We Have to Talk About Flea & Tick Prevention
It’s become surprisingly normal to give our dogs and cats pesticides every single month—just in case they encounter a flea or tick. But when you stop and think about it, it’s a pretty extreme approach to prevention.
If your child was going outside, you wouldn’t pour pesticides on them “just in case” they got bitten by a mosquito. You’d likely grab a spray—ideally something natural and safe—apply it based on your plans, and check them afterward.
So why don’t we approach our pets’ care with that same level of thoughtfulness?
The Hidden Risks of Monthly Flea and Tick Treatments
Instead, many pet parents are handed a chewable or pill—sometimes one that lasts for months—and told it’s the best and only way to protect against fleas and ticks. And while it may seem “easy” or “convenient,” it comes with a very real cost to your animal’s long-term health.
There are FDA warnings on many of the most popular flea and tick preventatives. These prescription drugs are marketed as safe, yet they’ve been linked to serious side effects like seizures and neurological issues.
We have to start asking: is it worth the risk of potentially damaging our dog’s nervous system—temporarily or even permanently—just to prevent a flea or tick, especially when a better, safer approach might exist for some dogs?
What Your Dog Might Be Telling You
I hear stories all the time—dogs turning their heads from those monthly flea and tick chews or even hiding when it’s time to take it. And I can’t help but wonder if, on some level, they know it doesn’t make them feel good.
At the same time, we’re seeing chronic illness, autoimmune conditions, and cancer on the rise in our animals. It’s worth stepping back to consider how much toxic load their bodies are carrying year after year, and what that could mean for their long-term health.
We’re not always taught to weigh the risks or ask questions when it comes to prevention, but maybe it’s time we start thinking more critically—for their sake.
So What Can You Do Instead?
Here’s a more mindful approach:
Use natural sprays before walks or outdoor time—there are great commercial products available, or you can make your own with pet-safe essential oils.
Look into authentic raw amber collars, ultrasonic tags and energy field tags
Check your dog over after outdoor time, especially after hikes or walking through tall grass. A tick remover tool and flea comb are great to have on hand.
Treat your yard with natural products to help reduce fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.
Support your dog’s immune system to make them a less attractive host to pests.
Reserve pharmaceutical options for when they’re truly needed, like in the case of an infestation.
If you go the conventional route, do your research and consider a topical instead of an oral option.
If You Do Choose a Chemical Treatment, You Can Still Reduce Harm:
Give every 6 weeks instead of every 4 to reduce toxic load (always check with your vet).
Avoid anything labeled “Plus”—monthly deworming isn’t necessary unless your dog has worms. More active ingredients = more toxins.
Say no to chemical flea and tick collars—some have been linked to nearly 2,700 pet deaths and over 100,000 adverse reaction reports. These collars release neurotoxins that can be absorbed through your pet’s skin—and yours, too.
Skip flea and tick treatments in winter if pests aren’t active in your region.
Avoid long-acting preventatives that last more than one month—longer durations increase chemical load and reduce your ability to stop or adjust if side effects occur.
Give milk thistle while using chemical prevention to support and protect the liver—this herb helps the body process toxins more efficiently and reduces the impact of pesticides on your dog’s system.
Be familiar with the FDA warnings linked to a large majority of flea and tick medications on the market. These drugs may come with serious side effects, including seizures and neurological issues.
You Can Protect Your Pet Naturally
You can protect your pet naturally—even in high-risk areas. Yes, it may take a bit more intention, but your dog’s long-term health is worth it.
Let me know if you need assistance sourcing trusted products as well as if you need help putting together a natural flea & tick protocol for your dog or cat.
A Note on Heartworm Prevention
Heartworm is a real concern—especially in the South—and for some dogs, prevention is necessary.
If you choose a pharmaceutical option, go with the simplest formula possible. Avoid products with added dewormers or multiple active ingredients. More ingredients mean more chemical load, and most dogs don’t need monthly deworming.
That said, many dogs do great on ivermectin-based preventatives—just be sure to do your research. If your dog is a breed at risk for the MDR1 gene mutation (like Collies, Aussies, or Shelties), ivermectin may not be safe. Testing for this gene is quick and easy and can help you choose the safest option.
I recommend heartworm testing at least once a year, but 2–3 times annually can be ideal for dogs that are at high risk. Even dogs on conventional preventatives have tested positive, so regular testing is one of the best ways to catch issues early.
A few key points to remember:
Choose a formula with the fewest active ingredients
Many dogs do well on a 6-week schedule rather than every 4 weeks
Avoid long-acting injections (higher chemical load over time)
Only use prevention when mosquitoes are active—many dogs can skip winter dosing
Use safe, natural sprays and deterrents to protect your pets and yourself from pests
Keep your pet healthy with a strong immune system—that’s one of the best natural pest deterrents
Final Thoughts: You Have Options
You don’t have to accept the default plan of year-round pesticides and long-acting chemicals.
Your dog deserves a protocol tailored to their needs, not one-size-fits-all prevention.
Whether you choose natural support or use pharmaceuticals strategically:
Do it with intention.
Ask questions.
Explore alternatives.
And always advocate for your animal.
If you need help, I’m here to help you create a personalized protocol that supports your dog or cat’s internal and external ecosystems—like the gut, skin, and immune system—while also offering natural strategies to protect their environment, both inside and outside your home.
Because when it comes to fleas, ticks, and heartworms, you absolutely can’t protect your pet without also protecting their long-term health.