Treatment FAQ

how to choose the right flea and tick treatment for your dog

by Ed Heathcote Jr. Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Your veterinarian can help you pick out the safest and most effective flea and tick treatment based on your dog's age, lifestyle, health status and other unique characteristics.Jun 27, 2019

What is the best flea and tick protection for dogs?

Types of Safe Flea Treatments for Dogs

  • Dog Flea and Tick Collars. Under many circumstances, newer dog flea collars are safe options for flea and tick control (unlike older collars, which were largely ineffective).
  • Topical Flea and Tick Treatments for Dogs. ...
  • Oral Flea and Tick Medications for Dogs. ...

What is the best flea and tick medication for dogs?

The Best Dog Flea & Tick Medications Summary

  • Advantix – Best Topical Flea Medication for dogs
  • Capstar – Best Oral Flea Treatment for dogs
  • Seresto – Best Flea Collar for dogs
  • Adams Plus – Best Flea & Tick Shampoo for dogs

How to choose the safest flea treatment for your dog?

#5: Best Natural Option: Arava Flea & Tick Prevention Collar

  • Effective for up to 6 months
  • Water resistance
  • No pesticides harmful to your dog or the environment

What is the best dog tick prevention?

Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Advanced Strength Dog Shampoo

  • Removes ticks, fleas, flea larvae, flea eggs, etc, upto 2X
  • Natural fragrance from peppermint and rosemary
  • Best for dogs 12 weeks and older
  • Effortless to lathering and rinsing
  • Infused with natural ingredients

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How do I choose a flea treatment for my dog?

Your dog's weight: Any product aimed at preventing or treating fleas and ticks on dogs specifies the size of pup on its label. For instance, if you're considering a Nexgard chewable tablet for your 6-pound Chihuahua, you want to get the one formulated for dogs in the 4-10 pound weight range.

What do vets recommend for fleas and ticks for dogs?

These are the best flea and tick prevention for dogs in 2021 Capstar for Dogs is safe for puppies as young as 4 weeks old and starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. The Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs offers eight months of protection against fleas and ticks in all life stages.

What is the number one vet recommended flea and tick?

Frontline Plus is our favorite non-prescription topical treatment, and it protects against fleas and a range of tick species.

What flea treatment is recommended by vets?

Seresto Flea & Tick Collar According to the American Animal Hospital Association, NexGard's chews are FDA-approved to help kill adult fleas before they can lay eggs, providing protection from fleas and ticks for a full month.

Is Nexgard better than frontline?

The answer to this question is the inverse of the answer given for fleas, which is to say that both are equally effective at killing ticks, but in this case, Nexgard kills them quicker. Nexgard can eliminate the little bloodsuckers in just eight hours, whereas it takes 24-48 hours for Frontline to work.

What is the difference between Frontline Plus and Frontline Gold?

The only difference is that Frontline Gold kills fleas faster than Frontline Plus does. Frontline Gold has added a powerful third ingredient, pyriproxyfen which helps to kill the next generation of flea e...more. Both products require monthly applications and are safe to use in all dogs and puppies above 8 weeks of age ...

What is the best flea tick and heartworm medication for dogs?

If it's unlikely that your pet could be exposed to ticks, Trifexis (a very popular flea heartworm pill for dogs) or Sentinel Spectrum may be your two best heartworm and flea prevention options.

What is the most effective tick treatment for dogs?

Nexgard was also recommended by all of the vets we spoke to, including Davis, who prefers it over other oral preventatives and calls it “the most effective prescription medication for ticks.” Nexgard claims to kill or control black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, lone-star ticks, and brown dog ticks, which together ...

What is the most effective dog flea treatment?

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...

Is flea treatment better from the vets?

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.

Is Frontline Plus safe for dogs?

The active ingredients in Frontline Plus — fipronil and s-methoprene — are largely considered safe and effective for most dogs.

Which is better oral or topical flea and tick?

The ninety-day study found that topicals were 88.4 percent effective, while oral treatments were 99.9 percent effective.

How to treat fleas and ticks in dogs?

Keep in mind that no two pets are the same. Therefore, a product that’s commonly considered to be safe flea and tick prevention for dogs may be a great option for one animal and a mistake for another. Factors to consider include: 1 Age: Flea treatments must be age-appropriate; many are not made for young puppies. Look at the product’s label for this information. 2 Breed: Coat type may influence your decision. Thicker coats may be difficult for topical treatments. 3 Your pet’s health history: Other medications or supplements that you give, concurrent health conditions, and previous reactions to flea and tick preventatives should be taken into account. For example, neurologic problems have been seen in dogs when high doses of ivermectin (heartworm prevention ingredient) are given in conjunction with spinosad, a flea preventative ingredient. 4 Your pet’s lifestyle: The presence of children and other pets (especially cats) in the household and your pet’s daily activities/exposure to the outdoors are important details. 5 Where you live: Which parasites are common in your area? Is resistance to certain preventatives a concern?

What is the best flea treatment for dogs?

