Fleas and ticks are irritating facts of life for pets and pet owners. Any time your dog goes out into the world, there are high chances of fleas and ticks infestation. A major share of the pet care industry contributes to supply products to combat fleas as well as to prevent them from becoming an issue.
There are a plethora of products available in the form of chewable, spot-on and collar treatments to control and eliminate fleas and ticks. In the overabundance of products providing similar results, it can be a bit overwhelming to choose the right product for your pooch. When it comes to flea and tick treatments there are mainly three options that include: topical, oral and collar treatments.
Hence, it is imperative for pet parents to learn the difference between available products and this post will help to do that.
Read More: 6 TRENDING ALTERNATIVES OF FRONTLINE PLUS
Topical Flea & Tick Treatment for Dogs
There are several topical treatments available, including flea shampoo, powders, and spot-on solutions. These products work by either killing or preventing fleas and ticks, providing immediate relief. Mainly, spot-on are oil-based treatments that don’t require your dog to intake those tablets nor have you to inject them.
All you need to do is target the area on your pet’s shoulder or back and apply the spot-on treatment. These are the three prevailing spot-on treatments you can choose from:
Bravecto Topical
- Bravecto Topical Eliminates existing fleas within 8 hours and ticks within 12 hours of application
- Treats Flea Allergy Dermatitis
- Works for 3 months
- Easy to apply
- Removes future infestation when used regularly for 3 months
Frontline Plus
- Frontline Plus kills fleas and also eliminates brown dog ticks, lone star ticks, deer ticks, and American ticks
- It kills 100% fleas within 12 hours and ticks and chewing lice within 48 hours of application
- Suitable for all breeds of 8 weeks and older puppies and dogs
- A waterproof treatment that protects your pup from fleas and ticks also after swimming and bathing
- Aids in the treatment of Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)
Revolution
- Revolution Spot-on not only kills fleas but also prevents heartworms, heartworm diseases, sarcoptic mange, and ear mites
- It is an easy-to-apply spot-on treatment
- Effective treatment for multiple parasites found in dogs
- Waterproof and odorless treatment
- Safe to treat 6 weeks and older puppies, adult dogs, breeding and lactating females
Read more: Flea and Tick Treatment: Bravecto Chewable VS Bravecto Spot On
Bonus
Vectra 3D
- Vectra 3D is a unique topical that treats as many as 6 vectors
- Effective topical solution that treats fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, lice, mites (excluding mange), and biting and sand flies
- Non-greasy and waterproof spot on solution for dogs
- Suitable for all breeds of dogs and puppies over 8 weeks of age
- Helps controls all the development stages of fleas and provides month-long protection
K9 Advantix
- K9 Advantix is an excellent parasitic topical solution for dogs
- It is effective against several vectors including fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, flies, chewing lice and biting insects
- Safe topical solution for all dog breeds and puppies over 7 weeks of age
- Waterproof treatment and safe to use on pregnant and lactating dogs
- Prevents transmission of tick-borne and flea-borne diseases
Oral Treatment for Flea & Tick for Dogs
Unlike topical flea preventatives, oral treatment is way more convenient and easy to administer. The oral treatment is more like a treat for your dog. Here are the prevailing oral treatment products you should know.
Nexgard
- An advanced flea and tick oral treatment
- Nexgard is easy-to-administer, palatable beef-flavored chew for dogs
- Kills and controls adult fleas as well ticks including the deer tick, Lone Star tick, and American dog tick
- It a chewable treatment that doesn’t affect your dog’s swimming or bathing
- Suitable to any breed of dogs as well as puppies 8 weeks of age and older, weighing 4 pounds of body weight or greater
Simparica
- Simparica is available in 6 different packs categories as per the dog’s body weight
- Fast, effective and easy-to-administer flavored chewable treatment against fleas and ticks
- Prevents flea infestation and controls tick infestation
- Suitable treatment for dogs of 6 months of age or older weighing more than2.8 lbs
- Rapid action treatment for fleas and ticks
Program Plus
- The tablet kills fleas, immature flea life stages, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms
- Program Plus Long-lasting treatment that prevents re-infestation for 4 weeks
- A once in a month treatment that kills parasites and inhibits re-infestation
- Single, non-messy treatment for multiple parasites
- The tablets treat fleas and gastrointestinal worms in two weeks and older puppies and dogs
Read More: Is Bravecto,Nexgard, Simparica and Credelio safe or Not?
