Choose Flea and Tick Treatments Carefully

My mission is to help you have a healthier dog and breeders to raise healthier Llewellin Setters puppies through educational content based on over twenty years raising, training, and breeding Llewellin Setters. To help support these efforts, this page may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

When considering what product to use for flea and tick prevention, I think many of us either grab the first thing we see on the shelf or we purchase what is available from our veterinarian’s office.

I encourage you to research any product you are considering applying to your dog. Most contain toxic chemicals that even when applied as directed can poison you and your dog. The chemicals used in most products are linked to causing cancer, brain and nervous system damage, allergies, and more and the residues from these products remain on the animal’s fur for weeks after application. The residue is easily transferred to your hands every time you simply pet your dog.

At Laurel Mt. Llewellins, we’ve made the move toward chemical-free prevention. This includes using things like organic garlic, garlic oil and/or powder added to the food daily, food-grade diatomaceous earth sprinkled in the bedding areas, and dry outdoor areas, as well as nematodes added to the lawn. There are fantastic sprays using essential oils. I shampoo with a lavender-based shampoo that is also supposed to help. I use cedar bedding in the spring and summer which also helps ward off pests. The bottom line is to check your dogs regularly (especially after being outdoors, hunting, etc.), comb with a fine-tooth comb, and remove anything immediately.

I came across a wonderful resource for checking out any product you may be considering using on your dog. It is the GreenPaws Flea and Tick Products Directory on the NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) Web site. Check it out, here.

There is also an informative report here and check out the Toxic Fact Sheet.