There are numerous benefits of using prescription flea & tick prevention from your veterinarian. Most prescription medications are more effective than over-the-counter treatments. Your pet’s veterinarian can recommend the right product based on their lifestyle and medical conditions.
Full Answer
What is the best flea medicine for fleas?
Jul 29, 2021 · Topical flea treatments are often seen as a safe flea treatment for dogs because many types of this medication are not absorbed systemically, meaning they do not cross the dog’s skin barrier or get absorbed into the blood stream. This can be a safer option for dogs with a history of reactions to certain types of medications.
What should I tell my vet about Flea and tick medications?
Over the Counter vs. Prescription Flea Medications. As a pet owner it's best to find out the type of parasite infection your pet is suffering from before administering any drugs or topical solutions. While over the counter products work effectively, they should be used with caution because overdose can be dangerous and some products may not agree with the pet's skin. Prescription …
Is it safe to use flea treatment once a month?
May 11, 2016 · VETERINARY FLEA PRODUCTS: We recommend Advantage Multi (which contains the active ingredients imidacloprid and moxidectin) &/or Revolution (which contains selamectin) because of these benefits: 1.Once a month topical application . 2.VERY effective against fleas. How effective? There is no need to perform environmental treatments - like powders or flea …
What happens if you don’t treat your pet for fleas?
Instead, look for natural remedies that kill fleas. Some pet owners prefer using garlic, because it's a better option. However, since garlic is toxic when administered in large amounts, so use caution when administering it to ward off flea infections in your pet. Comments
What is the safest treatment for fleas on dogs?
Types of Safe Flea Treatments for DogsFrontline Plus is an OTC product that uses fipronil and (S)-methoprene to attack fleas and ticks at every life stage. ... Trifexis employs spinosad and milbemycin oxime to keep dogs protected from heartworms and intestinal parasites as well as fleas, but it does not work against ticks.More items...•Jun 27, 2019
What flea treatment is safest?
If chemical products are necessary for additional flea or tick control, NRDC recommends s-methoprene or pyriproxyfen, which are less toxic ingredients—but read the labels carefully because some products use them with other, more harmful pesticides.Jan 22, 2016
Why are some flea treatments prescription only?
Over-the-Counter preventatives are available without a prescription. The reason some flea/tick topical preventatives are in this category is that they aren't absorbed into your pet's body the same way a prescription medication is, hence, no prescription is required.Mar 15, 2021
What do vets use to prevent fleas?
Flea pills are oral insecticides that help control, treat, and prevent flea infestations in dogs. There are several different types of flea pills out there commonly prescribed by veterinarians.
Which flea medicine is killing dogs?
ATLANTA — Thousands of dog owners worldwide blame a popular flea killer for harming their pets. Channel 2 Consumer Investigator Jim Strickland has obtained records showing dog owners believe the drug is connected to hundreds of pet deaths. The medication is called Bravecto.Feb 5, 2017
What flea and tick medicine is causing seizures?
Health officials are alerting pet owners and veterinarians that certain flea and tick treatments might put dogs and cats at an increased risk of neurologic issues, including seizures. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says the drugs are in the isoxazoline class and include Bravecto, Credelio, Nexgard and Simparica.Sep 21, 2018
Do I need to get flea treatment from the vet?
It's always best to prevent fleas by regularly giving your pet a suitable flea treatment. If one of your pets does get fleas: Take them to your vet for advice. Treat all pets in your household to make sure fleas don't pass from one pet to another.
Do you need a vet prescription for flea meds?
Just like oral medications, most topical flea medications should be given on a monthly basis. These medications are available over the counter and do not require a prescription from your vet.May 25, 2021
Are shop bought flea treatments any good?
How Effective Are They For Fleas? Many of the available products do work in theory, so this means on paper but not in the face of an actual infestation. It has been demonstrated that OTC products, due to resistance & lack of residual effect, will affect less than 50% of fleas.May 11, 2016
What kind of flea treatment do vets use?
The most common on the market are Comfortis, Bravecto, Nexguard, Sentury, and Capstar. Though Capstar is now available over-the-counter, it's still a great medication to help quickly rid an infestation and bring relief.Apr 26, 2019
What is the best vet recommended flea treatment for dogs?
