Flea/Tick Prevention and Canine Epilepsy
Flea/Tick Prevention and Dog Seizures
When Ruby was first diagnosed with epilepsy, one of my biggest worries was how to keep her protected from fleas and ticks without making her seizures worse. I remember standing in the pet store aisle feeling overwhelmed. Some products seemed powerful but scary. Over the years, I’ve learned how to balance parasite prevention with seizure safety. In this post, I’ll share what I’ve discovered so you can navigate this with confidence.
Why Flea and Tick Prevention Matters — Even for Dogs with Seizures
Fleas and ticks aren’t just annoyances—they can carry dangerous diseases like Lyme, ehrlichiosis, and more. So prevention is important, even for dogs with seizure disorders. But when your dog already has neurological sensitivity, choosing the right prevention becomes extra critical.
What You Can’t Ignore: Risks & Warnings
Over time, veterinarians and regulatory agencies have flagged certain classes of flea/tick drugs as having a small risk of triggering neurologic side effects (including tremors or seizures) in some dogs.
One commonly mentioned group is isoxazolines—active in products like Bravecto, NexGard, Simparica, and Credelio. These are very effective against parasites, but they’ve been associated in rare cases with neurologic reactions in sensitive dogs.
The good news: for most dogs, these medications are safe and well-tolerated. But for dogs with epilepsy or a history of seizures, extra caution is wise.
What I Do (And What You Can Do)
Here’s the approach I built with Ruby—and what I recommend for your pup, too:
Consult your vet first
Let your veterinarian know your dog’s full seizure history. Ask which flea/tick products they feel safest using in that context.Avoid jumping to strongest product
You don’t always need the “heaviest” chemical. Sometimes milder or safer alternatives can do the job—especially if parasite pressure is low in your area.Use topical or collars when possible
Depending on your dog and the options where you live, topical (spot-on) or collar-based preventatives may reduce systemic exposure. But remember: even topical products carry chemicals, so read labels carefully and ask vet advice.Monitor closely after applying
For any new prevention product, watch your dog closely for 24–48 hours. If you see tremors, odd behavior, vomiting, or seizure activity, contact your vet immediately.Rotate or pause if needed
In consultation with your vet, you may alternate products or use seasonal or targeted treatments instead of year-round, depending on your location and parasite pressure.Combine with non-chemical defenses
Keep your yard well-maintained (mow, remove leaf litter)
Wash your dog’s bedding regularly
Check and remove ticks immediately after walks
Check out non-chemical products that are safe for dogs, like Wondercide.
You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone
If you feel overwhelmed by all the information you need to know for your seizure-prone dog? My course My Dog Was Diagnosed With Epilepsy – Now What? can help. I walk you through how to build a safe routine and make confident choices. Not fearful ones.