Flea/Tick

Natural options: I will always suggest trying the natural route first. Flea/tick meds are not something you want to mess with unless you absolutely have to. I understand that I am in an area that is fortunate to not have a big flea and tick problem and that other areas of the country do not have this privilege. I still want to caution about chemical flea/tick meds as they have been linked to lots of dogs having a range of mild to severe reactions. See how flea/tick meds work.

• Wondercide :
  This spray is great! Anytime I'm going somewhere that I have any reason to suspect that there may be fleas/ticks. Like a hike where there's a lot of long grass and heavy deer population. 

• Wondercide Flea & Tick Peppermint Cat & Dog Shampoo, 12-oz bottle :
  If you see a flea or tick on your dog my first suggestion is to do a flea/tick bath. Unless it's an infestation this is usually enough. It may take a few baths to completely clear if you find more than a few fleas. 

• Wondercide Peppermint Flea & Tick Dog Collar :
  A good natural alternative to a Seresto collar. Most effective if used with the spray when going on wooded, grassy, or heavily animal populated areas.

• Wondercide Spot-On Peppermint Flea & Tick Spot Treatment :
  Topical treatment to help prevent and kill fleas/ticks.

• Master Grooming Tools Contoured Grip Flea Comb :
  A good habit to make is to regularly comb through your dog to check for fleas. I suggest doing this on a regular basis and after going anywhere you suspect fleas to be present.

• TickCheck Remover Spoon with Tick ID Card :
  These are great to add to your hiking backpack or keychain. Easy tick removal.

​

Chemical treatment options

• Seresto Flea & Tick Collar :
  Seresto collars are great for areas that you do have more of a flea/tick issue or if you are actively having an issue. I have found that they don't work as long as advertized, more like 4-6 months rather than 8 months. Do be aware of risk of the collar getting caught on another dog's jaw, crate, or other things as a collar left on is always a strangulation risk that always needs to be monitored. Also if you are showing your dog these can cause the coat to break.

• Other prescription medications :
  If you feel that these are not enough for your dog in the area you live in, I'd do your research. I do not suggest oral flea medications. The method in which they work are often toxic to the dog as well as the parasite. Many flea/tick meds are known to cause seizures and even death to the dog. I am fortunate to live in an area where I don't need to use a flea/tick preventative monthly, but I understand if you are somewhere that it is necessary. I will suggest a topical over an oral flea medication any day. Especially for herding breeds who already are medication sensitive.

​

​

​