

Topical: Liquid that is spread between the should blades or down the back of your dog Oral: Chewable tablet that your dog ingests Application Methodįlea and tick preventatives most commonly come in two forms: Here are 7 factors to consider as you determine what type of flea and tick medicine is the best for your dog. Your veterinarian is a great resource for narrowing down your search and finding the best fit. There is no shortage of options when it comes to flea and tick prevention options for dogs, so finding the best one can feel overwhelming. Follow all instructions exactly and contact your veterinarian or the product’s company if you have any questions. You have the correct phone numbers to call in the event of an adverse reactionĮven if you’ve previously used the medication, re-read the package insert, as the warnings and directions may have changed. If the product has any other safety-related concerns How long before the product starts working How often you should administer the product The product protects against the appropriate parasites The product is administered correctly (is it a chewable or a topical treatment) The product is within the correct weight range for your pet The product is intended for your pet’s life stage: puppy, adult, or senior The product is the correct species for your pet (dog vs cat) You will want to check the product label and consult with your veterinarian to make sure: These prevention options typically provide coverage for both fleas and ticks, but may also provide additional protection against heartworm, mites, or intestinal parasites.īefore deciding on a flea and tick medication, always check with your veterinarian and make sure it is a good fit for your dog. To ensure your dog has coverage for both fleas and ticks, you may need additional medications.Ĭombination flea and tick preventatives for dogs contain multiple ingredients to battle different types of pests. These include products such as flea dips, baths, and powders. Some products are only effective against one species, typically fleas. Each of these types of preventatives tackle pests at different lifestages to prevent infestations.

These products can be in the form of pesticides, repellents, or growth inhibitors.
#TICK MEDICINE FOR DOGS FREE#
There are a variety of products to help keep your dog free of parasites. If your dog isn’t using a tick preventive, ticks may even crawl off your dog and onto the humans in the house.

Once inside, fleas can continue to reproduce, living in the floorboards, carpets, and anywhere your pet lives. These brief warm periods provide fleas and ticks enough time to get on your pets and in your house. However, even northern states frequently experience a few warm, spring-like days during the winter months. If you live in areas where the temperature stays warm year-round, then you should make sure you pet is on flea and tick prevention all year. When Do Dogs Need Flea and Tick Prevention?įlea and ticks survive and thrive in mild to moderate weather, so it’s crucial to protect your pets during the warmer months. That is why it’s critical to keep fleas and ticks off your dog, as well as out of your home. Some of these diseases are even zoonotic, which means they can spread to you and your family. These nasty parasites can also harbor and spread a variety of diseases to dogs, including: Tick bites can cause infection, abscesses, paralysis, and even death. The saliva from a flea bite can cause severe allergies, dermatitis, anemia, itching, and infection. These bites can directly impact your dog’s health. Fleas and ticks are ectoparasites, meaning they are pests that live on the outside of their host.įor fleas and tick to survive, they must bite their host and then feed on the blood.
