If you live on Cape Cod and have a dog, you already know the deal: ticks are part of life here. Unfortunately, they’re not just a nuisance — they’re a real health risk for both dogs and people.

One thing I hear a lot in the shop is, “My friend in Vermont does this,” or “My cousin's holistic vet in the Midwest swears by that.” And while I’m always open to hearing what people are trying, the reality is this:

What works somewhere else doesn’t always translate to the Cape.

Ticks here are simply… worse.

This region is considered endemic for tick-borne disease, meaning the bacteria that cause illnesses like Lyme are permanently established in our environment. In other words, this isn’t a seasonal or occasional issue. It’s part of our ecosystem. Between our mild winters, dense vegetation, and thriving deer and mouse populations, ticks have everything they need to survive and spread.

For dog owners, that means we need to be thoughtful about prevention.

The Two Paths: Natural vs. Chemical

When it comes to tick prevention, most people fall into one of two camps: natural approaches or chemical treatments.

Both come with pros and cons. There isn’t a perfect answer, and anyone who tells you there is probably hasn’t lived through a Cape Cod tick season.

Natural approaches

Natural prevention absolutely can play a role, but it requires diligence and consistency. 

Think of it as a system, not a single product. One spray or supplement alone usually isn’t enough. Natural protocols often involve layering strategies like repellents, yard treatments, diet support, and daily tick checks.

It can work — but it takes commitment. And let's face it, avoiding a lot of places dogs love to romp and sniff. 

Chemical treatments

On the other hand, conventional preventatives can be very effective. However, they also come with potential risks.

Some products have been associated with neurological side effects in dogs, and many of them are not particularly friendly to the environment. That doesn’t mean they’re inherently wrong to use, but it’s worth being informed.

If you choose this route, buy from a trusted source — a reputable local retailer or your veterinarian. Unfortunately, counterfeit pet medications do exist online, and it’s not worth the risk when it comes to your dog’s health. I promise you, retailers and vets make crazy low margin on tick preventatives. If it's cheap somewhere, it's sus. 

What I Do With My Own Dogs

This is a topic that comes up the most when I'm in the stores. Personally, I take an integrative approach.

For my dogs, that currently looks like:

  • Seresto collars. I know. I hate them too but they work for us. 

  • Cedar sprays on the dogs and around the yard. We have had to use this more fequently than in the past. 

  • A healthy diet to support their immune systems. I can't find any science on this but I firmly believe that feeding fresh, minimally processed, low starch foods makes my dogs less attractive to parasites. 

  • Supplements that help support liver detoxification. I do my best to undo the effects chemical treatments can cause. 

This combination has worked well for us. It allows my dogs to continue doing what they love — running through the woods, exploring trails, and enjoying everything the Cape has to offer.

Because the alternative would be keeping them inside during tick season… and on Cape Cod, tick season is year-round.

At the End of the Day

Every dog and every household is different.

My goal isn’t to tell you what you should do. It’s simply to encourage you to stay informed and intentional about tick prevention. Whether you choose natural, conventional, or something in between, the most important thing is having a plan that works for your dog and your lifestyle. This year is going to be a doozy. 

And no matter which path you choose:

Check your dog for ticks!

Thank you for coming to my tick talk. 

- Ashley