To keep your dog happy and healthy, preventative care is essential. Using monthly flea-and-tick preventatives is one of the best things you can do to prevent health problems.

Why Is It Important To Prevent Fleas And Ticks In Dogs?

The fleas and ticks on your body are called ectoparasites.

To survive, fleas and ticks must feed on their hosts’ blood. These bites may have a direct impact on your dog’s overall health. Flea saliva can cause severe allergic reactions, Dermatitis anemia, itching, and infection. Tick bites may cause abscesses and paralysis. They can even be fatal.

These parasites can spread and harbor a number of diseases in dogs.

• Lyme disease
• Anaplasmosis
• Bartonellosis
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
• Tapeworms
• Babesiosis

These diseases can even be transmitted to your family members. It is important to keep ticks and fleas away from your dog as well as your home.

When do dogs need flea and tick prevention?

It is important to protect your pet during the summer months. If you live where temperatures are warm all year, you should keep your pet on flea and/or tick prevention.

Even northern states experience some warm days that feel like spring during winter. Fleas and ticks have enough time during these brief warm periods to infest your home and pets. Fleas will continue to reproduce in your home, living on the carpets and floorboards. Ticks can crawl from your dog to humans if you don’t use tick prevention.

What Are The Best Dog Flea And Tick Treatment.

You can use a number of products to keep your dog parasite-free. These products may be pesticides or repellents. These preventatives target pests in different stages of their lifecycles, preventing infestations.

These products may only be effective against a single species of pest, such as fleas. Flea dips and powders are examples of products that can be used to treat fleas. Additional medications may be needed to ensure that your dog is protected against both ticks and fleas.

These products contain several ingredients that work together to combat different pests. These products are designed to protect against both ticks and fleas. They may also offer additional protection from heartworms, mites, or intestinal parasites.

Always consult your veterinarian before choosing a flea-and-tick medication for your dog. Check the label of the product and speak to your vet to ensure:

• This product is suitable for your pet’s species (cat vs. dog)
• It is designed for the life stage of your pet: puppy, adult, or senior
• It is the right weight for your pet
• The product is administered properly (is it topical or chewable?
• The product provides protection against parasites of the right type
• When the product is to be used with food
• How often should you administer the product?
• How long does it take for the product to start working?
• You can bathe your pets
• The product may also be unsafe.
• In the event of an allergic reaction, you know the right phone numbers to dial

You should always read the instructions and warnings on the packaging, even if you have used the medicine before. If you have questions, contact your veterinarian or product company.

How To Choose A Combination Medicine For Dogs That Will Treat Fleas And Ticks.

Finding the right flea and tick preventative for your dog can be overwhelming. You can narrow down your search by consulting with your veterinarian.

Consider these 7 factors when choosing the right flea and tick medication for your dog.

Applicable method.

Most commonly, flea and tick prevention comes in two different forms.

1. Oral: Chewable Tablet that Your Dog Ingests
2. Topical: A liquid that can be spread between the shoulder blades of the dog or on the back.

Topical flea and tick preventatives can be a good option for pets with sensitive stomachs or picky eaters. If you have children or animals around, be sure to keep them away from the product until it has dried.

Spot-on flea/tick options can have a medicinal odor or cause temporary itching/irritation or even hair fall. Topical treatments may not be the best option for dogs who like to swim or need frequent baths. The efficacy of a product can be affected by water.

Because they are given as a treat, oral treatments can be a convenient and easy option for dog owners. It is important to watch your dog closely when using oral treatments to ensure that they are eating the tablet completely and not throwing it up.

Call your veterinarian if your dog vomits immediately after consuming an oral flea-and-tick preventative. You should also report any possible reaction to the product. Oral preventatives can be fed with meals to help reduce upset stomach and improve product absorption.

Geography

Local parasite populations vary according to geographic location. These include fleas, ticks, intestinal worms, and heartworms.

The Companion Animal Parasite Council can be a useful resource for identifying the parasites that are present in your area. This will allow you to choose the best flea and tick products to protect your dog.

Outdoors access

Consider where your dog likes to spend time outdoors. Fleas and ticks may be found in dog parks, parks, hiking trails, and backyards. Your dog’s risk of parasite exposure increases if they spend a great deal of time in areas with other dogs and animals.

Fleas can enter your home through windows, other animals that go outside, or even human clothing and shoes. Veterinarians always recommend tick and flea prevention, regardless of the amount of time your dog spends outside.

MDR-1 gene

Breeds such as Collies and Australian Shepherds are at risk. Some breeds (such as Collies, Australian shepherds, and Shetland Sheepdogs) carry a genetic factor that increases the risk of a gene mutation that leads to drug sensitivity. These dogs are unable to safely process certain drugs, including some ingredients found in preventatives.

Many veterinarians, particularly those who treat dogs of affected breeds, recommend that they test them for the MDR-1 mutation. The Washington State University Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory website provides additional information about the mutation, including which drugs to avoid as well as ways to test your dog.