Best flea treatments for dogs and catsFinding the right treatment. ... Frontline® Flea Spray for Dogs and Cats. ... Frontline® Plus for Dogs and Cats. ... Seresto™ Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs and Cats. ... Capstar® Flea Control for Dogs and Cats. ... Advantage® II for Dogs and Cats. ... Sentry Fiproguard for Cats. ... Effix for Dogs.More items...
What flea product do vets use?
Tablets/Chews:ProductCommentNexGard SpectraA tasty once-monthly chew that works against fleas, ticks, heartworm and some common worms. Available from vet clinics.BravectoOne oral dose of Bravecto for dogs can kills fleas and ticks for 2–3 months. Available from vet clinics.2 more rows•Jul 16, 2019
Choosing the safest flea treatment for dogs
To choose the safest flea treatment for dogs, you’ll first need to consider the type of flea treatment that best fits your dog’s needs and lifestyle. Flea treatments are available as collars, oral tablets or chews, and topical spot-on treatments.
Flea collars for your dog
Many pet owners prefer to use collars as their flea treatment because this method is easy and mess-free. Some of the modern flea collar products even last as long as 8 months, so you won’t have to remember to administer your dog’s flea treatment on a regular basis – a great plus for many busy families!
Topical flea treatment for dogs
Topical flea treatments are often seen as a safe flea treatment for dogs because many types of this medication are not absorbed systemically, meaning they do not cross the dog’s skin barrier or get absorbed into the blood stream. This can be a safer option for dogs with a history of reactions to certain types of medications.
Oral flea treatment for dogs
Oral flea treatments are easy to administer and typically offer one or three months of protection per dose. These flea treatment medications are usually flavored so most dogs actually enjoy taking them!
Summary
The bottom line is that there are many safe and effective flea treatments available for your dog, and that is great news! You have many options to choose from depending on your lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences.
Can you overdose on dog meds?
Regardless of the medication you're administering to your pet, you need to carefully read and follow package instructions to avoid overdose. Some dogs are hypersensitive to some of the active ingredients present in certain tablets and topical solutions. You should inform the vet of any known sensitivities so that the right medication is administered.
Do prescription medications work?
The vet will prescribe these medications only after carefully evaluating the type and severity of infection present. Prescription drugs also work effectively to treat specific concerns.
Can flea medicine be used on dogs?
Most flea medicines that are commercially available consist of insecticides and insect growth regulators. These medications may not agree with all pets and have to be used in accordance with the vet's instructions. Since each pet is unique, you should discuss the benefits of using any given commercial flea product on your dog with the vet before even purchasing it. Even if you choose to use over the counter flea remedies on your pet you need to find out which medication is safe for use on your dog.
Can you overdose on parasites on pets?
While over the counter products work effectively, they should be used with caution because overdose can be dangerous and some products may not agree with the pet's skin.
Can dogs get fleas?
All dogs are susceptible to flea infections. Fleas very easily latch on to your pet's body when he roams outdoors. Once he picks up a few fleas, the flea population can multiply rapidly and lead to a full blown flea infestation. Since fleas also bite humans and cause excessive itchiness, it's important to take active measures to prevent your dog from coming in contact with any parasites.
How to get rid of fleas in pets?
To get rid of flea infections you should bathe your pet regularly and keep your surroundings clean to avoid future infections. Consider spraying your outdoor areas with horticulture oil to get rid of parasite infections.
Can I give my dog flea medicine?
Most OTC flea medications contain small amounts of permethrin, fipronil and imidacloprid. Since some of these ingredients attack the nervous system in parasites and cause paralysis, it's important to administer these medicines in an appropriate manner. Although OTC remedies contain pesticides in smaller amounts, they can give rise to several side effects when combined with other medicines. Pet owners are therefore encouraged to discuss the benefits of using any given OTC flea remedy with the vet, before administering the medication to the dog.
Do generics have the same ingredients?
Even though generics use the similar active ingredients as the branded, they may not be the same product precisely.
Is Fipronil a generic?
Currently, the compound “Fipronil” is readily available for generic use. Merial, the original patent holder, manufactures an outstanding flea product (Frontline®) that was the preferred choice of veterinarians for many years. Now, at least 15 generic “Fipronil” flea products are offered in the OTC (over the counter) markets.
Can fleas be prescribed over the counter?
