Flea and tick treatments are a cornerstone of responsible pet ownership, protecting dogs from parasites that can cause discomfort and serious health issues. However, it's essential to acknowledge that many of these treatments are, in fact, insecticides that our dogs ingest. While they effectively eliminate fleas and ticks, they can also have adverse effects on your dog's health, particularly when it comes to gut health, skin conditions, and allergies. While scientific evidence is lacking in this space, many dog parents, trainers and vets attest to the relationship. This article will briefly outline some measures that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of issues for your dog.

Flea and tick medications: a necessary evil?

Flea and tick medications, whether in pill, topical, or collar form, contain chemicals designed to kill parasites. The most common active ingredients include fipronil, permethrin, imidacloprid, and spinosad, all of which are insecticides. These chemicals work by attacking the nervous system of insects, but they can also have unintended effects on your dog’s body. The use of these insecticides can sometimes lead to side effects in certain dogs, ranging from mild symptoms like itching skin and digestive upset to more severe reactions such as vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures. This is particularly concerning when these medications are administered regularly, as the cumulative effect can lead to chronic health issues.

Links to gut issues, skin conditions, and allergies

While we are still early in our understanding, there is growing evidence that flea and tick medications can disrupt the delicate balance of your dog's gut microbiome. Studies have shown that certain insecticides can affect gut bacteria, leading to dysbiosis, a condition where the bad bacteria outnumber the good. This imbalance can manifest as diarrhoea, poor stool quality, and even contribute to the development of food allergies and skin conditions.

Many stories from pet parents, veterinarians and dog trainers also highlight the connection between flea and tick treatments and skin issues. There are cases where dogs seemingly-spontaneously develop rashes, hives, or itching shortly after treatment. These reactions are not just uncomfortable for your dog but can also lead to secondary infections if the skin becomes damaged from excessive scratching. It can leave even the hardiest owner feeling helpless and confused.

Natural remedies to prevent ticks and fleas

Beyond medication, there are natural strategies to reduce your dog's exposure to ticks and fleas. Keeping lawns well-trimmed, regularly inspecting your dog (especially after walks in wooded or grassy areas), is really important. Ongoing grooming and bathing, along with vacuuming your home frequently, can also help to reduce flea populations, and ensuring your dog’s bedding is washed regularly in hot water can also eliminate flea eggs and larvae, preventing infestations from taking hold.

You can also make a natural, topical flea and tick repellent at home that incorporates ingredients such as witch hazel, aloe vera juice and essential oils, lavender, lemon and cedarwood. This combination is considered safe for dogs and helps to repel fleas and ticks, however it must be clearly stated that these natural remedies aren’t as potent as commercial veterinary products. Check out this video.

If you are in a high-risk area, please do not risk your dog’s health: align upon the best approach to keeping your dog safe with your vet.

Reducing side effects with supplements

While commercial flea and tick medications may be a necessary avenue to protect your dog from parasites, there are ways to mitigate their adverse effects. Supplements can play a crucial role in supporting your dog’s overall health, especially those with ingredients that support gut health, skin health and detoxification.

For instance, probiotics can help replenish the good bacteria in the gut, promoting a healthy microbiome balance even after insecticide exposure. Prebiotics, anti-inflammatory compounds, and gut-nourishing ingredients can also support the gut lining, reduce inflammation, and help prevent or alleviate digestive issues.

Help is here with VITAL DOG Advanced Allergy & Itch

Inflammatory skin conditions are one of the most highly-associated side-effect reported when it comes to flea and tick treatments. VITAL DOG Advanced Allergy & Itch meal supplement is designed to help with allergies and inflammatory conditions that may appear on the skin, ears and feet, as a results of a heightened immune response to allergens, pathogens and foreign compounds entering the bloodstream in the presence of a 'leaky gut'.

The synergistic ingredients we use are suitable to be taken alongside flea and tick treatments to help reduce symptoms that create discomfort for our dogs. Here's a little run-down of some some important ingredients and their role(s):

• Bone broth, liver powder, and collagen to help nourish the gut lining and support overall digestive health
• Hemp seeds, turmeric and green-lipped mussel for their anti-inflammatory properties
• Propolis, colostrum, bromelain, nettle leaf and quercetin to help modulate immune system responses and keep histamine activity at bay
• Fulvic acid and spirulina to support the body’s detoxification processes
• Probiotics (L. paracasei, L. plantarum) to help maintain healthy microbiome balance, reduce 'leaky gut’ and modulate the immune system

Conclusion: a considered and balanced approach

Conventional flea and tick medications are often necessary and unavoidable parts of responsible dog ownership. While they may possess undesirable side effects in some dogs, there is a lot that can be done to minimise their impact on your dog’s health. Being prudent with the usage of commercial flea and tick products, incorporating other natural and environmental interventions, and introducing high-quality food supplements (like VITAL DOG Advanced Allergy and itch supplements), can collectively contribute to much better experiences for our animals. We all want to do our best when it comes to giving our dogs happy and healthy lives, and it's our choices that we make for them, that will determine the kind of life that they get to live.