We are very careful about what we put into our dogs’ bodies, feeding and researching the best food, treats, and supplements. Doesn’t it make sense that we take a closer look at what we put on their bodies?
Take a moment and think about traditional flea and tick prevention. These topical applications soak through the skin before making their way into the bloodstream. Here, they remain for a month or more in a concentration strong enough to kill fleas and ticks at first bite!
Sounds a bit scary doesn’t it?
While there is certainly a time and a place for these medications (geographic location, seasonal concerns, etc) we can’t help but wonder if dogs require such an invasive treatment year round? No single option is “one size fits all” and the choices that a pet parent makes may vary based on his/her own unique situation. At MyDogLikes, we have always been of the mindset that, whenever possible, a natural solution is always preferred. Why expose our animals to any unnecessary chemicals and pesticides?
Dr. Harvey’s Herbal Protection Products
Over the past several months we have started to introduce you to the wonder that is, Dr. Harvey’s. If you’ve been following along, you already know that they make some of the highest quality dog food available, but this friends, is just the beginning! Dr. Harvey’s makes treats, supplements, and most importantly (for today), natural grooming products for your best friend!
An Herbal Alternative to Chemicals
Why not? For thousands of years people all over the world have utilized the natural pest repellent properties of essential oils such as citronella, cat nip, and lemongrass. Years ago as we adopted a more natural lifestyle and started to focus more on what goes in and on our bodies, we stopped using chemical bug sprays on ourselves. Over time we have found that many of the natural solutions on the market work just as well (or better) than the ones filled with nasty chemicals.
We were very excited when we found out that Dr. Harvey had harnessed these same essentials oils to protect our pets in a more natural way.
Dr. Harvey’s Herbal Protection Spray
Designed to be sprayed directly on your dog’s coat, this solution uses the natural pest repellent properties of essential oils to keep insects OFF your dog. Dr. Harvey’s Herbal Protection Spray contains no synthetic ingredients and has a pleasant herbal smell. Simply shake and spray before and after a walk to help keep pests at bay! Just take care not to get any in the eyes! This product can also be applied to collars, leashes and bedding.
Dr. Harvey’s Protection spray utilizes several substances shown to be natural insect repellents including Catnip Oil, Citronella Oil, Erigeron Oil, Neem Oil, and Cedarwood Oil.
Now for the Test
BEFORE applying Dr. Harvey’s Herbal Protection Spray!
In our area, an EXTREMELY rainy spring has led to a particularly buggy Summer. Whether they are chemically protected from infestations, or not, who wants to see their dog being swarmed with bugs on a nightly walk? We have used this spray regularly all summer long and can vouch for its effectiveness. Check out some of these before and after photos to see for yourself.
AFTER application! Bye-Bye bug swarm!
We found this spray to be so convenient. It fits perfectly into our lifestyle! We keep a bottle at the door and all it takes is a few seconds to apply an invisible barrier of protection to our boys before heading out. Ever forget to apply bug spray to yourself? Guilty! No worries, a few sprays a day keeps the bugs at bay! (Hey – like we said, its all natural!)
Dr. Harvey’s Herbal Protection Shampoo
The Herbal Protection Shampoo from Dr. Harvey’s is a great natural pairing with the protection spray. This all-natural and organic dog shampoo is gentle on your dog’s coat and skin.
Since the product is all natural there are also no environmental concerns with washing outside with the hose or even in a local creek! Anyone with large dogs and a bathtub should be able to see the convenience of this!!
Taking a look at the first few ingredients in this shampoo, you will find:
- Organic Coconut Oil
- Organic Olive Oil
- Organic Jojoba Oil
- Organic Aloe Vera
As if that is not enough, you will also find many of the natural pest repellent essential oils from the protection spray to give your pet an added layer of defense.
Scrub-a-Dub-Dub
Our boys frequently develop skin irritations and allergy issues after swimming. We used this shampoo for the first time after a swim in a local pond to try and head off any potential problems, and it worked like a charm! A quick wash outside with the hose and days later the bellies were still white and smooth like they should be!
If you’ve ever had problems getting natural/herbal shampoos to lather, you will be happy to know that this was not a problem with Dr. Harvey’s! It lathered up nicely and had a subtle and soothing herbal scent. We found this shampoo to be slightly runnier than we are used to and would caution readers to be sure its in a spot where a clumsy canine (or human) cannot knock it over and cause a spill!
Dr. Harvey’s Herbal Protection Concentrate
Combining all of the elements you have now come to expect from Dr. Harvey’s herbal protection products, this concentrated form of the herbal protection formula is a great value and extremely versatile. Believe it or not, you can yield at least 10-8 oz. bottles of shampoo from this small .5 oz. bottle. Simply mix 20-30 drops with 8oz of water (spray) or your favorite natural shampoo and you are in business! Not only do we love having choices in what shampoo we use, we feel that it is a cost effective options for groomers and multi-dog households.
Our Favorite Aspects of Dr. Harvey’s Herbal Protection Line
A Case-By-Case Basis
Our region (Western New York) is certainly not know for its warm weather. We have a relatively short warm season, and a LOOONG cold winter! For this reason, fleas are not a huge concern for much of the year. On the other hand, our springs and summers are warm and wet – the perfect breeding ground for insects to thrive.
