Recently, the FDA released a warning about the side effects from certain flea and tick prevention products. These side effects include seizures, muscle tremors and loss of balance. Scary, right?

Since this warning, I have received hundreds of requests from around the country asking for a safe and natural flea and tick control for cats and dogs. The problem is: I don’t have one. At 5,300 ft above sea level, Boulder, CO doesn’t see a lot of bugs. This year, I have seen 2 fleas and 1 tick while examining animals. That’s 3 parasites total in 9 months. Even if I were to prescribe natural flea and tick prevention for my patients, I would not be able to measure its effectiveness.

So, I reached out to holistic veterinarians in other parts of the country like Florida, Texas and New York to see what’s working for them. These are places with legitimate parasite infestations. Here is what they had to say:

1. Dr. Clay Bernard is a practicing veterinarian in Austin, Texas at Even Flow Holistic Vet. Here is Dr. Bernard’s protocol for flea and tick prevention:

   • Environmental Management. Nematodes (tiny worms) and diatomaceous earth applied to the areas in your lawn and garden can prevent infestations.
   • For your pet, he recommends using a flea comb to remove fleas manually 2–3 times per week and applying Wondercide daily.
   • For heavy infestations or flea allergic animals, Dr. Bernard uses chemical flea medications. He recommends his patient take liver protective herbs and supplements 7 days before and after the application.

2. Dr. Michele Yasson is a holistic veterinarian in New York at HolVet with decades of experience. This is what she recommends for flea and tick prevention:

   • Regular visual monitoring with a flea comb for your cat and dog.
   • Topical products with neem and lavender spray (2 drops of oil per 1 ounce of water with a drop or two of dish soap per bottle).
   • For severe infestations use Frontline with a Seresto Collar.

3. Dr. Trish Kallenbach practices at The Healing Place in Crystal River, FL where fleas are alive and active all year round! Here are her recommendations for flea and tick prevention:

   • Cedarwood oil solution (10 drops per 1 ounce of water) can be applied to both pets and the environment once to twice daily.
   • Cedarwood mulch is a helpful deterrent for landscaping.
   • For moderate infestations, Dr. Trish uses Revolution and for severe infestations, she recommends Nexgard.

I would love to hear what’s working and what’s NOT working for you! Let me know, along with your location, in the comments.

With love,
Dr. Angie