Rethinking “Prevention”
As Labrador breeders, one of our greatest responsibilities is protecting the long-term health of the dogs entrusted to our care. That includes being intentional about what we put on and inside their bodies—especially when it comes to flea and tick prevention. Our goal is always: Protect when necessary — avoid when possible. Many people are surprised to learn that the most commonly prescribed flea and tick medications work by affecting a dog’s nervous system. While these products are widely used and might seem effective, their side effects outweigh the benefits. Because of this, we take a more holistic approach whenever possible!
Let’s start with a truth bomb: there is no “easy button” when it comes to flea and tick prevention. The conventional model sells the illusion of convenience — one pill, one chemical collar, one topical treatment, and you’re done. But here’s the cost: those chemicals don’t just kill fleas and ticks, they circulate through your dog’s blood, burden their liver, damage their gut microbiome, and can trigger skin issues, seizures, or even cancer… especially when given month after month, year after year.
Most modern flea/tick/heartworm preventatives—including chewables and topical treatments—contain pesticides designed to disrupt the nervous system of fleas and ticks, which in turn wreak havoc on the dogs. Common toxic products include medications in the isoxazoline class, such as: NexGard, Bravecto, Simparica and Credelio. The FDA has specifically advised pet owners to be aware of potential neurologic side effects associated with prescribed oral flea/tick medications, especially in dogs with seizure histories. For breeders raising future generations of dogs, even rare risks deserve thoughtful consideration. It is safer to avoid any medications with harmful side effects, and simply be consistent with natural remedies that support a dog’s body to defend itself.
Reported reactions can include:
Neurological reactions: muscle tremors, loss of coordination and seizures
Digestive symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea and educed appetite
Skin reactions: itching, hair thinning and dermatitis
Holistic prevention works differently. The flex isn’t swapping Bravecto for Wondercide and calling it “natural.” The real flex is being consistent and building layers of protection that start inside your dog’s body, ripple into their environment, and are backed up by your daily hands-on involvement. This is work. But it’s good work — the kind that makes your dog stronger, keeps your home safer, and gives you peace of mind without relying on poisons.
The Foundation: Why Your Dog Matters More Than Any Spray:
Every single method you’ll read in this guide works better on a dog whose foundation is strong. That means:
*Diet: A fresh, species-appropriate diet (raw is best, gently cooked with digestive enzymes is good too). Processed kibble loaded with synthetics leaves the immune system sluggish and makes dogs smell attractive to pests.
*Toxin load: The fewer unnecessary meds, vaccines, and chemicals your dog is exposed to, the less attractive they’ll be to parasites. Fleas and ticks are highly smell-driven. Dogs with heavy toxin loads “broadcast” the scent of imbalance.
*Movement: Exercise keeps lymph and immune systems flowing. A stagnant body is easier prey.
* Real-life example: Our Labradors are raised on a RAW meat, fresh food diet with minimal toxin exposure. They have had the occasional flea here or there — but never an infestation. Why? Their foundation makes them an undesirable long-term host!!!
Internal Support:
The Invisible Shield Think of this as the first layer of protection. Internal support changes your dog’s chemistry from the inside out so they are less appealing to pests. Start 3–4 weeks before fleas and ticks become active in your area.
* Raw Garlic: Is nature’s time-tested pest repellent. When chopped and added to food, its sulfur compounds are released through the skin and breath, creating a natural deterrent. Note: Garlic builds effect over time. Start with less than the recommended dose, see how your dog tolerates it, and work up.
How to prepare:
1. Peel a fresh garlic clove.
2. Chop or crush it, then let it sit for 10 minutes (this activates allicin, the beneficial compound).
3. Mix into your dog’s food. Dosing by body weight (3 times per week with food):
5–10 lbs → ⅙ clove | 10–20 lbs → ¼ clove | 20–40 lbs → ½ clove
40–70 lbs → 1 clove | 70–90 lbs → 1 ½ cloves | 100+ lbs → 2 cloves
*Apple Cider Vinegar: ACV helps balance internal pH and makes dogs less attractive to pests. Best for “cooler” dogs (thin coats, lower energy, prone to being chilly). Purchase Link on Amazon
How to give: Add to food or water (start small — some dogs dislike the taste). Always use raw, organic ACV with “the mother.”
Daily dosing by body weight:
10–20 lbs → ¼ tsp | 20–50 lbs → ½–1 tsp
50–100 lbs → 1–2 tsp | 100+ lbs → up to 1 tbsp
Other Internal Helpers:
- Herbal Powders → Earth Animal Daily Internal Powder on Amazon
- Soil-based probiotics → improve gut balance and immune terrain
Adored Beast Soil & Sea
Green Juju Soil - Bitters such as dandelion or burdock root → support detox pathways
Organic Dandelion Root Tincture on Amazon
Organic Burdock Root Tincture on Amazon
Liver Tonic | Support + Detoxifier - Immune Support/Regulation → Venjenz Motherboard for Pets
External Support: What You Rotate On the Coat
This is your second layer. External support keeps pests off your dog’s coat in real time. Why rotation matters: Fleas and ticks adapt quickly. Don’t let them “get used to” one scent or spray. Daily checks during spring and fall can dramatically reduce exposure.