Enjoy the lifestyle

There is no particular breed at greater risk than others, but some dogs are at higher risk because of their breed and personality. Some dogs, such as hunting, working, or herding dogs, spend the majority of their time in the field. Other dogs prefer to spend most of their time at home.

Lifestage

Consult your veterinarian if your dog is a young puppy or a small breed. They will be able to recommend the right product for your dog’s weight and age. The majority of flea and tick preventions require a minimum age between 6-8 weeks. However, always confirm this with the product insert.

Medical conditions

Certain preventatives, called isoxazolines, should be used with extreme caution on dogs who have a history of neurological disease. They could lower the threshold for seizures.

If:

• Your pet has had an allergy to the drug before
• Your pet may be sick or underweight.
• Your pet is either pregnant, nursing, or will be used to breed in the future.

Over the counter Vs. Prescription Flea And Tick Medicine

You will find that while some flea and tick products do require a vet’s prescription, others don’t.

Over the counter flea and tick products

Flea and tick prevention products are available over the counter without a prescription or a relationship with a veterinarian. Online and at many pet shops, they are usually available.

Always consult your veterinarian before using an OTC tick and flea preventative on your pet. Your veterinarian can provide you with advice on the following:

• Possible adverse drug interactions with your dog’s current medication
• Possible adverse reactions to your dog’s medical condition
• Provide a possible recommendation for a product with a wider spectrum for your dog.
• If you should test for genetic conditions prior to starting a preventative
• Signs or symptoms of an adverse drug reaction

Prescription flea and tick products

It is necessary to get a prescription for flea and tick prevention from your vet. However, they are usually more expensive than OTC alternatives. Veterinary products are usually more effective and safe for dogs.

Many veterinarians concur that prescription preventatives, while more expensive upfront than OTC treatments, prevent parasites and diseases better. It is a cost-effective way to keep our pets healthy and happy and also prevents diseases that are spread by ticks and fleas.

Summary Of Dog Flea & Tick Preventive Products

Advantage II: A monthly topical product containing imidacloprid pyriproxyfen, is an active ingredient. This combination is fast acting and kills fleas in all stages, including larvae, eggs, and adults, within hours. It also kills chewing lice. This product does not contain tick prevention. Only dogs older than seven weeks or puppies weighing more than 3 pounds should use this product. It is usually applied every month.

Advantage Multi: Contains the active ingredients imidacloprid and moxidectin. This combination of drugs is effective against fleas and intestinal parasites such as roundworms. hookworms, and whipworms. It also prevents heartworm disease. Advantage Multi has fast action, killing fleas in just 1-2 hours. Other parasites can take up to 24 hours. This product does NOT provide tick prevention. Only dogs older than seven weeks or puppies weighing more than 3 lbs. should use this product. It is usually applied every month.

Bravecto: Contains the active ingredient, fluralaner. This drug belongs to the class of isoxazoline drugs. The isoxazoline drug class is absorbed systemically and must be bitten by the dog in order to get the medication. Bravecto has a fast-acting formula that kills fleas in 2 hours, and ticks in 12 hours. This medication is available in three different forms.

• The chewable 1-month tablet is only for dogs and puppies older than 8 weeks and weighing more than 4.4 lbs. This product is effective in treating fleas as well as deer ticks and American dog ticks. It also works against brown ticks and lone-star ticks.
• This product is only for dogs older than 6 months and weighing more than 4.4 pounds. This product will protect your dog from fleas as well as deer ticks and American dog ticks. It is also effective against brown ticks. The lone-star tick is only effective for 8 weeks. Consult your veterinarian to find out your pet’s level of risk or visit capcvet.org.
• Topical treatment for 3 months: This product is only recommended for dogs older than 6 months and weighing more than 4.4 lbs. This product will protect your dog from fleas and ticks such as deer ticks. This product is effective only against the Lone Star Tick for 8 weeks.

Bravecto is also effective against ear mites, demodectic and sarcoptic sarcoptic sarcoptic sarcoptic sarcoptic sarcoptic sarcoptics, as well as sarcoptic sarcoptic sarcoptic sarcoptic sarcoptic sarcoptis. All Bravecto products, as they are in the isoxazoline group, should be used cautiously in dogs who have a history or epilepsy, seizures, or neurologic disorders.

Comfortis: Contains the active ingredient, spinosad. This product is only for fleas. Comfortis has a fast-acting formula that kills fleas in 30 minutes. The dogs and puppies must weigh at least 5 pounds and be older than 14 weeks. Comfortis is usually administered once a month.

Credelio: Tablet contains the active ingredient, lotilaner. This drug belongs to the class of isoxazoline drugs. The isoxazoline drug class is absorbed systemically and the parasite has to bite the dog in order for the drug to be absorbed. Credelio is used to treat fleas and ticks. The product is quick-acting and begins to kill fleas in just 4 hours. Only dogs and puppies older than 8 weeks, and weighing more than 4.4 lbs. should use this product. Credelio should be administered once a month. All Credelio products are in the isoxazoline group and should be administered with caution to dogs who have a history or epilepsy, seizures, or neurologic disorders.

