Flea and Tick Protection for Puppies
| Product | Minimum Age | Route | Frequency | Ticks |
| Advantage Multi | 7 weeks/3 lbs. | Topical | Monthly | |
| Bravecto | 6 months | Tablet | 12 weeks | X |
| Capstar | 4 weeks/2 lbs. | Tablet | Varies | |
| Comfortis | 14 weeks | Tablet | Monthly |
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 safest tick medication for dogs?
- Cover the tablet with peanut butter. Put it on a small piece of bread and your dog won’t even notice the medicine.
- Put the medicine in a pill pocket. These soft chews have a little hole for inserting a tablet.
- Hide the medicine in a favorite treat. ...
- Give the pill when your dog is hungry. ...
- Train the dog to receive a daily treat. ...
What is the best natural flea repellent for dogs?
- Traps (soapy water, electric, or glue) – kills adult fleas
- Diatomaceous earth – kills adult fleas
- Cedarwood and Neem oils – kills eggs, larvae, and adult fleas
- A Dawn Dishsoap bath – kills adult fleas and larvae
- Rosemary essential oil – repels adult fleas
- Apple cider vinegar – repels adult fleas
What is the best natural tick prevention for dogs?
Topical/External Tick Preventatives
- Herbal Flea And Tick Powder. There are many tick powders (and sprays) that use herbal combinations to prevent ticks. ...
- Herbal Flea/Tick Collars. Like powders and sprays, you can also buy herbal flea and tick collars. ...
- Tick Shampoo. You can also make your own tick shampoo. ...
- Citrus repellent. Cut a lemon into quarters and put into a pint jar. ...
What is the safest flea and tick prevention for puppies?
Flea treatment: According to veterinarian and AKC Family Dog columnist Jeff Grognet, Capstar is safe to give to puppies as young as four weeks old (and a minimum of 2 pounds). This medication is given in a tablet form to treat flea infestations.
Is flea and tick medicine safe for puppies?
Most flea and tick products are not safe to use on puppies until they have reached at least seven or eight weeks of age. At Plymouth Veterinary Hospital, we can recommend a flea and tick preventative to use that it is safe to begin administering to your puppy.
Are flea treatments safe for puppies?
Many flea treatments are perfectly safe to use on a puppy. But some may only be suitable for puppies over 8 weeks of age. If they get fleas before this, another option is to physically remove them with a flea comb, then treat your puppy with FRONTLINE® Spray, which can be used from when they are two days old.
When can you start flea treatment on a puppy?
8 weeks oldWhen it comes to tick and flea prevention, puppies and kittens require special care. Most of the products available are not recommended for use on animals younger than 8 weeks old, and that can leave new pet parents in a pickle. Thankfully, there are safe and effective options for young puppies and kittens.
Is NexGard safe for puppies?
NexGard is approved for use in puppies as young as 8 weeks, where there other products are only for puppies older than 6 months. This is important! Puppies need protection from fleas and ticks too. A potential for adverse reactions is also considered.
Can you use Frontline on puppies?
When should I start treating my pets with FRONTLINE PLUS or FRONTLINE SPRAY? It is safe to treat puppies and kittens with FRONTLINE SPRAY from 2 days of age. Puppies and kittens can be treated with FRONTLINE PLUS from 8 weeks of age.
Is Dawn dish soap safe for puppies?
For dogs and other easy-to-bathe pets, you will need Dawn dish detergent. Using Dawn is recommended because it works best for killing the fleas where other brands may not, and it's the safest for your pet.
What can I use on a 6 week old puppy for fleas?
If you have a very young puppy, Revolution can be used on puppies 6 weeks of age and older, and there is no minimum weight requirement. Once your puppy is at least 7 weeks old, he or she can use Advantage II if the puppy weighs at least 3 pounds, or K9 Advantix II if your pup weighs at least 4 pounds.
Can an 8 week old puppy have flea medicine?
Puppies aged eight weeks and older can often be treated with standard flea control products. There are several different options including spot-ons, tablets and collars. Advantage spot-on is suitable for pets from eight weeks.
What flea and tick medicine is killing dogs?
0:023:45Channel 2's investigative reporter Jim Strickland has FDA reports showing the drug is suspected inMoreChannel 2's investigative reporter Jim Strickland has FDA reports showing the drug is suspected in hundreds of pet death Jim. Chavita it's called brave ecto a dog chew.
Can a 8 week old puppy wear a flea collar?
If you prefer a flea collar, the Seresto collar can be used on puppies at least 7 weeks of age or older. After he is eight weeks old, you can use Activyl, or Frontline Plus, as well as some of the newer oral flea control medications such as NexGard and Trifexis.
Can you bathe a 4 week old puppy with fleas?
