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With their thick double coats, Shelties can make it harder to spot fleas and ticks before these pests become a problem. Staying consistent with flea and tick prevention can help protect your Sheltie from itching, skin irritation, uncomfortable bites, and pest-borne diseases. A safe and effective four-step plan makes it easier to keep your dog protected while supporting their skin, coat, and overall health.

Why Many Sheltie Parents Are Turning To Safer, Natural Flea & Tick Control Methods

Many pet parents are expressing concerns about using pesticide/chemical-based bug repellents. In August of 2021, the FDA again warned dog and cat owners about the possible adverse effects of chemical flea repellents, including seizures, muscle tremors, and ataxia. While the FDA states the majority of pets on these medications show no side effects, a growing number of pet parents, including members of this 40,000+ member community on Facebook, beg to differ.

In addition to safety concerns, chemical-based pesticides have an inherent flaw: fleas and ticks can adapt over time and become immune to the effects. This is why so many people have to rotate brands of traditional flea control products.

Chemical-based pesticides, however, can be very effective for most dogs and can potentially prevent infestations better than natural methods. Ultimately, the choice is up to you and your veterinarian.

Even if you use pesticide-based flea control products, you might also consider adding natural flea/tick repellents, which can be used alongside traditional flea products to boost their effectiveness.

4 Step Strategy for Safe & Effective Natural Flea & Tick Prevention for Your Sheltie

Natural prevention methods can work for your Sheltie if you can be diligent about these 4 areas:

#1 – Protect your Sheltie from the inside out

Using nutrition and a natural supplement like this brewer’s yeast and garlic supplement, you can make your Sheltie’s body inhospitable to fleas. Most dogs find the chews very tasty and think they’re getting a treat.

#2 – Protect your Sheltie from the outside in

Natural, pet-safe essential oil sprays (many available on Amazon) can be applied to your Sheltie’s fur and bedding to help prevent bugs from making a home there. These products contain essential oils that repel fleas and ticks. Some products, such as the one pictured below, also include a plant-based compound that kills fleas and their eggs.

#3 – Don’t forget about your yard and home!

A complete natural pest control program cannot ignore your dog’s environment. Even if you rid your dog of fleas, they will keep infesting your dog if the eggs exist in your home or yard. Our favorite natural method of killing fleas in and around your home is by using diatomaceous earth, available on Amazon or at most hardware stores. Unlike pesticides, DE kills pests mechanically upon contact, and the powder is harmless to pets and humans.

Another option is using a natural yard spray. Wondercide is a popular brand. These work similarly to the pet spray above.

#4 – Check your Sheltie daily for fleas and ticks

During the warmer months, make sure to check and inspect your Sheltie daily for fleas and ticks, especially if they spend a significant amount of time outdoors. Often, a sign of fleas will be flea dirt, the waste product that fleas leave behind in your dog’s fur. A flea comb is a simple tool that will help you discover these pests on your sheltie.

It should be noted that if your dog is already infested with fleas, you’re going to need to first rid them of the bugs before a natural flea repellent strategy can be effective.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flea & Tick Control Products for Shelties

1. What’s better for my Sheltie, natural or traditional pesticide-based flea & tick products?

Ultimately, this is a question only you and your vet can answer. In our personal opinion, natural methods are less effective, but also less prone to dangerous side effects. Pesticide-based products can also be easier to administer, but the downsides are possible side effects, some of which seem to be increasing.

2. What are the most common side effects of flea & tick medications for Shelties?

According to the FDA, the most common reported side effects for Isoxazoline products have been associated with neurologic adverse reactions, including muscle tremors, ataxia (coordination & balance problems), & seizures in some dogs and cats.

3. What’s the best natural flea & tick preventative for Shelties?

As detailed in the article above, we recommend a 4-prong approach:

(1) Use a natural brewer’s yeast + garlic supplement

(2) Use a natural flea & tick spray on your pet daily during warm months

(3) Treat your yard using a natural product such as diatomaceous earth or Wondercide

(4) Check your Sheltie daily (during warmer months) for fleas and ticks.

4. Is Bravecto, NexGard, Simparica, Seresto, and K9 Advantix II Safe for Shelties?

Ultimately, this is a question only you and your veterinarian can answer. According to the available FDA adverse reaction data, most pets do fine on these medications. However, adverse reactions appear to be increasing, or are possibly just now being reported more accurately (some estimates are that only 1% of adverse reactions are ever reported to the FDA). According to data compiled by Dr. W Jean Dodds and Jon P Kimball, approximately 60,909 pet deaths have been reported to the FDA from flea, tick, and heartworm medications (data up through April of 2021). Additionally, 15,77,958 total adverse reactions have been reported as well. 

Keep Your Sheltie Protected From Fleas and Ticks

A reliable flea and tick prevention routine can help your Sheltie stay comfortable and protected throughout their everyday adventures. Regular coat checks, a clean environment, and prevention methods suited to your dog’s needs can reduce the chances of bites and infestations. With consistent care, you can spend less time worrying about unwanted pests and more time enjoying life with your Sheltie.

Data (USA) from the FDA of reported adverse reactions & deaths after administering flea, tick, and heartworm treatments – updated April 17th, 2021

Source

Brand
Active drug ingredient
Date released
Adverse reactions
Deaths (including euthanasia)

Bravecto
fluralaner
2014
43,602
1,533

Bravetco plus
fluralaner+moxidectin
2019-2020
77,459
4,753

Comfortis
spinosad
2012
1,62,354
4.816

Trifexis
spinosad+milbemycin+oxime
2011
2,00,941
6,662

Credelio
lotilaner
2018
3,302
95

Revolution
selamectin
2000
19,552
1,980

Revolution plus
selamectin+sarolaner
2019
31,605
2,346

Nexgard
afoxolaner
2013
36,340
1,086

Nexgard Spectra
afoxolaner+milbemycin+oxime
2014
1,90,802
5,998

Simparica
sarolaner
2016
14,153
432

Simparica trio
sarolaner+moxidectin+pyrantel+pamoate
2020
1,40,646
6,717

Heartgard, Ivomec
ivermectin
1996
94,798
4,103

Heartgard Plus, Triheart
ivermectin+pyrantel+pamoate
2003
1,05,139
5,332

Iverhart Max
ivermectin+pyrantel+pamoate+praziquanel
2018
1,29,815
6,207

Interceptor
milbemyxin+oxime
2013
1,54,190
3,911

Interceptor Plus, Milbemax
milbemyxin+oxime+praziquantel
2,01,02,015
1,72,860
4,938

Totals:

15,77,958
60,909

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.

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