Types of Safe Flea Treatments for Dogs. Veterinarians typically recommend dog flea and tick collars, topical flea and tick treatments , or oral flea and tick medications (sometimes in combination) to fully protect their patients. Here are a few of the safest flea treatments for dogs on the market today and some of their pros and cons.

What is Frontline Plus?

Frontline Plus is an OTC product that uses fipronil and (S)-methoprene to attack fleas and ticks at every life stage. It also eliminates chewing lice and helps to control sarcoptic mange infestations. While it shouldn’t be ingested, a few surreptitious licks by your dog won’t cause much in the way of problems.

How do experienced vets answer your pet questions?

Experienced vets answer all your pet questions via chat or video.

Do tick collars leave traces?

All flea and tick collars tend to leave traces of the chemicals that make them effective around the dog’s environment and on your pet, so this may be a concern with young children who tend to put everything in their mouths. Some dogs have had local skin reactions to the collar that have resolved when it was removed.

Is a flea collar safe for dogs?

Under many circumstances, newer dog flea collars are safe options for flea and tick control (unlike older collars, which were largely ineffective). The Seresto collar is a very popular option right now. It uses flumethrin and imidacloprid to kill fleas at multiple stages of development as well as ticks. The collar’s effectiveness lasts ...

Can you give a dog flea and tick preventatives?

Your pet’s health history: Other medications or supplements that you give, concurrent health conditions, and previous reactions to flea and tick preventatives should be taken into account. For example, neurologic problems have been seen in dogs when high doses of ivermectin (heartworm prevention ingredient) are given in conjunction with spinosad, a flea preventative ingredient.

What is the best flea and tick treatment for puppies?

Summary: Capstar is the best choice for flea and tick treatment for puppies. This is because the active ingredient, nitenpyram, is safe for pups as young as 4 weeks of age and as small as 2 pounds of body weight.

How long does a flea spot on last?

They are applied directly to the skin and usually last about 30 days. However, they can cause skin irritation in some pets and are not suited for dogs that are frequently exposed to water.

How to prevent parasites in dogs?

There are many ways to prevent your pet from contracting the parasites, with the most common form of prevention being a flea and tick collar or topical or oral treatment that has a long-lasting effect.

What does effectiveness mean in pesticides?

Effectiveness – by effectiveness, we mean the product needs to successfully kill a larger number of pests in a relatively short time frame. Ideally, the product will be effective against different parasitic life stages. For example, it will kill adult fleas, flea larvae, and flea eggs.

How long does Frontline Plus last?

Summary: Frontline Plus kills fleas, ticks, and chewing lice in only 12 hours. Administered monthly like the other topical treatments, Frontline should only be given to dogs 8 weeks or older.

Is pyrethrum safe for dogs?

Summary: Using pyrethrum, a natural insecticide made from flowers, Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Shampoo is safe for dogs over 12 weeks old. It kills fleas and ticks on contact and

Does Nexgard kill ticks?

Summary: Nexgard is a popular flea and tick treatment that requires a prescription. With afoxolaner as an active ingredient, it kills fleas, paralysis ticks, black-legged ticks, brown ticks, and bush ticks. The treatment comes in the form of a chewable treat and needs to be given monthly.

Why is it important to protect your dog from fleas and ticks?

Particularly if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, it's important to make sure that they're protected from fleas and ticks (and the various diseases that they carry). But flea and tick prevention products aren’t just important for your dog’s comfort and health—they can also prevent you and your family from getting Lyme disease or another tick-borne illness. 1

How to prevent fleas in dogs?

Fleas prefer to live in shaded outdoor areas with sand, leaves, or other debris, so you can help prevent fleas by keeping your grass cut short and keeping your dog from playing in areas where fleas might be hiding. You can also treat your home with diatomaceous earth, which helps to kill adult fleas. 5

How long does it take for a flea and tick treatment to work?

Working for up to 30 days to kill fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes on contact, this treatment can be used safely on dogs as young as seven weeks. Particularly if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, it's important to make sure that they're protected from fleas and ticks (and the various diseases that they carry).

How long does it take for Bravecto to kill ticks?

Each of Bravecto's prescription-only chews provides up to 12 weeks of protection against fleas and ticks, and starts to kill fleas in just two hours. They control four tick species: black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, and Lone Star ticks.

How long does flea shampoo last?

The shampoo contains an insect growth regulator (IGR) to kill and prevent flea development for up to 28 days, though you may find you need to use it every seven to ten days for the most effectiveness. A little goes a long way, so the bottle should last you for some time.

How long does fipronil last on dogs?

After you snap open the tube and apply the formula to your dog’s shoulder blades and back, it’s stored in the oil glands to give long-lasting protection for a full 30 days.

How long does a waterproof tick spray last?

This waterproof topical treatment gives long-lasting protection for a full 30 days, killing both fleas and ticks.

How to get rid of fleas on dogs?