The best way to treat puppies this young is with a warm bath and some dawn dish soap. You can't really use any flea treatments on them. However you should, and can treat the mother. You should also wash any bedding and make sure that you keep the puppies free of fleas at all times.
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 factors to consider when treating a puppy for fleas?
Factors to consider include: Age: Flea treatments must be age-appropriate; many are not made for young puppies. Look at the product’s label for this information. Breed: Coat type may influence your decision. Thicker coats may be difficult for topical treatments. Your pet’s health history: Other medications or supplements that you give, ...
Can flea and tick collars be used on cats?
As is the case with flea and tick collars, if you’re unable to keep your pet away from small children or animals who may come into direct contact with the medication before it has dried or absorbed into your pet’s skin, a topical treatment might not be the ideal solution. If you have cats in your home, you will want to talk to a veterinarian ...
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 ...
Does Frontline Plus work?
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 to treat fleas and ticks in dogs?
Tips to Control Fleas. The best and safest way to cure flea and tick infections is to use natural medications along with preventive measures. Since fleas attach themselves to your dog's body when he goes outdoors, make sure your comb the dog's fur after taking him on a walk.
How to get rid of fleas in dogs?
Wash your dog's bedding in hot water to kill dust mites and fleas. You should spray your outdoor areas with pet friendly chemicals to get rid of fleas. Horticultural oil is a good option. Some pet owners choose to give their pets garlic, to keep flea and tick infections at bay.
Is flea and tick treatment safe for dogs?
What Is the Safest Flea and Tick Treatment for Dogs. ... Although there are plenty of flea and tick treatment options that effectively kill adult fleas and ticks, these products are not always safe for use. Most products contain organophosphate insecticides that effectively kill adult parasites. If these insecticides are used incorrectly ...
Can flea collars be used for ticks?
What You Should Avoid. Although all commercial products help control flea and tick infections, most of them cannot be used as long term solutions for parasite control. Flea collars contain harmful pesticides that shouldn't come in contact with human skin. This makes it unsafe for use around children, too.
Is flea control safe for children?
This makes it unsafe for use around children, too. Flea control tablets also have their own side effects but they aren't as harmful as most other treatment options. However, make sure you administer tablets that are lower in toxicity. Avoid products that contain organophosphate insecticides.
Can flea and tick control be used on dogs?
If these insecticides are used incorrectly or if your pet ingests even the smallest amount of topical solutions that are applied to his body, he stands a chance of developing several harsh side effects. It is therefore important to look for alternative and safer options to control flea and tick infections in dogs.
What are the signs of a flea and tick problem?
Look for dizziness, wobbliness, incoordination, poor appetite, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive salivation. Some animals have had seizures and/or died. Learn how to report problems with flea and tick products.
How long does flea season last?
If you live in a colder climate, it might only last four months or so . In other places, like Florida, fleas can live all year long. Fleas can live inside a warm house year-round no matter where you live.
When do ticks come out?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that in most parts of the U.S., the greatest chance of being bitten by a tick is in spring and summer, with another spike in the fall.
Can fleas kill pets?
In severe infestations, fleas feasting on your pet’s blood can lead to anemia and, in rare cases, death. Ticks can also harm your pet, transmitting tick-borne infections such as Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Babesiosis, and Bartonellosis. And pets can bring ticks into the home, ...
Can fleas cause hair loss?
Flea bites may be more than an itchy annoyance to some dogs and cats. They can cause flea allergy dermatitis — an allergic reaction to proteins in flea saliva. And a pet’s constant scratching can cause permanent hair loss or other skin problems. In severe infestations, fleas feasting on your pet’s blood can lead to anemia and, in rare cases, death.
Can you buy flea and tick products over the counter?
Some of these products are available only from a veterinarian; others can be bought over the counter. Flea and tick products range from pills and chews given by mouth to collars, sprays, dips, shampoos, powders, and “spot-ons,” liquid products squeezed onto the dog’s or cat’s skin usually between the shoulder blades or down the back.
Can flea bites cause dermatitis?
To avoid this, cancel and sign in to YouTube on your computer. An error occurred while retrieving sharing information. Please try again later. Flea bites may be more than an itchy annoyance to some dogs and cats. They can cause flea allergy dermatitis — an allergic reaction to proteins in flea saliva.
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.
Types of Flea Control Products
The pet market offers various flea control products, and each has its pros and cons. Here are the different types of anti-flea products:
Best Topical Flea & Tick Treatment for Dogs
Summary: K9 Advantix II is a powerful topical treatment that can be used to kill fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, lice, and even biting flies at all stages of their life. The treatment starts to work within 12 hours of application and can be applied monthly. It is safe for dogs 7 weeks old or above.
