In deciding how to protect your pets from fleas and ticks, take into account your individual pet’s risks, the level of disease risk in your area, and the length of pest season.
A single tick bite can expose your pet to multiple diseases, but exposure is not the same as infection. In many cases, a strong immune system helps pets fight off tick-borne diseases—especially when they’re getting the right support through proper nutrition and immune-boosting supplements.
If your dog has tested positive for exposure without symptoms, you’ll want to follow up with a second test called Quantitative C6 (QC6). This test differentiates exposure from infection.
The decision of whether you want to give your dog or cat chemical flea and tick treatments can be a tough decision to make. Especially when you live in a high tick area.
It’s important to understand how chemical flea and tick treatments work, along with their potential side effects. This is something that should be discussed with your veterinarian before applying flea and tick chemicals. Make sure you are aware of potential side effects of anything that you apply to your pets.
How they work:
Most chemical preventatives work by being absorbed into your pet’s bloodstream. When a flea or tick bites, they ingest the chemical, which kills them quickly. You generally won’t find an engorged tick, but that doesn’t mean they can’t bite your dog or cat and still spread disease.
Even if you are using flea and tick chemicals with your dog or cat, you will want to pair these with natural deterrents. Natural deterrents repel fleas and ticks by making them smell bad, taste bad or by confusing them.
To determine the correct protocol for your individual pet you will want to take into consideration their health and level of exposure.
Many holistic veterinarians recommend detoxing pets from flea and tick chemicals during lower-risk months to support their liver and overall health. In Pennsylvania, that timeframe is typically January–February. One of my favorite products for this is Adored Beast’s Liver Tonic.
Some of my favorite options for natural deterrents include : Kin+Kind flea and tick shampoo and spray, these can be used together. Baltic Amber collars and Tickless tags are great wearable options. The best defense is feeding our pets a species appropriate fresh diet and boosting their immune system. Fleas don’t like healthy animals and healthy pets have a better chance of fighting tick borne diseases.
Avoid high tick areas during tick season and check your pets for ticks so you can catch them quickly! Using a flea comb can be a great way to catch them early.
Every pet is different, and the best approach is the one that fits their individual needs. If you’re interested in exploring natural flea and tick deterrents stop by Felicity’s Pet Supplies—we’re happy to help you find what works best for your pet!