For too long, safe and effective flea drugs prescribed by your Veterinarian have helped the pet parents to fight the blood-sucking parasites. However, the market today features various generic flea drugs that are available over the counter. These drugs are more affordable than the prescription options available to pet owners ...
How long does it take for a flea to lay eggs?
From egg to adult can take just 12–22 days under ideal conditions. There are plenty more fleas following right behind the one you just squished. 4. A single adult flea can lay 50 eggs a day, or 2,000 in her lifetime.
What is the life cycle of fleas?
Fleas have a 4-part life cycle consisting of eggs, larvae, pupae and adults. Illustration: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What happens if you skip one pet?
If you skip one pet, that pet will act as a safe haven for fleas looking for refuge. There’s no way round it — proper control means treating all the pets in the home.
Do fleas bite?
Fleas are not choosy: They bite the healthy, the young, the old and you. Fleas can happen to the best of us, the worst of us, the smartest of us, the most informed and uninformed of us. If you are finding fleas, you need a plan to get rid of them.
Where do fleas come from?
Early intervention will ensure your big flea problem does not get bigger. Fleas can come from your yard, feral and wild animals, or the dog park. People can bring in “hitchhiker” fleas to indoor pets. A flea’s entire life cycle is geared toward survival, no matter what.
Is it safe to use essential oils on pets?
Remember that “natural” does not equal “safe”: Essential oils can be toxic to your pet. Some create skin eruptions, or they can be toxic when ingested with normal grooming. I find the odors from many of the “natural” products so offensive that they may upset your pet as well. All this and they don’t work well.
Does garlic kill fleas?
“Natural” does not equal safe. Garlic may si cken your pet, but it won’t kill fleas.
Prescription Required (Rx) Medications
- Rx = Prescription Prescription medications require an approved prescription from a licensed medical professional before they can be dispensed, as they require closer regulation and oversight to ensure they are being used safely and correctly. This could be a tablet, capsule, che…
What Determines Over-The-Counter vs. Prescription only?
- Many factors go into deciding whether a flea and tick preventative is sold over the counter or by prescription only. Manufacturers look at these determining factors: 1. Ingredients:Where you can buy the medication depends a lot on its active ingredient(s) and the risks if applied incorrectly or given at the wrong dosage. The ingredients in prescription medications are well-controlled and r…
Why Heartworm Medications Require A Prescription
- Protecting your pet against heartworm is more important than ever! With climate change on the rise, warmer winters, and an increasing number of pesky bugs around, that means increasing numbers of spreading diseases such as heartworm. However, it is not recommended to start your pet on heartworm preventative without a visit to your veterinarian first. Even if you have leftover…
Store Brand vs Prescription
- There are numerous benefits of using prescription flea & tick prevention from your veterinarian. Most prescription medications are more effective than over-the-counter treatments. Your pet’s veterinarian can recommend the right product based on their lifestyle and medical conditions. When you purchase through your veterinarian, the product is recorded in your pet’s medical reco…
Cats
- Topical medications & collars are popular amongst flea & tick products. Some contain Permethrins, Organophosphates, or Amitraz as the active ingredient. All of these are extremely toxic to cats. Any medication containing permethrins should neverbe applied to cats. Also, cats should be kept away from dogs who have been treated for at least 72 hours to avoid accidental …
Correct Dosing & Route of Administration
- When used inappropriately, any medication can be toxic to the patient. Most products are dosed based on the patient’s weight. Pets who inadvertently ingest a topical medication or collar can become extremely ill. Toxicity can affect the nervous system, gastrointestinal system, and/or cardiac function with symptoms including: 1. Dilated pupils 2. Lethargy 3. Ataxic- uncoordinated…
Natural Remedies
- Some prefer a more natural approach to flea & tick prevention. Although not nearly as effective, holistic remedies can work for pets with minimal exposure. There are products available that have peppermint, lemongrass, cedarwood, and other essential oils as their main ingredient which claim to repel mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks. Please be aware that some oils, for example Tea Tree Oil, c…
Key Points
- Here is a list of key points to take away from this blog. 1. Never use dog products on cats. 2. Use products only as directed on the label. 3. Monitor your pets after use. 4. Report any adverse reactions to the company. 5. Use the appropriate dose for your pet’s weight. 6. Consult a veterinarian before product use in pets with chronic medical conditions. 7. Most prescription me…