· Do you really need flea and tick medicine for your pets?
Using flea and tick medicine for dogs and cats is highly recommended to ensure their health and well-being. Ticks and fleas are more than simply annoying parasites; they also present serious health hazards. Fleas can cause excruciating itching, skin sensitivities, and even the transmission of diseases.
Ticks are known to be the source of serious illnesses, including tapeworms, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Ehrlichiosis, which can cause organ damage, joint pain, and fever in canines. In order to minimize infestations and lower the risk of disease transmission, flea and tick treatments work by either killing or discouraging these pests. They come in various forms, including topical treatments, oral tablets, collars, and sprays, offering flexibility in choosing the most suitable option for your dog's needs. Periodic use of flea and tick medicine is particularly vital for dogs that spend time outdoors or in areas where these parasites are prevalent.
Even indoor dogs are susceptible to exposure to fleas and ticks if they come into touch with other animals or if these pests are unintentionally brought inside by people.
1. Oral Medications
Flea Pills for Dogs for dogs typically guarantee they are successful in fighting off parasites, but there are a few points to consider when choosing this treatment. Most orally administered drugs will require a prescription from your vet and can come with side effects. The most significant side effect is seizures or convulsions. As a rescue organization for many years, we have noticed that smaller dogs under 20 lbs. are especially susceptible to having seizures from oral medications. For this reason, we do not recommend using oral medications. We want to note that if you discuss this issue with a veterinarian, they may not tell you that this is something to worry about for at least a couple of reasons. First, the medical information provided with the medications states that it is a low statistical chance for seizures or convulsions, but really, do you want to take that chance with your pets? Secondly, medication vendors may give incentives to veterinarians such as free supplies or discounts to sell the oral medications to pet owners directly.
Another issue with oral pills is that they typically target either flea eggs or adult fleas, but not both, so you may have to pick up several drugs to eradicate the infestation and you may need another separate costly medication for heartworm treatments.
2.Topical Flea and Tick Medication
Topical treatments like shampoos, powders, and spot-on treatments, eliminate fleas with varying degrees of success. Flea powders last up to one week, while shampoos kill fleas for about one day. Both only eliminate adult fleas and are best used when combined with pills or other treatment options. Topical spot-on treatments applied to the neck are most effective, destroying adult fleas, larvae, and eggs, and other parasites, and lasting about 30 days. (Topical treatments for dogs should never be used on cats unless the medication specifically indicates.)
Popular Flea and Tick Topical Treatments for Dogs Include
Eliminates flea infestations at all stages of the growth cycle
Effective against lice, but does not kill off ticks
Administered monthly, lasts up to 30 days
The waterproof one hour after application
Minimum pet age: 7 weeks
Ingredients include: Pyriproxyfen
Kills ticks, chewing lice, and fleas at all stages of growth
Eliminates fleas in up to 12 hours
Used monthly, effective for 30 days
Waterproof
Minimum pet age: 8 weeks
Ingredients include: Fipronil, S-methoprene
Effective against ticks, lice, biting flies, mosquitoes, and fleas at all stages
Begins working within 12 hours
Applied monthly, lasting up to 30 days
Minimum pet age: 7 weeks
Ingredients include: Imidacloprid, Permethrin, Pyriproxyfen
Kills fleas, ticks, and heartworm!
Treats and controls the spread of ear mites and sarcoptic mange
Applied monthly, lasting up to 30 days
Quick-drying and non-greasy
Ingredients include: Selamectin
Our research tells us that the active ingredient Imidacloprid in Advantix can be toxic to dogs if they accidentally ingest it, such as while licking, while the Selamectin in Revolution does not have that same risk. For that reason, plus the fact that Revolution also protects against heartworm, Revolution is the medication of choice for us at Perpetual Care. We use Revolution for dogs and Revolution Plus for Cats at Perpetual Care. (Note: We receive no incentives for our use or opinions.) We have tried some of the natural remedies which may work great for a home with one or two pets, but with the number of pets we have at Perpetual Care, and our intake of rescued pets who have not had veterinary care, we opted for the topical Revolution.
3. Flea and Tick Dog Collars
Flea and tick collars are most often used to prevent parasites from taking up residence on your pet. While preventative dog collars are most effective, some varieties of collars can also treat infestations by eliminating pests and their eggs via chemicals released into your dog’s skin. Look for the word “kill” on the package to ensure that the collar will treat an infestation, not just prevent it.Flea and tick collars can last up to eight months and are ideal for treating tick problems. Because collars are fastened around the neck, they are more concentrated around the face and neck area, where ticks more often inhabit. Flea and tick collars are especially useful when you are in the process of eliminating a pest infestation as they will help prevent a new outbreak, and most of them can be combined with other treatment options. (Talk to your vet before combining a Seresto flea collar with any other medications.)
