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If you’re a pet owner, you’ve probably had this moment: You’re about to give your dog or cat their flea and tick preventative - and you pause.

Maybe you’ve seen something online. Maybe a friend mentioned side effects. Or maybe you just wonder:

“Is this really necessary… and is it actually safe?”

It’s a valid question. After all, no one wants to give their pet something they don’t fully trust. But here’s what we see every day in veterinary dermatology: The pets who don’t receive consistent flea and tick prevention are often the ones who struggle the most, especially here in Minnesota.

Understanding why comes down to looking at both sides: the safety of the medication, and the very real risks pets face without them.

What Happens If You Skip Flea and Tick Prevention?

Many pet owners focus on the side effects of medications, but what often gets overlooked is the risk of doing nothing. And in many cases, that’s where problems begin.

Fleas can cause more than just itching

Fleas are easy to dismiss because they’re small, but the impact they have on a pet’s health can be huge.

Research and experience consistently show that:

• Fleas are the leading cause of flea allergy dermatitis (FAD)

• Pets develop intense itching, redness, and secondary skin infections

• Fleas can transmit tapeworms

• Severe infestations may even lead to anemia, especially in smaller or younger pets

In dermatology clinics across the Midwest, flea-related skin disease is one of the most common, and most frustrating, conditions we treat. And once it starts, it is difficult to resolve without intervention.

Part of what makes fleas so difficult to control is how they live.  By the time you see fleas on your pet, there’s usually a much larger infestation already developing around them. This is because about 95% of the flea life cycle exists in the environment, in carpets, bedding, and shaded areas of your yard. So while you may only notice a few fleas on your pet, the real problem is often already spreading behind the scenes.

Ticks bring a different - and often more serious - risk

While fleas tend to cause ongoing skin disease, ticks bring a whole other layer of concern: disease.

In Minnesota, ticks are known to transmit Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever - all of which can become serious if left untreated. And much like fleas, exposure most often happens in ways pet owners don’t expect. 

It’s not just deep woods or hiking trails. Pets are picking up fleas and ticks in their own backyards, neighborhood parks, and along everyday walking paths. Anywhere there’s grass, brush, or leaf cover creates the perfect environment for these parasites to thrive.

Why this matters so much in Minnesota

This is exactly why Minnesota is considered a high-risk region. It’s not just that fleas and ticks are present - it’s that they’re present in the same environments pets are in every day.

We can see this in real data. The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) analyzes millions of test results each year. If you look at their interactive maps, you can see this risk across the US, with Minnesota consistently showing up as a high-risk area. And when you combine the data with how pets behave - sniffing through grass, brushing past plants, exploring the edges of the yard - it’s easy to see how prevalent exposure is. Even pets that never leave their neighborhood are in constant contact with where fleas and ticks live.

The long-term impact

This is where the conversation shifts from a minor inconvenience to a real health concern. The effects of fleas and tick-borne illness aren’t always short-term. In many cases, they lead to:

• Chronic skin disease and discomfort

• Constant itching and recurrent infections

• Chronic joint pain

• Kidney damage

• Long-term immune challenges

For some pets, these aren’t temporary issues, they become lifelong conditions that could have been prevented with consistent protection.

Common Myths About Fleas, Ticks, and Prevention

With so much information online, it’s easy to see how confusion happens. Let’s talk through a few of the more common misconceptions we hear from pet owners.

Myth #1: “I will just comb the fleas out”

While flea combs can be helpful for spotting fleas, they don’t solve the problem. Remember, about 95% of fleas live in the environment, not on your pet. So even if you remove every visible flea, new ones will continue to hatch from your home or yard.

Myth #2: “My pet doesn’t go in the woods, so they’re safe”

Ticks and fleas aren’t limited to rural areas. Exposure happens during everyday activities in familiar environments, not just outdoor adventures.

They’re found in:

• Backyards

• Edges of sidewalks

• Dog parks

Myth #3: “Natural products are safer and just as effective”

Natural doesn’t always mean safer - or effective. Some ingredients, like certain essential oils, can even be harmful to pets.

