04/20/2026
I use essential oil blends, but ticks are getting more plentiful and carrying more diseases. Talk to your vet about what's best for your dog.
Before you reach for a monthly flea and tick pesticide, it’s important to understand the full picture. These products can have unwanted side effects, and the FDA has issued consumer awareness statements about neurologic adverse events (this isn’t fear mongering, it’s reality). Informed consent matters here (especially when you read stories in the comments from pet parents who had no idea these medications could lead to lasting medical conditions in their pets💔).
At the same time, context matters. In high-risk areas where tick-borne diseases are common, protection is necessary. But that awareness should extend to the whole family. If ticks are a risk for your dog, they’re a risk for you too. Use the same level of prevention vigilance for your two- and four-legged family members, and make tick checks a non-negotiable habit after every outdoor, woodsy outing.
This isn’t about choosing extremes, it’s about making smarter, more balanced decisions. Many functional medicine veterinarians use hybrid parasite protocols, rotating and layering chemical products with lower-toxicity options, and supporting the body with targeted detox strategies when pesticides are used.
I’ve outlined non-toxic support strategies and my favorite detox protocols in my latest blog, read it now (link in comments) ⬇️🐾