· Does Breed Matter for Flea and Tick Products?
The simple answer is no, but the method of delivery may be affected by what type of coat your dog has, which will vary by breed.
First, If you are in the market to kill or prevent pesky fleas and ticks from bothering your pet, there are a few things to keep in mind while perusing the product isle. First and foremost, never give a cat a dog flea and tick medication or vice versa. Species does matter for dogs vs cats vs horses. (Note: fleas are not usually an issue for horses, but ticks and worms are potential problems for them.)
Depending on your course of flea and tick prevention (shampoos, collars, spot-on treatments, or orals like Sentinel Flavor Tabs), physical factors such as hair length and skin sensitivity can come into play. For example, for dogs with long hair just a shampoo may not be effective and they often require a flea and tick comb in order to thoroughly check your pet’s mane for infestation.
Note: for other kinds of medication (not flea and tick), like Ivermectin found in Heartgard, breed does matter. Certain breeds like collies may have serious sensitivities to certain drugs. Your vet will know this, however, and not prescribe them to your dog. When in doubt ask your vet if a medication is safe for your pet's heritage, but for flea and tick medication, breed does not matter.
· Size does matter
Once you decide on a product, it is incredibly important to pay attention to the varying dosage levels based on the size of your pet. Smaller cats and dogs often require a smaller dose than larger animals for equal effectiveness (and safety). The correct dosage by weight is clearly marked on the box. Do not confuse age with size. Many flea and tick products cannot be used until your kitten or puppy is 8 weeks or older. Always read those labels! When flea and tick products are taken as recommended they are generally safe and very effective.
Additionally, as mentioned previously, we recommend that you never use oral medications for dogs 20 lbs or under because they are at higher risk of developing seizures or having convulsions.
· What kills fleas and ticks naturally?
Pet owners who desire to avoid synthetic pesticides may choose natural means of eradicating fleas and ticks. Natural remedies can support further preventative measures even if their efficacy may vary.
One natural method is to utilize essential oils, which are recognized for their ability to ward off fleas and ticks. Examples include cedarwood, lavender, peppermint, lemongrass and lemon eucalyptus. Skin So Soft by Avon is actually a very effective oil that you can mix with water and turn into a spray and it also smells great. Making a DIY spray or applying these oils to your pet's fur after diluting them in water will help repel these pests. However, it's critical to keep in mind that if used wrongly, essential oils may be poisonous to pets, so you should speak with a veterinarian before using them and make sure they are suitable for your particular pet. Also, some of the oils may be effective in a spray, but if your pet licks and ingests the oils they can be poisonous. Lemon eucalyptus is one such oil. Wondercide is an example of a natural flea and tick spray that uses cedarwood, lemongrass and peppermint, however, again, due to the larger number of animals at Perpetual Care and coming and going of pets, we have opted for the topical spot-on treatments.
Another natural method is the use of diatomaceous earth (DE), a fine powder made from fossilized algae. DE can be sprinkled on your pet's bedding, carpet, or outdoor areas to dehydrate and kill fleas and ticks upon contact. Our concern with DE is that again, there is a risk that continually ingesting it is harmful to your pet. We had a rescue dog who developed a problem with his lungs and passed away unexpectedly early in his life and the veterinarian found a white substance on his lungs. There is scientific evidence that is what it was, but it is a good reminder that the toxic effects of treatments can build up over time until it is too late to recognize and treat them and that natural products that will not harm humans can harm your pets.
· Will coconut oil repel fleas?
Yes, coconut oil has been suggested as a natural flea repellent. However, its effectiveness may be a bit limited. While lauric acid, an insecticide, is present in coconut oil, it may not have much of an impact on the effectiveness of coconut oil to deter or eliminate fleas. More often than not, coconut oil is used for its nourishing and moisturizing effects on the skin and coat of pets. While applying coconut oil to your pet's fur may make it difficult for fleas to move around, it should not be a reliable standalone solution for flea control.
Ultimately, whatever method you choose to treat your pets, it is important to discuss them with your veterinarian and to continue to monitor your pets’ health for any ill effects through regular medical checkups.
This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis, or treatment by, your veterinarian with respect to your pet. All opinions voiced in this article are based research and on our own experiences.
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