Best Oral Flea & Tick Treatment for Dogs
Summary: Capstar is an over-the-counter, oral medication with nitenpyram as an active ingredient. It needs to be administered daily, usually with food, and is effective for up to 24 hours. Capstar is safe to use in dogs 4 weeks or older.
Best Flea Collars for Dogs
Before reviewing the top three flea collars for dogs, we should note the controversy surrounding this product.
Best Flea & Tick Shampoos for Dogs
Summary: The Adams Plus Shampoo contains an insect growth regulator (IGR) and is excellent for managing ongoing flea infestations but does not work as a preventative. It also contains aloe, lanolin, coconut extract, and oatmeal, thus providing skin nourishment.
Best Flea Control Products 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 We Selected the Best Flea and Tick Treatments for Dogs
To compile this list, we have reviewed dozens of different products. These are the main factors we considered when selecting the best flea and tick treatments for dogs:
What is the best spray for dogs to kill fleas?
If you're leery of using synthetic chemicals on or in your dog, try this plant-based spray. It’s formulated with certified natural peppermint and clove essential oils to kills fleas, flea larvae, flea eggs, ticks, and mosquitoes on contact.
How to keep fleas away from my dog?
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. 4.
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.
Can flea and tick prevention products help dogs?
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. From pills and chews to ointments and shampoos, there are plenty of options to choose from to keep your dog healthy.
How old can a puppy be to get flea and tick treatment?
What age is safe for tick and flea treatment? In general, it is not safe to use flea or tick medication on puppies younger than seven or eight weeks old. However, there are options that are safe for even very small puppies. One such option is a tablet that works only for 24 hours, but it is not very preventative.
How to get rid of fleas in puppies?
An alternative is using a flea comb. For puppies younger than four weeks, the best solution is a comb. With this, you can safely get rid of fleas – if you can get your pup to keep still long enough. Manually comb out all the pests you can, and then either squash them (which might be too gross for some people) or dump them in boiling water.
How to get fleas to hatch?
Try using dehumidifiers. Flea eggs need a suitable environment to develop and hatch – at least 50% humidity. You can use a dehumidifier to make your home less of a breeding station. If your puppy is older than eight weeks, you can start using methods like flea and tick collars and other, stronger shampoos and spot-ons.
How old should a puppy be to avoid fleas?
You have to consider the puppy’s age. If younger than eight weeks , it is recommended that you avoid any of the shampoos and other topical treatments available on the market.
How to get rid of a puppy that is too old?
When your puppy is old enough, you can use one of the many solutions available these days, such as flea collars and medication.
How to make a flea trap?
To make the trap, fill a shallow bowl with water. Make sure it will be easy for the fleas to jump in. Then add about 20ml to 30ml of dish soap to the water. This will help reduce surface tension, causing the fleas, which are usually too light to go below the surface, to drown.
What to do when you get a new pet?
Spread the love. When you get a new pet, you obviously want to give them the best possible life and home. Included in this ‘best possible’ scenario, is proper health care and grooming. You don’t want your little furry friend to suffer and itch because of fleas and ticks.
How do flea and tick preventatives work?
How Oral Flea And Tick Preventatives Work. When you give your dog isoxazolines, they work systemically. This means they’re absorbed into his blood and they affect the entire body. When fleas and ticks feast on your dog’s blood, they eat the chemicals … and become paralyzed and die.
How long does flea and tick prevention last?
Here’s a reminder of some things to beware of. Duration of prevention. Avoid the longer-lasting 8 to 12 week products. Longer prevention means a more potent product and longer time in your dog’s system.
What is the best flea control?
Lotilaner – an ectoparasiticide belonging to the isoxazoline family, with a 1 month duration. Spinosad – made from soil bacteria that is toxic to insects and found in garden insect spray. Lufenuron – controls flea infestations by preventing the hatching of eggs, and prevents the flea shell from developing.
How long do tick collars last?
The second riskiest category is impregnated flea and tick collars that your dog wears all day and all night for as long as 8 months. So they’re right under your dog’s nose all the time. The absorption of chemicals is through the skin. And unlike oral flea and tick preventives, your dog isn’t supposed to eat these.
What are the chemicals used to treat fleas?
They’re potent and dangerous enough. They include acaricides that are pesticides poisonous to ticks and mites. Ectoparasiticides are to treat external parasites like fleas, ticks, lice, mites and flies.
How long does it take for a dog to die from fleas?
When a flea or tick draws blood from your dog it’s infected with the chemical and dies. This takes place over several months while your dog wears the collar.
What is the name of the drug that binds to chloride channels inside a flea?
These drugs contain isoxazolines. And they’re usually only available by prescription. Many of these meds contain a class of ingredients called isoxazolines. They’re non-competitive GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptor antagonists. This means they bind to chloride channels inside the flea or tick.