* Maintaining a Healthy Coat & Skin Barrier: Healthy Labradors with strong immune systems tend to be less attractive hosts for parasites. Support includes: Clean bedding, high-quality nutrition, omega-3 fatty acids and regular grooming.
* Frequent Coat Checks (Especially During Peak Seasons). Ticks are easiest to remove before attachment. We recommend checking: behind ears, under collars, armpits, groin area and between toes.
Plant-Based or Natural Support Options
* Holistic Veterinarians recommend natural deterrents such as: cedar-based sprays, lemongrass blends, rosemary-based yard treatments and herbal supplements (vet-guided only). One plant-extract supplement study even showed flea populations reduced by about 80% over four months in treated dogs. Essential oils are often discussed in natural flea prevention circles. However, they should never be used casually or undiluted, and some can be unsafe for dogs. Always check online to see which are safe for dogs.
These approaches are not replacements in high-risk regions—but they can be helpful components of a broader prevention plan.
External Options:
Essential Oil Sprays:
- Wondercide
- Cedarcide
- Kin + Kind
- Earth Animal (spray before time outside, especially walks in high grass or wooded areas)
Animaleo Essential Oil Blends: Evict, Away, Oust (Oust is especially powerful for humid climates with high tick load) Tip: Let your dog smell the oil first. If they avoid it, don’t use it. This is canine herbalist Rita Hogan’s “dog consent” method.
Coconut Oil: rub a thin layer into fur — pests dislike the barrier.
Herbal Collars + Treatment:
These can be worn when outdoors and for several hours after playing out in the grass.
- Wondercide Flea + Tick collar
- Earth Animal Collar
- Spot treatment – Wondercide drops
Flea & Tick Shampoos:
- Wondercide
- Kin + Kind
- Richard’s Organic Flea + Tick (use when needed after heavy exposure).
Manual Checks: The Non-Negotiable Step
Even the best protocols can’t replace your eyes and hands. This is the third layer. For most tick-borne illnesses (including Lyme), ticks generally need to be attached for 24–48 hours to transmit bacteria. This is why daily manual checks and quick removal are your most powerful protection. Some diseases can transmit faster, so the goal is always to remove ticks as soon as possible.
- Do a quick once-over after every outdoor play session.
- Run a flea comb through daily. We like this one on Amazon
- Ticks often crawl before they attach, many can be spotted walking on fur.
- Keep a bowl of soapy water nearby. Drop any fleas or ticks in to kill them.
Managing the Environment:
Inside the Home:
- Vacuum daily during peak season.
- Wash dog bedding weekly in hot water.
- Dust food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) into corners, base boards, rugs, and carpets (leave for 20 mins–a few hours, then vacuum). DE Duster on Amazon
- Light sprays of Essential Oil flea/tick repellent on bedding, door frames, and baseboards 1-2 times weekly.
Outside the Home:
- Use Wondercide yard sprays on grass and perimeters.
- Spread Cedarcide cedar granules in shady, damp areas where pests thrive.
- Release beneficial nematodes (tiny soil organisms that eat flea/tick larvae).
- Keep grass mowed and leaf litter cleared. Read more + order Here!
If You Find Fleas
First, don’t panic. Infestations happen. Remember: 95% of the flea problem lives in your home and yard — not on your dog
Here’s your plan:
1. Bathe your dog with flea/tick shampoo (let sit 5–10 minutes, follow label instructions).
2. Flea comb daily after being outside — this removes adults and lets you monitor progress.
3. Vacuum, wash, and DE (food grade diatomaceous earth) your environment relentlessly for at least 2–3
weeks.
4.Severe Cases: Give Capstar or Advantus (short-acting only) to kill adults on your dog and gain some ground. Immediately follow with 5–7 days of Milk Thistle for detox support.
If You Find Ticks:
- Remove as soon as possible (transmission risk starts after ~24 hours for most tick born illnesses).
- Clean the bite site with Witch Hazel, Colloidal Silver, or Bentonite Clay.
- Homeopathy Treatment: Give Ledum 30c: 1–3 pellets right after removing, repeat daily for 1–2 days. Purchase through our Amazon link
- Lyme Nosodes : Homeopathic alternative to the vaccine, helping the body recognize and respond to Lyme threats for both prevention and support). Protocol below:
* High-risk regions: give one dose, once weekly through tick season, then once monthly.
* Lower-risk regions: 1 dose daily for 7 days (initial series). Then once weekly for 4 weeks. Then once monthly for 6 months. Then once every 6 months ongoing.
Closing: The Long Game
This isn’t about perfection or never seeing a flea again. You will likely still see fleas and ticks, but it won’t be a crisis. It’s about building a healthier dog and a safer environment where pests never gain the upper hand. It takes layers. It takes effort. It takes you. The real flex? A thriving dog whose immune system does the heavy lifting, so chemicals never have to. AVOID toxic medications and harmful chemicals that will prevent your dog from having a long healthy life.
( Please Note: The above information is supplied on the understanding that it is not designed to take the place of your Veterinarian. Its aim is to supplement with advice and guidance. Diagnosis of a medical or surgical condition in your dog can only be carried out by a licensed Veterinarian. We are not responsible for decisions any Client may make with regards to supporting their dog(s). Any application of the recommendations set forth in the above pages is at the Client’s discretion and sole risk. It is strongly advised that the Client at all times seeks out the best resources available in order to make informed decisions regarding the care of their dog(s). )