Oftentimes natural options:

• Are less regulated

• Provide inconsistent protection

• Do not reliably prevent tick-borne disease

Myth #4: “Flea and tick medications are more dangerous than the parasites”

This is the biggest concern - and the most important one to address.

So, Are Flea and Tick Preventatives Safe?

When used correctly, yes - these medications are considered safe. The FDA requires extensive safety testing before approval. The AVMA also supports their use as part of routine preventative care.

Understanding the Risks of Medication

As with humans, no medication is completely risk-free, and flea and tick preventatives are no exception.

Most side effects, when they do occur, are mild and temporary:

• Digestive upset

• Lethargy

• Skin irritation

In rare cases, more serious reactions can occur, particularly in more sensitive pets. But this is uncommon, and the majority of pets tolerate preventatives without issue.

Putting Risk Into Perspective

When deciding what’s best for your pet, it helps to look at both sides.

Using prevention:

• Low risk of mild side effects

• Rare serious reactions

• Strong protection from parasites

Skipping prevention:

• High likelihood of infestation

• Ongoing exposure in everyday environments

• Risk of chronic skin disease

• Risk of serious illness

This is why veterinary organizations emphasize prevention as the safer choice.

Why Veterinarians Recommend Prevention

Veterinarians don’t recommend flea and tick prevention lightly. We recommend it because we see what happens without it:

• Pets with severe, ongoing itching

• Chronic skin infections

• Tick-borne diseases that can be life-threatening 

Preventing the problem is almost always safer - and far easier - than treating it later.

Using Flea and Tick Preventatives Safely

If you’re going to use these products, and most pets should, it is important to make sure you use them correctly.

• Choose the right product for your pet

• Dose accurately based on weight

• Monitor after the first dose

• Work with your vet if your pet has health concerns

• Stay consistent with dosing

Consistency is what keeps protection effective.

Why Year-Round Prevention Matters in the Midwest

In the past, prevention was often seasonal, but that’s no longer the case. In our area

• Tick seasons are longer

• Fleas are able to survive indoors year-round

• Warmer winters allow parasites to linger 

Year-round prevention is now the standard.

FAQs

How do I know which flea and tick preventative is safest for my pet?
The safest option depends on your pet’s age, weight, medical history, and lifestyle. Your primary vet or veterinary dermatologist can recommend a product that fits your pet’s needs best, especially if there are concerns like sensitivities or previous reactions. 

How quickly do flea and tick preventatives start working?
Most preventatives begin killing fleas within hours and kill ticks shortly after they attach. The goal is to eliminate them before they can reproduce or transmit disease.

What’s the difference between topical and oral flea and tick preventatives?

Topical preventatives are applied to the skin and spread across the coat to kill parasites on contact. Oral preventatives are given by mouth and work internally by killing fleas and ticks after they bite. Both are safe and effective; the best choice depends on your pet’s health, lifestyle, and your vet’s recommendation. 

Are flea and tick collars effective?

Some flea and tick collars can be effective, but their performance varies depending on the specific product and how they’re used. Newer, vet-recommended collars can provide consistent protection, while older or over-the-counter options might not be as reliable. Because effectiveness and safety can differ, it’s best to talk with your vet about whether a collar is a good option for your pet or if another form of prevention would be best.

The Bottom Line

It’s completely normal to question what you give your pet. That concern comes from a place of care. But when you step back and look at the full picture - especially here in Minnesota - the answer becomes more clear:

Flea and tick preventatives are far safer than the diseases and conditions they’re made to prevent. Choosing not to use prevention isn’t a neutral decision, it can pose a risk.

When in Doubt, Talk to Your Veterinarian

Every pet is different, and choosing the right preventative shouldn’t be stressful. At Haarstad Veterinary Dermatology, we help pet owners across manage:

• Chronic itching and allergies

• Flea allergy dermatitis

• Safe, personalized prevention plans

Because protecting your pet isn’t just about avoiding side effects - it’s about giving them a healthier, more comfortable life.