Flea and tick season is upon us — which means it’s time to be proactive about protecting our dogs and homes. Fleas and ticks can carry harmful diseases, so prevention is important. At the same time, many pet owners are becoming more mindful about reducing unnecessary toxin exposure and making informed choices about the products they use.

Finding the right flea & tick treatment product can be difficult as they come in all different forms with a variety of side effects. For flea prevention, there are many products available, both prescription and over the counter. Most conventional flea & tick products – including collars, spot-on treatments, and sprays are classified and regulated as pesticides (Fipronil, Imidacloprid, or Pyrethroids) because they contain chemicals. They are regulated by the EPA. However, the ones that are taken orally (chewables) are approved by the FDA as animal drugs.

Beyond cancer, fibronil is recognized as an endocrine disrupter and can impact thyroid function in humans and wildlife and yes, the U.S Environmental protection agency (EPA) classifies Fibronil as a Group C possible human carcinogen! Fibronil is found in Frontline Plus, Imidacloprid is found in Advantix II.

⚠️Our dogs are exposed to enough toxins already. During flea & tick season, many pet parents automatically reach for chemical spot-on treatments — but some topical products contain pesticides and ingredients that may cause skin irritation, neurological side effects, even cancer with repeated use! Choose natural alternatives!

🪴Natural prevention can help reduce exposure to unnecessary toxins while supporting your dog’s overall wellness. Every dog is different, so choose what works best for your pup and lifestyle.

💚What You Use on Your Dog Matters💚

☠️Flea & tick treatments, shampoos, treats, and lawn chemicals can contain harmful ingredients, pyrethroids or other unsafe chemicals that dogs absorb through their skin, paws and from grooming themselves daily.

Safer, More Natural Flea & Tick Prevention Tips:

• Keep grass short and yards clean

. Apply Cedar Mulch: Fleas hate cedar, so using cedar mulch in your yard and around your home acts as a natural barrier.

. Treating the Yard: There are plenty natural products that use essential oils & other non-toxic ingredients that can be sprayed on your yard to prevent pests from breeding near your home.

• Avoid heavily wooded or tick-infested areas when possible
• Use a flea comb after walks, Put the fleas in a bowl of dish soap as you remove them, as this will kill them.
• Check dogs daily after walks. Pay attention to their paws, ears, armpits, and collars daily

• Support immune health with quality nutrition
• Choose non-toxic grooming and cleaning products
• Consider natural repellents made with pet-safe ingredients

Be Careful With:

🚫 Topical pesticide treatments
🚫 Strong synthetic fragrances
🚫 Chemically treated collars
🚫 Household sprays with harsh insecticides

💚 Protect your pup:

✔ Read labels

✔ THERE are a lot of natural methods to use on your pet and in your yard

Cedar-based yard treatments

Natural sprays made specifically for pets

But it’s important to remember:

Natural doesn’t automatically mean non-toxic

    . Not every “natural” product is automatically safe either — some essential oils can be dangerous for dogs if improperly used. Always research ingredients carefully.

     .  Protection needs vary based on your location and your dog’s lifestyle

The goal isn’t fear — it’s informed choices and reducing toxic load whenever possible. Our dogs rely on us to choose safer protection and products.  🐶💚

Awareness today can prevent heartbreak tomorrow!

When possible, I always opt for a more natural product when dealing with flea & ticks. It's so important to use a product that repels. Prevent the bite from even occurring. Some dogs can be allergic to the saliva from a flea bite. Flea dermatitis is so very uncomfortable. I have had luck with a few tick and flea products. Richard’s Organics Flea and Tick Shampoo for Dogs – 100% All-Natural Actives Kills Fleas, Ticks and Repels Mosquitos. Wondercide - Flea & Tick Dog Spot On. It's powered by plants and proven to work, these effective spot-on repel fleas, ticks, and even mosquitoes.

I also use 0Bug! Zone Flea and Tick Barrier Tags.  It works on frequency and makes your fur baby seem invisible to them. It attaches to their collar and best of all it uses no harmful chemicals and is odor-free. But just a heads up, I don't find it works as well on young puppies or small breeds.

If your pooch already has fleas, then you will need a product that kills. It's always recommended to use a product that repels, but we need to get those nasty blood suckers off your pooch. A repellent won't cut it. You will need a product that kills and repels as well. Then I recommend using Vets+Best Flea & Tick Spot-on. 

For your Yard we take a more natural approach too. We believe in limiting exposure to chemicals/pesticides. So, we use Diatomaceous Earth to kill & repel fleas, ticks and most other bugs. Food Grade only! Its natural and safe around children & animals. Can even be applied to your dog for fleas & ticks. Just don't inhale some. Its powder based.

Another great natural product is Wondercide for the yard and Vet's Best Flea and Tick Yard and Dog Kennel which is a flea and tick yard treatment and preventative. This pest-repellent spray is powered by natural essential oils and is safe around cats, dogs and people of all ages. It even works great on mosquitos which can carry Heartworm disease. The Wondercide - Flea, Tick & Mosquito Spray for Dogs, Cats, and Home is another natural product that breaks the flea life cycle by eliminating eggs, larvae, and adults. It kills fleas throughout the house on carpet, furniture, bedding, and flooring. Holistic vet approved. For whole family protection the Wondercide - spray for kids and family repels 98% of mosquitoes and also ticks. Gentle and safe for people of all ages when used as directed for head-to-toe protection whether you’re on the trails or in your backyard. Just spray on and stay protected it will kill and repel common pests, such as gnats, ticks, fleas, no-see-ums, spiders, and other biting flies.