Frontline Gold: A monthly topical product, contains the active ingredients (s)-methoprene and pyriproxyfen. This combination of drugs will kill all fleas and ticks. Frontline Gold kills fleas and ticks in just a few hours. This product is only for dogs and puppies older than 8 weeks old and weighing over 5 pounds. Typically, it is applied once a month.

Frontline Plus, a monthly topical product containing fipronil (s)-methoprene is a topical product that contains the active ingredients. This combination of drugs will kill all fleas and ticks. Frontline Gold may be slower to act than Frontline Gold, but it is faster. This product is only for dogs and puppies older than 8 weeks old and weighing over 5 pounds. It is usually applied once a month.

Frontline Shield: A monthly topical product that contains the active ingredient fipronil. Permethrin and pyriproxyfen are the active ingredients in Frontline Shield. This combination of drugs will kill all fleas and ticks as well as chewing lice and stable flies. Also repels ticks, stable flies and mosquitos. Frontline Shield has a fast action, killing fleas and ticks in just 5 minutes. This product is only for dogs and puppies older than 9 weeks old and weighing over 5 pounds. It is usually applied once a month. Because this product is toxic to cats, it should be avoided or used with extreme caution in households that have cats.

K9 Advantix 2: Contains the active ingredient imidacloprid. Permethrin and pyriproxyfen are the active ingredients in K9 Advantix II. This combination of drugs kills chewing lice and fleas in all forms, repels biting flies, and repels mosquitos. K9 Advantix II has a fast-acting formula that begins to kill parasites in just a few hours. This product is only for dogs and puppies older than 7 weeks old and weighing over 4 pounds. It is usually applied once a month. The product is toxic to cats. Therefore, it should only be used with extreme caution in homes that have cats.

Nexgard: Nexgard contains the active ingredient, afoxolaner. This drug belongs to the class of isoxazolines. The isoxazoline drug class is absorbed systemically and must be bitten by the animal to get the medication. Nexgard is effective in treating fleas, American dog, brown, and lone-star ticks as well as deer ticks. The product is effective in treating sarcoptic or demodectic dandruff. Nexgard begins to kill fleas in 4 hours, and ticks for up to 48 hours. The monthly product is only for dogs and puppies older than 8 weeks old and weighing more than 4 pounds. Nexgard is a drug of the isoxazoline group, and should only be used in dogs who have a history or epilepsy, seizures, or neurologic disorders.

Onguard Plus: A monthly topical product, contains the active ingredients (s)-methoprene and fipronil. This combination of drugs will kill all fleas and ticks. It also works on sarcoptic dermatitis, chewing lice, and sarcoptic dermatitis. Onguard has a fast action. This product is only for dogs and puppies older than 8 weeks old and weighing over 5 pounds. It is usually applied once a month.

Seresto collar: Contains the active ingredients flumethrin and imidacloprid. This combination of drugs will kill and repel fleas and ticks for up to 8 months. The fleas die within 24 hours and the ticks 48 hours. It may lose its effectiveness if a dog bathes or swims more than once a month. This means that it will need to be changed as often as every five months. This product is only for dogs and puppies older than 7 weeks.

Simparica Trio: Contains the active ingredients sarolaner moxidectin and pyrantel. Sarolaner belongs to the class of drugs called isoxazolines. Isoxazolines must be bitten by the animal to absorb the drug. Simparica Trio is a combination of fleas and ticks as well as roundworms and hookworms. It also prevents heartworm disease. The product can also be used off-label for the treatment of ear mites, demodectic and sarcoptic dandruff, as well as demodectic mange. Extra-label use is effective in treating sarcoptic, demodectic and ear mites. Simparica Trio has a fast-acting formula that begins to kill ticks and fleas in 4-12 hours. This product is only for dogs and puppies older than 8 weeks old and weighing more than 2.8 lbs. Simparica is a drug of the isoxazoline group and should only be used in dogs who have a history or epilepsy, seizures, or neurologic disorders.

Trifexis: Contains the active ingredients milbemycin and spinosad. Trifexis works against fleas as well as roundworms and whipworms. It also prevents heartworm disease. This is a drug that works quickly, killing fleas in 30 minutes. This product will protect your dog from ticks. The dogs and puppies must weigh at least 5 pounds and be older than 8 weeks.

Vectra 3D: Contains the active ingredients permethrin and pyriproxyfen. This combination of drugs kills or repels fleas in all forms, ticks, mosquitos. chewing lice. sand flies. Vectra has a fast action, killing parasites in just a few hours. This product is only for dogs and puppies older than 8 weeks old and weighing over 5 pounds. Typically, it is applied once a month. The product is toxic to cats. Therefore, it should only be used with extreme caution in homes that have cats.