I Stopped Using Traditional Flea Treatments After What Happened to My Dog — Here’s What I Use Instead

If you’re a pet parent, you know just how difficult flea and tick season can be. And if you’re trying to find a natural preventative, it can be even harder to find one that actually seems effective.

In 2017, my beloved Rottweiler Bella experienced a devastating neurological side effect after a routine topical flea and tick treatment. At the time, there were no warnings about potential neurological side effects. After that, I never used a conventional treatment on my dogs again.

That experience sent me down a long road of testing natural alternatives, and most of them disappointed me. Then I found Vet’s Best Natural Flea and Tick Wipes for Dogs, and I’ve been buying them ever since. The 50-count container is currently $14.99 on Amazon and uses plant-based ingredients, including peppermint oil and eugenol (clove extract).

The Tick Season That Made Me a Vet’s Best Believer

When I lived in Connecticut, ticks were a constant concern during our daily walks. I used these wipes on both of my dogs before heading outside each morning.

One particularly bad year stands out. My neighbor and I walked our dogs together almost every day along the same roads and through the same wooded edges. Her dog, Abbie, was on a traditional preventative, while Lola was wiped down with Vet’s Best before every walk.

Some mornings, we could actually see ticks crawling up Abbie’s legs as we walked. My neighbor regularly found multiple ticks on her afterward, and occasionally embedded ones. Meanwhile, Lola rarely picked up any despite covering the same ground right alongside her.

That’s my personal experience and not a scientific test, but it was enough to convince me to keep using these wipes.

How I Use Them Now in Florida

Now that I live in South Florida, ticks aren’t nearly as much of a concern as fleas. I still use the wipes regularly on both Lola and Burton, especially after time outdoors. Even my veterinarian is often surprised by how well we’ve done using a natural alternative.

One thing I especially appreciate is how easy they are to use around sensitive areas, such as paws, ears, and the face. Unlike sprays, there’s no mist drifting toward your dog’s eyes or nose. Lola will occasionally sneeze after being wiped down, but I’ve never noticed skin irritation on either dog, including Burton, who has significant environmental allergies and sensitive skin.

What Amazon Shoppers Are Saying

One reviewer wrote:

“Even though I noticed the wipes seemed kind of dry to start, they work great! My dog was picking up anywhere from 3 to 15 ticks on every hike. I use 1-2 wipes on him all over before every hike, and so far, he has not had even ONE tick. I’m amazed. Highly recommend. I was about to give up taking him on hikes, so this product is a game changer.”

One cat parent added:

“My favorite outdoor tomcat really appreciates these wipes. He lets me scrub him down with no issues. No problem with the strong scent. I think he realizes they repel bugs. It’s been a terrible year for fleas, and his once-a-month stuff just didn’t work as well. These have helped a lot.”

While this article focuses on the dog version, Vet’s Best also offers flea and tick wipes specifically formulated for cats.

Another shopper said:

“We use these wipes every other day (1 wipe per day). While the scent is pretty strong for me, I feel it is gentle on my Shih-Tzu’s skin with no irritation or sensitivity. So far, it’s worked great just for walks in the park and even tested during our camping trip in the forest. Definitely would recommend!”

My Full Natural Flea and Tick Routine

For my own dogs, the wipes are just one part of a larger routine. I bathe Lola and Burton with Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Shampoo about every four weeks, letting it sit for several minutes before rinsing. I also sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth on household rugs and vacuum it up regularly.

It’s certainly more work than applying a flea collar or using a monthly treatment. But knowing my dogs don’t have a chemical treatment sitting on their skin, especially when they sleep in bed with us every night, makes the extra effort completely worth it.

While no product works the same for every pet, Vet’s Best wipes are one of the few products I’ve continued to buy year after year.