Fleas and ticks can cause all sorts of irritation and problems for your dog, from flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) to Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. They are very dangerous, as an infestation of ticks, fleas, and heartworm can cause dangerous amounts of blood loss, especially in young dogs. It is very important that you have a good preventive measure against these parasites.
Preventing fleas and ticks from infesting your pet is much easier and less expensive than trying to treat a tick or fleas infestation after it is already present. As veterinarians, we have seen the devastating effects of Lyme disease on a beloved dog and had to deal with a house that was infested with fleas. Choosing the right flea and tick control products now can save you considerable time, money, and heartache in the long run.
Below is a basic overview of the types of products available to help prevent or control a flea and tick problem. Please take a moment to review our other flea and tick articles, charts, and comparison guides, all of which are provided to help you select the flea and tick products that will best meet your needs.
Monthly Flea & Tick Treatments
Topical and Oral Monthly Preventives like Drs. Foster & Smith Fiprotrol™ Plus Flea & Tick Control for Dogs, Frontline® Plus, K9 Advantix ® II, and Simparica are by far the most popular flea and tick control products available, because they are easy to use, have a high margin of safety, and protect against ticks and the entire flea life cycle for up to 30 days. Each combines effective flea and tick protection with a simple one-minute or less application. Easy-to-use liquid solutions are applied to your dog’s skin in a bead along his back. The liquid then combines with oils on the skin’s surface and moves through the haircoat to provide complete flea and tick protection. Water-safe topicals such as Drs. Foster & Smith Fiprotrol™ Plus Flea & Tick Control for Dogs, Advantage ® II , and K9 Advantix ® II are perfect for dogs that swim, and offer long-lasting protection that won’t easily wash off. Economical Bio Spot® ACTIVE CARE SPOT ON® for Dogs also provides protection against mosquitoes (carriers of West Nile virus). Finally, unlike our other monthly flea and tick control products, Capstar® is an easily dispensed oral flea tablet that starts killing adult fleas on the pet within 30 minutes.
Flea & Tick Collars
Flea and Tick Collars provide long-lasting protection against fleas and ticks, and they can be fitted with no mess and no fuss. Keep ticks under control for 3 months with the easy-to-fit Preventic Tick Collar. The Scalibor® Protector Band and the Sentry Dual Action Collar kill both fleas and ticks in their adult forms, for up to 6 months. Some brands also provide protection against the juvenile forms of fleas. This is important for overall control. Any juvenile forms on your pet can continue to grow into biting, breeding adults. For even longer protection, the Seresto® Flea & Tick Collar protects your pet against fleas and ticks, including flea larvae, for 8 months – great for pet owners that desire less-frequent application of flea and tick control.
Flea & Tick Shampoos and Sprays
Flea & Tick Shampoos and Sprays are ideal anytime you find fleas and ticks on your pet, even if he is wearing topical protection. Your goal is to remove any of these parasites before they can have the chance to bite your pet, cause flea allergy dermatitis, pass on tick-borne diseases, or breed and multiply. Shampoos such as Bio-Groom, Adams Plus, and Bayer Advantage kill fleas and ticks while also leaving your dog’s coat soft and fresh. You can also use sprays for quick killing of these pests, and the advantage to a spray is that it can provide a residual effect that can last up to 30 days. These sprays include Bio Spot® ACTIVE CARE, Bayer Advantage®, Frontline® and Adams Plus.
Anti-Itch Treatments
Itch Relief Products. Itching from flea or tick bites can make your dog miserable and may lead to skin problems or infections caused by excessive scratching or licking. The best solution is to alleviate your pet’s discomfort as soon as possible, while at the same time dealing with the ticks or fleas. As veterinarians, we have found that Dr Foster & Smith Itch Stop products provide immediate non-stinging relief from the pain and itch of flea and tick bites. Itch Stop is available as a shampoo, salve, lotion, spray, or pads, depending on your need. We also offer several other sprays and rubs to deal with itching from fleas and ticks. For dogs that need all-over relief, a soothing shampoo can be just what the doctor ordered. Drs. Foster & Smith Advanced Formula Oatmeal Shampoo soothes irritated skin and can help to calm the inflammation of flea allergy dermatitis.
Household Sprays, Powders, and Room Foggers
Indoor Flea & Tick Control Products. One of the most effective ways to protect your dog and your home from an infestation of fleas and ticks is by treating your dog’s environment. For example, adult fleas spend most of their time on an animal, but flea eggs, larvae and pupae are found in abundance in the environment, especially in carpeting and rugs and under the edges of furniture. For automatic convenience, the Adams™ Plus Flea & Tick Room Fogger treats up to 3,000 cubic feet for 7 months. Don’t forget your dog’s bedding and any other area he frequents. Bayer Advantage® Household Spot & Crevice Spray works well for these areas. You can treat carpets and rugs with Bio Spot® ACTIVE CARE Carpet & Upholstery Powder. Note: Outdoors, your dog is at risk from the many wild animals that carry ticks and fleas – including coyotes, deer, raccoons, skunks, and rabbits. Even if your dog does not come into direct contact with these animals, he can pick up ticks and fleas they’ve recently left behind. Bio Spot® ACTIVE CARE Yard & Garden Spray treats up to 5,000 square feet and kills fleas and ticks.
Flea and tick problems can differ depending on the season, your location, your pet, and your family. Since no two dogs or families are alike, it makes sense for you to thoroughly review your options and choose the flea and tick control products that best suit your needs.