A double row flea comb does double the work to make sure you get all the fleas hiding on your dog. Avoid spreading fleas inside your home by combing your dog outdoors. To ensure effectiveness, make sure the comb reaches your pup’s skin and comb down and then outward and away from the dog. Once the flea comb starts pulling up fleas, use a small bowl of hot water (70 degrees to 85 degrees Fahrenheit) and rinse the comb out in the water after each stroke. You can add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or dishwashing liquid in the water to immobilize and kill the fleas.

What is flea and tick powder?

Flea and tick powder is a dry alternative to topical pest control products. You sprinkle the powder over your dog’s body and rub it into their hair. Some, like TropiClean’s Natural Flea & Tick powder, can also be used on carpeting and upholstery.

Does flea shampoo kill ticks?

Flea shampoos are specially medicated to kill fleas and/or ticks on dogs. Generally, they kill adult fleas and ticks on contact. They are not necessarily designed for lasting control against infestation. Some, like Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor, also kill eggs.

Why is flea treatment important for pets?

Monthly treatment is important as it’s easier and less expensive to protect your pets from infestations and disease than it is to treat them after a diagnosis. Treating a flea infestation can be costly and a burden to renters and homeowners, while tick-borne diseases can cause your pet pain, weight loss and other serious side effects.

How long does flea and tick dip last?

This type of treatment can prevent fleas and ticks for up to 35 days. Be sure to avoid getting the product in your pet’s mouth or eyes.

How do flea collars work?

Typical flea collars repel fleas and ticks by dispersing a chemical all over your pet’s body. While they provide some protection and are usually inexpensive, your pet may find them irritating and they usually carry a strong odor. Fortunately a new improved flea collar was recently introduced call Seresto. The Seresto collar kills adult fleas and larva and it kills and repels ticks. Its slow release technology is effective for up to 8 months which makes it a good economical choice. The collar is odorless and water-resistant.

Can you use foggers for fleas?

Areas of the home can be spot treated with powders and sprays and foggers can be used for whole home treatment. Some professional pest control company’s offer home flea treatments.

What is the best flea and tick prevention for dogs?

One of the more affordable flea and tick prevention medication for dogs, the Sentry FiproGuard kills the pests within few hours of application. Same like the Frontline Plus and many other brand names, this budget-friendly spot on uses fipronil to kill fleas, ticks, and chewing lice. It will efficiently eliminate brown dog ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks, and deer ticks. The formula protects your pet for four weeks, and the six month’s worth of this flea and tick prevention spot on costs under $20. And that’s for a large breed dog- like with most other spot on products, there are options for dogs of all sizes.

How long does a dog bite repel ticks?

One tasty bite and your dog is protected from fleas and ticks for up to 35 days ! These chewable tablets kill and repel fleas in all life stages, as well as four types of ticks– Lone Star tick, Gulf Coast tick, American dog tick, and brown dog tick. This package contains 6 treatments, so your furbaby will be free of pests for half a year with just one purchase. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the tablets are liver-flavored- they’ll be a yummy treat for your pet so you won’t have to mask the tablet with food to trick them into eating it!

How long does Vectra 3D keep your pet?

A truly broad spectrum parasite prevention and treatment, Vectra 3D will keep your pet protected for 30 days after you apply it. The fact that it repels and kills parasites improves your pet’s odds of never being bitten in the first place, and minimizes the risk for contracting a disease. Of course, that’s only in case your pet is not already infested.

What are the best supplements for dogs?

If you prefer natural alternatives over traditional options, you’ll love these veterinarian-formulated chewable tablets. Based on brewer’s yeast and garlic, these supplements for dogs promise to keep your pooch pest-free with natural ingredients. The idea behind it is that, by daily consumption of yeast and garlic tablets, dogs develop a scent that makes them extremely unappetizing to bloodsuckers. Humans and other dogs reportedly can’t register the odor, but fleas and ticks are repelled by it. To boot, the tablets are also an excellent source of protein, trace minerals, and B-complex vitamins that will support your pet’s overall health and improve the look of their coat.

What happens if my dog swallows a flea?

If your pooch swallows a flea when trying to bite the itchiness away (and he will), he will get infested with tapeworms. Anemia, hot spots, and Bartonella infection are also possibilities for dogs infested with fleas.

Does Frontline Plus kill ticks?

But, unlike many products on the market, Frontline Plus doesn’t just kill the adult fleas- it will also kill the next generation of larvae and eggs that could be infesting your dog. By stopping the further reproduction of the parasites, this spot-on breaks the flea life cycle for good. Granted, that’s only if you use it regularly on your pet- Frontline Plus will keep them safe from pests for 30 days straight, but after that, you’ll need to apply another dose.

Can ticks cause a dog to scratch?

As if the fact that they’ll send your dog into a scratching frenzy isn’t enough to make them a nuisance, both ticks and fleas can cause serious health issues. If your pooch swallows a flea when trying to bite the itchiness away (and he will), he will get infested with tapeworms. Anemia, hot spots, and Bartonella infection are also possibilities for dogs infested with fleas.

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