Many pet owners wonder which dog flea and tick control is the best. After all; we all want the best for our furry friends and would not want to compromise in these matters. The best flea and tick prevention for puppies should be safe, easy to use and effective and should not harm the pet or its humans. Ticks can be carriers of many harmful and often fatal diseases including canine Lyme disease. So it is important to read the flea and tick prevention reviews before choosing a product.
Today there are vaccines to prevent Lyme disease in canines but if you are meticulous about protecting your pets from getting ticks, you may not need these vaccine. There are many dog flea and tick pill products available today –all of which are very good at tick prevention. Talk to your vet about the best flea and tick prevention for puppies and adult dogs to find a product that best suits your needs.
Here are 7 best dog flea and tick prevention products available in the market.
1. Spot ons
These are applied externally on the dog, preferably in between the shoulder blades on just near the beginning of its tail where the dog cannot lick it. The chemicals spread throughout the dog’s body as they are absorbed by the skin. The active ingredient in a spot on remains active for 3-4 weeks after which you need to reapply it. Most brands of spot-ons claim to give long lasting protection from ticks, fleas and mites even if the dog goes swimming or if you bathe it.
2. Oral medicines
These dog flea and tick pills consist of internal or oral medicines. They come in the form of tablets or dog chews and are of different kinds:
- Flea protection only– These pills offer protection only from fleas. You can get them in dog chews or tablets. Try Bravecto dog chews for fleas; Bravecto reviews are pretty good because of the long lasting protection it offers for up to 12 weeks.
- Fleas and ticks– These dog chews protect against fleas and ticks both. They are also available in form of tablets.
- Fleas, ticks and heartworms– These tablets or chewables also protect against heartworms.
- Internal parasites– These dog chews and tablets only protect against internal worms or parasites. For puppies, you can use oral drops for protection against worms.
3. Sprays
Sprays are an inexpensive option to protect your pet against fleas and ticks only. However, you need a quiet dog that will sit calmly while you methodically spray it for tick/flea protection. Different flea and tick sprays offer varying degrees of protection. Also, one product can greatly differ from another, so you may have to try several different sprays to see which one best suits your dog. It is very important to repeat spraying every 3-4 days especially if you live in areas with heavy tick or flea infestation. Also, read the product label instructions carefully before using these tick prevention products. Make sure you do not use the spray near your pet’s eyes or mouth. This method is recommended if your pet already has fleas or ticks on it.
4. Powders
Like sprays, powders for fleas and tick prevention are an inexpensive option to protect your pet from external parasites. Rub the powder in the dog’s fur and especially between its toes. Once again, you need a cooperative dog for thorough application. Also, you must keep the powder from getting in your pet’s eyes or mouth. This method of dog tick and flea prevention is rarely used these days.
5. Shampoos
Used for fleas, ticks, lice and other external parasites, this flea and tick prevention for adult dogs and puppies helps wash away parasite eggs. While this will give your pet immediate relief, it will not safeguard your pet against future infestation. Fleas and tick shampoos usually contain pyrethrin based products which are derived from chrysanthemum plants. This potent ingredient can be harmful to pets’ eyes so do exercise caution when using it. The shampoo needs to be kept on the pet’s fur for at least 15 minutes-which can be challenging if you have an active and restless dog.
6. Dips
Like flea and tick shampoos, dips also contain Pyrethrin. You mix the product in water and soak your dog in it. You can also saturate your dog’s fur with the dip by applying it using a sponge. Alternatively, you can pour the dip over your infested pet but you need to exercise caution not to get the product in its eyes or mouth. You then need to allow the dog’s coat to air dry. This dog tick prevention method is not suitable for very small puppies or pregnant and lactating bitches.
7. Collars
Tick and flea collars are saturated with chemicals that repel most external parasites. The strong chemical smell repels ticks and fleas and but it can also be irritating to your pet. If you have a cat, it is important to keep it away from these flea collars. Most tick collars usually offer up to 3 months of protection from fleas and ticks. Avoid getting the collar wet as water reduces its effectiveness.
Many online sellers promise lucrative discounts on dog flea and tick pill, shampoos, collars etc. This may be because the products either have a short shelf life or because there may be a new generation of the same medicine/product available. So it is important that you do your research thoroughly before you are tempted to stock up for a year’s supply or more.
