Flea and tick preventatives for dogs grow in popularity despite environmental risks

The use of chemical tick repellents for dogs is rising in Finland, even though the substances can spread into nature through the animal’s feces and fur, public broadcaster Yle reports.

Eläinlääkäri Marjut Jormakka, a veterinarian based in Jyväskylä, estimates that a majority of Finnish dogs now receive some form of tick preventative—whether as oral tablets, topical solutions, injections, collars, or protective bandanas. Demand has increased as tick populations and tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, have become more widespread.

However, the active ingredients in these products—designed to kill ticks—can also harm other insects and ground-nesting birds. Residues may persist in a dog’s feces for up to three months after treatment, potentially contaminating soil and waterways. The environmental impact was recently debated on Yle’s Luontoilla nature program and has sparked discussion on social media.

Owners prioritize health over ecological concerns
Three Jyväskylä-based dog owners interviewed by Yle—Annemari Lindholm, Pipsa Ylönen, and Emmi Salenius—said they had chosen oral tick preventatives this spring, citing convenience and safety. Lindholm noted that topical treatments were impractical for her dogs, who are bathed frequently and sleep in her bed. Ylönen emphasized preventing ticks from entering her home, while Salenius admitted she had only recently considered the ecological risks after learning about fecal residue on social media.

Jormakka confirmed that questions from pet owners typically focus on the safety of these products for dogs and humans, not their environmental effects. She called for more research and public discussion to raise awareness among both veterinarians and dog owners.