So what is the right answer?
While it is up to every individual pet parent which mode of flea and tick control they feel most comfortable with, we want pet parents to know that there are natural options available.
Why MyDogLikes Dr. Harvey’s Natural Flea and Tick Prevention
In our household, we try to live as natural a lifestyle as we can. That is why we love that Dr. Harvey’s has given us an approach to pest control for our dogs that is similar to what we use for ourselves. We don’t apply chemical treatments to our own bodies to keep pests away; choosing instead to apply natural repellents when we head outdoors. While there is certainly a time and a place for invasive treatments, a more natural approach feels right for us.
We aren’t thrilled about the chemical flea and tick solution, but since we are out in the tall grass a lot and also in the woods, nothing else really works well for us. We can’t be spraying stuff on constantly, and we also are out in the rain a lot and don’t know if the topical stuff will truly stay on. Good to know about, but we need something a bit more tough.
Bugs and fleas are horrible when they affect our dogs.
Dr Harvey’s Canine Foods offer some terrific choices for your dog’s diet. I would like to try the Oracle Freeze-Dried Raw Complete Diet for Dogs, it looks wonderful and I know our dog would love it.
I think the Oracle Freeze Dried Grain Free Beef would probably be my pup’s favorite.
I think the Dr. Harvey’s Herbal Protection Spray. The bugs especially the little bugs …they seem to bug Skipper. That would be perfect for him and his brother.
I would like a more natural pest control option for the dog. I like the Herbal Protection Spray.
I would love to use more natural pest control for my dog. The Herbal Protection Shampoo sounds great.
I didn’t know that Dr. Harvey’s made such a wide variety of natural products! I won’t use the chemical flea/tick control so I’m always looking for good natural alternatives.
I’m right there with you as far as eliminating chemicals from our pups’ lives in concerned. We stopped using the topical pest preventative K9 Advantix a few months ago and switched to natural, organic products. We’ve tried two so far, Dr. Harvey’s being one of them 😉 Their spray worked great and couldn’t be easier to apply.
i have used the spray b4 and was very pleased by it, i did not see the concentrate on the website. i have also used Dr. Harvey’s healing spray, which i do not see on the website, it a spray for skin irritations, which i liked very much. the healing spray is one of the popular ones, however, i think you get the best results if you use the shampoo and the spray as well. gives a stronger barrier.
I am absolutely interested. I think my dogs would love the Le Dogue Bites. They get a treat every evening at bed time, and these would be perfect!
I’m trying to eliminate the majority of chemicals too, but I agree there are some that are essential. I’ve been trying to find a good, natural spray to keep the mosquitoes off the pups. Did you see good results for that?
Yes! In fact we use it too on walks!
Love Dr. Harvey’s for years. At one time to another, have used their veg bowl food, their Health & Shine salmon oil capsules, their tripe and their sweet potato treats, ear wash and more. Great products, love the ingredients in all we’ve used and they work. What more could a pet parent want? Thanks for the great post!
I think I would like the herbal protection shampoo
i would like to try the healing cream
I didn’t know Dr. Harvey’s had a line of products to protect our dogs from bugs! That’s really neat. We have been having a really bad bug summer too, so I’ll have to look in to this to try. Thanks!
Mr. N has a really bad flea allergy. I wonder if these would help!
It helps for Harley who has a flea allergy. I think even if you use a topical its great to reduce the number of bites that the dog gets. That flea saliva can so nasty things to a dog with allergies!
for pest control, the shampoo would be the best for us….the link brought me to the food page, so after looking at all of them, the tripe treats for sure!
What a lovely Giveaway! I am thrilled to find it! My two Cairn terriers have to worry about ticks year round and fire ants! I buy the flea collars at Dollar General and they seem to work! Most of the time. We live in the woods in the South.
I think the healing balm, if I move to a buggier area, probably the shampoo
Healing Cream
Organic First Aid Cream
i think king and princess wouldlove the treat they are both under 10 lb so they would love to try goodes
I might like to try the Coenzyme Q10 supplement to see if I see any benefits. I keep hearing a lot about this. Thanks!
We are going to be trying this soon! If you get to it first, be sure to stop back and let us know what you think!
The protection spray
I’d love to try any of the treats, shampoo, Oracle freeze dried raw food, and healing cream.
I like to try the
Golden Years
Herbal Supplement for Senior Dogs
Yes, I am interested in trying a more natural pest control option for my pets. I’d love to try the Herbal Protection Spray.
I have a puppy that chews everything and would love to try the Sweet Potat’r treats.
probably the Veg-To-Bowl Grain-Free Cat Food Premix
I’m happy with my current flea and tick preventative, but this sounds like something I could use to supplement when I’m in a higher risk area.
Absolutely – The spray would be a very simple way to provide your pets with an extra layer of protection!
yes for sure ! YoYo got very sick after we used a commercial Flea & Tick Spray 🙁
The multi-vitamin would be good for our pup.
The Canine Health dog food looks very nice!
I want to try the herbal protection shampoo.