Flea and tick prevention for dogs: the real risks, the common myths, and how to support your dog naturally this season
Everything you need to make a confident, informed decision — without the fear, and without the guesswork.
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Every spring, my inbox fills up with the same question: "Do I really need to give my dog flea and tick prevention? I've heard it's full of chemicals and really dangerous."
I get it. When you've spent time learning about what goes into your dog's food, you naturally start questioning everything else that goes into — or onto — their body. That curiosity is a good thing. But when it comes to fleas and ticks, I want to make sure the conversation is balanced, because the risks of doing nothing are just as real as the concerns about prevention.
Let's talk about all of it.
Why flea and tick prevention for dogs actually matters
I know "flea and tick season" can sound like marketing noise at this point — but the health risks are genuinely serious, and worth understanding.
Ticks are vectors for some genuinely nasty illnesses. Lyme disease in dogs, transmitted by the black-legged tick, can cause joint pain, lethargy, kidney problems, and in severe cases, long-term neurological damage. Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis — two other tick-borne diseases — can suppress your dog's immune system and affect their blood's ability to clot. These aren't obscure edge cases; they're increasingly common across Europe and North America as tick populations expand into new regions.
Fleas, meanwhile, are more than an itchy nuisance. A heavy infestation can cause anaemia in smaller dogs and puppies. Fleas are also the primary vector for tapeworms — dogs ingest them while grooming. And flea allergy dermatitis, an immune reaction to flea saliva, can trigger intense, chronic skin inflammation that's genuinely miserable for your dog to live with.
The bottom line: skipping flea and tick prevention entirely isn't a neutral choice. It's a risk calculation — and for most dogs spending time outdoors, the risks are real.
Common myths about flea and tick prevention in dogs
So why do so many of us hesitate? Usually it comes down to a few persistent fears — most of which deserve a more nuanced look.
Myth 1: "All chemical preventions are equally toxic"
The reality
Not all flea and tick treatments are the same. There's a wide spectrum — from older organophosphate-based products (which do carry higher risk profiles) to newer, more targeted molecules like isoxazolines. The latter work by targeting receptors found in insects and arachnids but not in mammals, which is why they've been approved for use at very low doses. Your vet is your best resource for choosing something appropriate for your dog's size, age, health status, and lifestyle.
Myth 2: "Natural alternatives are just as effective"
The reality
There are some lovely natural deterrents — neem oil, certain essential oils (used very carefully), diatomaceous earth. These can be useful as part of your overall approach. But the evidence for natural-only prevention fully replacing conventional options against ticks is thin. If your dog is in high-risk terrain, relying solely on natural methods is a gamble. Think of natural approaches as a complement, not a substitute.
Myth 3: "Using prevention means I'm poisoning my dog every month"
The reality
This is the fear I hear most often, and it usually comes from a place of real love — which I respect completely. But here's the thing: millions of dogs use flea and tick prevention every single year without issue. These products are rigorously tested for safety before they ever reach your vet's shelf. Side effects can and do occur in a small number of dogs, just as they can with any medication — which is why it's worth monitoring your dog after starting anything new, and always consulting your vet if you have concerns. Using a licensed prevention product responsibly is not the same as exposing your dog to harm. It's making an informed choice to protect them from diseases that cause far more suffering than the medication itself.
You can protect your dog and nourish them at the same time
Here's where I've landed personally, and what I share with customers who ask: you can make a pragmatic choice to use conventional prevention during peak season and actively support your dog's body throughout that time. These aren't contradictory positions — they're just good, whole-dog thinking.
When we use any medication — for ourselves or our dogs — it makes sense to think about how we can best support the body alongside it. Not because the medication was wrong to give, but because nutrition is one of the most powerful and underused tools we have. Good food creates resilient, well-functioning bodies. And a well-nourished dog handles everything — from seasonal prevention to the general demands of being an active, outdoor animal — better.
What I personally do for Ciccio every summer
Ciccio enjoying spring
My dog Ciccio is a summer dog. He's in the grass, in the woods, and investigating every hedgerow he can find. He gets tick prevention — because I've seen what Lyme disease does to dogs, and I'm not willing to take that risk with him.
But every single meal, all summer long, I add a good handful of our Spinach Chlorella Toppers to his bowl. Not as an antidote to anything — but as a simple, nourishing way to support his system from the inside.
Chlorella is a single-celled green algae with a long history of use for its ability to support the body's natural detoxification pathways. It binds to heavy metals and supports their removal through the digestive tract. Spinach brings its own gifts: iron, antioxidants, and folate, all contributing to cellular health and resilience.
Together, they're not a dramatic intervention. They're just genuinely good food, doing what good food does — quietly supporting your dog's body to function at its best.
If you're heading into prevention season and want to feel like you're doing something nourishing alongside it, our Spinach Chlorella Toppers are one of the simplest things you can add to your routine. A small handful over their regular food, every day — that's all it takes.
Ciccio gets his every meal from May through September. It's become a non-negotiable part of our summer routine — right up there with checking him for ticks after every big walk.
You'll find them at thebarkery.ch — and as always, if you have questions about how to introduce them or how much to give for your dog's size, I'm always in the DMs.
Flea and tick season doesn't have to be a source of anxiety. Protect your dog. Feed them well. And trust that both things can live comfortably side by side.
- Kate 🐾🩷