May 24, 2026
Recommendations for Flea & Tick Prevention
Full Question:
We have made it through one year of puppyhood. Wanting to avoid vet RX and other topical poison, do you have any opinion of weekly capstar combined with Wondercide drops? What do you guys recommend? We live in arid climate vs. humid 
Leerburg's Answer:
So I have recently gone down this same rabbit hole, as the ticks have been bad this year here in WI. We are not huge fans of the isoxazoline class of parasiticides (Seresto collars and drops) as they are known to cause neurological issues in some animals.
Some things you should look into yourself would be Diatomaceous Earth, which is a fine powder made from fossilized algae (diatoms). It works mechanically, not chemically — the microscopic sharp edges damage the exoskeletons of insects, causing them to dehydrate and die. You can dust the DE lightly onto pet bedding, in their fur, on your carpets, or around your property while it is dry out. Food-grade DE only should be used around pets (pool-grade DE is dangerous). The main risk is respiratory irritation if inhaled during application — apply carefully, keep pets and yourself from breathing the dust.
Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid modeled after pyrethrins, which occur naturally in chrysanthemum flowers. It disrupts the nervous system of insects. You can spray this on leashes, harnesses, collars, your clothing, and more for tick protection. Permethrin spray bonds to fabric fibers for up to 6 weeks or through 6 washings (whichever comes first) won't stain or damage clothing, fabrics, plastics, finished surfaces, or outdoor gear; it is also fragrance-free. Be sure to let all items that are sprayed dry completely before using. Permethrin is safe for dogs, especially Sawyer brand as it is formulated for use around dogs. I would be wary and cautious about using it around cats and other small animals, as they cannot metabolize it and exposure could be fatal.
Wondercide makes plant-based flea/tick sprays and spot treatments using essential oils as active ingredients — primarily:
Cedarwood oil — disrupts the octopamine receptor system in insects (mammals don't have this receptor, making it selectively toxic to bugs)
Sesame oil — has insecticidal and repellent properties, also acts as a carrier
Rosemary oil — repellent properties
Lemongrass oil — repellent, used in some formulas
Wondercide products work best as a consistent preventative rather than treating an active heavy infestation. It needs more frequent reapplication (before outdoor activities, after bathing) compared to monthly conventional treatments. Many pet owners report excellent results with regular use.
I think you will find that using these different products in different ways together will be the most effective solution versus using monthly isoxazolines.
Some things you should look into yourself would be Diatomaceous Earth, which is a fine powder made from fossilized algae (diatoms). It works mechanically, not chemically — the microscopic sharp edges damage the exoskeletons of insects, causing them to dehydrate and die. You can dust the DE lightly onto pet bedding, in their fur, on your carpets, or around your property while it is dry out. Food-grade DE only should be used around pets (pool-grade DE is dangerous). The main risk is respiratory irritation if inhaled during application — apply carefully, keep pets and yourself from breathing the dust.
Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid modeled after pyrethrins, which occur naturally in chrysanthemum flowers. It disrupts the nervous system of insects. You can spray this on leashes, harnesses, collars, your clothing, and more for tick protection. Permethrin spray bonds to fabric fibers for up to 6 weeks or through 6 washings (whichever comes first) won't stain or damage clothing, fabrics, plastics, finished surfaces, or outdoor gear; it is also fragrance-free. Be sure to let all items that are sprayed dry completely before using. Permethrin is safe for dogs, especially Sawyer brand as it is formulated for use around dogs. I would be wary and cautious about using it around cats and other small animals, as they cannot metabolize it and exposure could be fatal.
Wondercide makes plant-based flea/tick sprays and spot treatments using essential oils as active ingredients — primarily:
Cedarwood oil — disrupts the octopamine receptor system in insects (mammals don't have this receptor, making it selectively toxic to bugs)
Sesame oil — has insecticidal and repellent properties, also acts as a carrier
Rosemary oil — repellent properties
Lemongrass oil — repellent, used in some formulas
Wondercide products work best as a consistent preventative rather than treating an active heavy infestation. It needs more frequent reapplication (before outdoor activities, after bathing) compared to monthly conventional treatments. Many pet owners report excellent results with regular use.
I think you will find that using these different products in different ways together will be the most effective solution versus using monthly isoxazolines.
User Response:
Thank You. I have used DE before. In fact, I just applied that to an area in the yard where she spends. Her outside time. I have Wondercide spray and also capstar. Like. You suggested, multi-faceted approach is probably appropriate. We have a rather arid climate and last winter was especially mild. Fleas, spiders, slugs etc have been very bad. Groomers say the only effective tx is the oral stuff from the vet. Not doing that. I did cave and bought some k-9 adventix to get control of things. We had a previous dog who reacted to topicals so I know what that looks like. It didn’t appear to affect her. I probably won’t use that consistently, but I needed to get fleas under control to be in position to do preventative maintenance. Such a catch 22. Thank you for responding.
No ratings yet
Was this Q&A helpful? Let us know!
Can't find what you're looking for?
No ratings yet
Was this Q&A helpful? Let us know!
