Fleas & Ticks Don’t Take the Winter Off — What We Use
In Connecticut, fleas and ticks don’t hibernate — they hide. Leaf piles, low brush, and the edge of your yard stay just warm enough to keep them active through winter. That means every quick walk or backyard play session can still bring a few unwanted hitchhikers home.
Our team has been fighting this fight for years, testing everything on our own pets and our clients’ to see what really works. These are the products we trust because they’re safe, effective, and realistic to use year-round. If you prefer prescription preventives, these can even be layered with them for extra protection — safely.
Wondercide Flea & Tick Spray
We love Wondercide because it’s plant-powered, smells great, and works when used consistently. That last part matters — if you’re not seeing results, odds are you’re not applying often enough. Apply before every walk or outdoor playtime, and reapply every few days or after swimming or baths.
NPP Tip: Lightly mist collars, beds, car seats, doormats, and door thresholds.
Favorite scents: Peppermint and Lemongrass — but Cedarwood and Rosemary are also hits.
The Tick Mitt
Simple, fast, and indispensable. Keep one near the door or in your car. A quick rub-down after every walk can catch ticks before they attach.
NPP Tip: Make it part of your post-walk routine this fall and winter.
Earth Animal Internal Powders + Shampoo
Internal protection plus topical care is the best combination. Earth Animal’s internal powders make your pet less appealing to biting pests, and their shampoo adds a layer of natural repellency without drying the coat.
NPP Tip: Use the shampoo monthly through winter to keep skin healthy and ticks away, and the powder year-round for consistent internal protection.
NPP Team Tricks That Work
Layer protection if your pet seems to attract pests easily — internal, topical, and post-walk checks are a reliable combination. Don’t skip winter. Ticks become active on any day above 35°F and thrive in piles of leaves, mulch, or trail edges.
Bonus: Wondercide and the Tick Mitt are safe for human use too — just avoid direct sunlight after applying oils to bare skin and never spray faces, human or canine.
Beyond Products: Why Prevention Starts Inside the Bowl
Parasites don’t thrive on healthy hosts. The best defense starts with nutrition — a well-fed, resilient body is less appealing to parasites of any kind. The foundation of prevention isn’t the priciest food; it’s the most balanced and digestible one.
What to look for:
• Whole meats listed first on the label
• No fillers like corn, wheat, or soy
• No chemical preservatives or dyes
• Avoid sugary, starchy snacks
• Hydrate dry kibble with bone broth, goat milk, or water
• Add fresh, lightly cooked meats, vegetables, or fruit
Feeding well reduces inflammation and strengthens skin, your pet’s first line of defense.
Helpful Natural Additions
Garlic: Used correctly, garlic is one of the oldest, most effective natural repellents. Add a pinch of granulated garlic to meals or small amounts of fresh chopped garlic (¼ clove for small dogs, ½ for medium to large dogs, 1 for 100+ lbs). It takes two to three weeks to build up in your dog’s system — consistency is key.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds mild acidity to the bloodstream, making your pet less appealing to biting insects.
Cedar Oil & Essential Oils: Customizable, safe options that repel fleas, ticks, and mosquitos. We trust lines from Earth Animal and Wondercide — herbal collars, sprays, shampoos, and drops all work together for comprehensive protection.
Diatomaceous Earth: A simple physical barrier that works outdoors. It damages the exoskeleton of fleas and ticks on contact, dehydrating them. It’s one of the oldest, safest, and most effective preventatives you can use around your home and yard.
All of these can be used safely alongside prescription preventives when needed. Always check with your veterinarian before combining new products.
Why This Matters — And Why People Learn From Us
Most stores stop at selling products. We go deeper. For 11 years, NorthPoint Pets has done the work others avoid — researching, testing, and helping both pet parents and professionals separate fact from marketing.
Our team doesn’t just stock shelves; we educate the industry. Brands call us for feedback. Veterinarians refer their clients. Pet parents tell us they finally understand how to care better.
You don’t need to be an expert. You just need a place that actually knows what works. That’s what we do — and why it matters.
Stop in and talk with our team about your pet’s prevention routine, or grab your favorites online for pickup. Your $10 thank-you coupon is waiting — use it on any flea and tick products this week to start your winter prevention plan right.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to replace professional veterinary care. For questions about your pet’s health, always consult your veterinarian.
