Where do flea and tick treatments really go?
For many of us, protecting our dogs from fleas and ticks has become part of responsible care. But what happens when the products we use to protect our dogs raise wider questions about environmental health, scientific uncertainty and the choices we make every day?
In this thought-provoking conversation, I'm joined by Dr Tilly Collins, Senior Fellow & Deputy Director of Imperial College London's Centre for Environmental Policy, whose research is transforming our understanding of how flea and tick pesticides move beyond the animals they're applied to.
Together, we explore what happens after these products are used, how residues have been found not only in rivers and waterways but within our homes, and why this is opening up important new conversations about parasite management, environmental responsibility and the need for further research.
Rather than offering simple answers, this episode invites us to ask better questions.
Because perhaps the future of parasite management isn't about eliminating every risk—it's about understanding risk more deeply and making thoughtful, evidence-informed decisions for the individual dog in front of us.
In this episode we discuss:
- Why flea and tick control is far more complex than many of us realise
- How modern flea and tick pesticides work
- What Dr Collins' research has revealed about pesticide residues in homes, including household dust, mop water and dog bedding
- Whether fleas may be developing resistance to some commonly used products
- What we really mean when we talk about "risk"
- How to move towards a more personalised, risk-based approach to parasite management
- The need for further independent research into the long-term impacts on animals, people and the environment
- How we can begin shifting from routine intervention towards thoughtful stewardship
Resources
🐾 Download my free Mystic Dog Mama Low-Tox Parasite Prevention Toolkit
Learn how to assess your dog's individual parasite risk and explore practical strategies for creating a balanced, integrated approach to parasite management.
👉 https://mysticdogmama.com/the-81-percent
🌿 Join The Nourished Pack
Come and continue the conversation with a community of thoughtful dog guardians exploring holistic canine care together.
👉 https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack
Connect with me on Instagram https://instagram.com/mysticdogmama
Connect with Dr Tilly Collins
Senior Fellow & Deputy DirectorImperial College London's Centre for Environmental Policy
https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/t.collins/about
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The more we can create space for thoughtful, evidence-informed conversations, the better equipped we'll all be to care for our dogs—and the wider living world they're part of.
Disclaimer
This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Decisions about parasite prevention should always be made in consultation with your veterinary professional, taking into account your dog's individual health, lifestyle and level of risk.
