, which can increase their exposure to fleas and ticks. These parasites are more than just a nuisance because they can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and transmit serious diseases. A safe and effective flea and tick prevention plan helps protect your Doberman so they can stay healthy, comfortable, and ready for every adventure.

Why Many Doberman Parents Are Turning To Safer, Natural Flea & Tick Control Methods

Many pet parents are expressing concerns about using pesticide/chemical based bug repellants. In August of 2021, the FDA again warned dog and cat owners about the possible adverse effects of chemical flea repellants, including seizures, muscle tremors and ataxia. While the FDA states the majority of pets on these medications show no side-effects, a growing number of pet parents, including members of this 40,000+ member community on Facebook, beg to differ.

In addition to safety concerns, chemical based pesticides have an inherent flaw: fleas and ticks can adapt over time and become immune to the effects. This is why so many people have to rotate brands of traditional flea control products.

Chemical based pesticides, however, can be very effective for most dogs and can potentially prevent infestations better than natural methods. Ultimately, the choice is up to you and your veterinarian.

Even if you use pesticide based flea control products, you might consider also adding in natural flea/tick repellants which can be used along with traditional flea products, and boost their effectiveness.

4 Step Strategy for Safe & Effective Natural Flea & Tick Prevention for Your Doberman

Natural prevention methods can work for your Doberman, if you can be diligent about these 4 areas:

#1 – Protect your Doberman from the inside out

Using nutrition and a natural supplement like this brewer’s yeast and garlic supplement , you can make your Doberman’s body inhospitable to fleas. Most dogs find the chews very tasty, and think they’re getting a treat.

#2 – Protect your Doberman from the outside in

Natural pet-safe essential oil sprays (many available on Amazon) can be applied to your Doberman’s fur and bedding, which helps prevents bugs from making their home on these surfaces. These products contain essential oils which repel fleas and ticks. Some products, such as the one pictured below, also include a plant based compound which kills fleas and their eggs.

#3 – Don’t forget about your yard and home!

A complete natural pest control program cannot ignore your dog’s environment. Even if you rid your dog of fleas, they will keep infesting your dog if the eggs exist in your home or yard. Our favorite natural method of killing fleas in and around your home is by using diatomaceous earth, available on Amazon or at most hardware stores. Unlike pesticides, DE kills pests mechanically anytime they touch the powder, which is harmless for pets and humans.

Another option is using a natural yard spray. Wondercide is a popular brand. These work similar to the pet spray above.

#4 – Check your Doberman daily for fleas and ticks

During the warmer months, make sure to check inspect your Doberman daily for fleas and ticks, especially if they spend a significant amount of time outdoors. Often times a sign of fleas will be flea dirt, the waste product that fleas leave behind in your dog’s fur. A flea comb is a simple tool that will help you discover these pests on your Doberman.

It should be noted that if your dog is already infested with fleas, you’re going to need to first rid them of the bugs before a natural flea repellant strategy can be effective.

More Frequently Asked Questions About Flea & Tick Control Products for Dobermans

1. What’s better for my Doberman, natural or traditional pesticide based flea & tick products?

Ultimately, this is a question only you and your vet can answer. In our personal opinion, natural methods are less effective, but also less prone to dangerous side effects. Pesticide based products can also be easier to administer, but that downsides are possible side effects, some of which seem to be increasing.

2. What are the most common side effects of flea & tick medications for Dobermans?

According to the FDA, the most common reported side effects for Isoxazoline products have been associated with neurologic adverse reactions, including muscle tremors, ataxia (cordination & balance problems), & seizures in some dogs and cats.

3. What’s the best natural flea & tick preventative for Dobermans?

As detailed in the article above, we recommend a 4 prong approach:

(1) Use a natural brewer’s yeast + garlic supplement

(2) Use a natural flea & tick spray on your pet daily during warm months

(3) Treat your yard using a natural product such as diatomaceous earth or Wondercide

(4) Check your Doberman daily (during warmer months) for fleas and ticks.

4. Is Bravecto, NexGard, Simparica, Seresto and K9 Advantix II Safe for Dobermans?

Ultimately this is a question only you and your veterinarian can answer. According to the available FDA adverse reaction data, most pets do fine on these medications. However, adverse reactions appear to be increasing, or are possibly just now being reported more accurately (some estimates are that only 1% of adverse reactions are every reported to the FDA.) According to data compiled by Dr. W Jean Dodds and Jon P Kimball, approximately 60,909 pet deaths have been reported to the FDA from flea, tick, and heartworm medications (data up through April of 2021). Additionally, 15,77,958 total adverse reactions have been reported as well.

Keep Your Doberman Protected From Parasites

Consistent flea and tick prevention is one of the best ways to support your Doberman’s long-term health. Combining veterinarian-approved preventatives with regular grooming, routine skin checks, and a clean living environment creates strong protection against unwanted pests. With a proactive approach, your Doberman can enjoy an active lifestyle with fewer interruptions from fleas and ticks.

Data (USA) from FDA of reported adverse reactions & deaths after administering flea, tick and heartworm treatments – updated April 17th, 2021

Source

Brand
Active drug ingredient
Date released
Adverse reactions
Deaths (including euthanasia)

Bravecto
fluralaner
2014
43,602
1,533

Bravetco plus
fluralaner+moxidectin
2019-2020
77,459
4,753

Comfortis
spinosad
2012
1,62,354
4.816

Trifexis
spinosad+milbemycin+oxime
2011
2,00,941
6,662

Credelio
lotilaner
2018
3,302
95

Revolution
selamectin
2000
19,552
1,980

Revolution plus
selamectin+sarolaner
2019
31,605
2,346

Nexgard
afoxolaner
2013
36,340
1,086

Nexgard Spectra
afoxolaner+milbemycin+oxime
2014
1,90,802
5,998

Simparica
sarolaner
2016
14,153
432

Simparica trio
sarolaner+moxidectin+pyrantel+pamoate
2020
1,40,646
6,717

Heartgard, Ivomec
ivermectin
1996
94,798
4,103

Heartgard Plus, Triheart
ivermectin+pyrantel+pamoate
2003
1,05,139
5,332

Iverhart Max
ivermectin+pyrantel+pamoate+praziquanel
2018
1,29,815
6,207

Interceptor
milbemyxin+oxime
2013
1,54,190
3,911

Interceptor Plus, Milbemax
milbemyxin+oxime+praziquantel
2,01,02,015
1,72,860
4,938

Totals:

15,77,958
60,909

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.

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