Bonus
Simparica Trio
- Simparica Trio is an advanced version of Simparica chews and it provides triple protection to dogs
- It is highly effective against fleas, ticks, internal worms and prevents heartworm infection
- Easy to administer to dogs due to palatable liver flavor
- Safe treatment for puppies as young as 8 weeks old weighing 2.8 lbs or more
- Single dose treatment that provides month-long protection
Credelio
- Credelio is an excellent and easy-to-use flea and tick oral treatment
- Eliminates fleas within 12 hours and ticks within 48 hours
- Its effective against several tick species including American dog ticks, lone star ticks, black-legged ticks, and brown dog ticks
- Easy to administer to dogs due to tasty beef flavor
- Safe for puppies and dogs over 8 weeks of age
Collars for Flea & Tick Treatment for Dogs
Dealing and cleaning up fleas and ticks can be a nuisance when your pet is infested with them. But collars are great alternate preventative, let’s know why.
Bayopet Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs
- Bayopet Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs Highly effective and affordable dog collar
- Prevents infestation of fleas for 16 weeks and ticks for 10 weeks
- Water resilient property
- Designed with a safety area in the collar that breaks excessive stretching to prevent dog choking
Preventic Tick Collar
- Designed for 12 weeks and older puppies and dogs
- Protects pets from tick-borne diseases such as Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Fever
- Preventic Tick CollarEliminates existing tick within 48 hours
- Easy to maintain, waterproof and odorless collar
- Safe treatment for all breeds of dogs and effective for 2 months
- Shows 97% efficacy in killing all major type of ticks
Seresto Collar
- Controls fleas infestation up to 8 months and eliminates chewing lice for a month
- Seresto Collar Kills and control sarcoptic mange and destroys flea larvae
- Safe to use on dogs 7 weeks of age and older, easily fits all dog sizes
- Water resilient and easy to wear a durable collar
Bonus
Scalibor Tick Collar
- Scalibor is an easy to use tick collar for dogs that provides protection against ticks as well as fleas
- It is only suitable for dogs and puppies over the age of 12 weeks
- Waterproof and odorless collar that does not lose its efficacy even in water
- Effective against numerous tick species including American dog ticks, Deer ticks, and Brown dog ticks
- Helps eliminate almost 98% ticks in just 24 hours from the time of administration
Top 5 Flea and Tick Collar for Pets
All these treatments are the best flea treatment for Dogs in 2022 although it can be hard to choose one particular product for your dog from many. However, all you need to heed is your pet’s lifestyle and what you want to protect him against most.
No matter which flea and tick prevention method or treatment are best for you and your pets, ensure to make the application and administration method pleasant. All your love and praise for your pet can make these moments a lot less stressful.
Read More: FAQs : Flea And Tick Collars
What To Consider When Picking?
Choosing between topical, oral, and collar treatments depends on your dog’s daily life and your comfort as a pet parent. Consider your pet’s age, weight, and health condition before deciding. For instance, a water-loving dog may benefit more from an oral preventative than topicals. Topicals can be washed off easily. In fact, dogs with sensitive skin might do better with chewables instead of collars. Always check the product label for age and weight restrictions. Also, when in doubt, consult your vet before switching treatments.
Tips on Using Treatment
- Follow dosing directions strictly: Using less won’t help, and using more can harm your pet.
- Apply spot-ons correctly: Part the fur so the liquid touches the skin, not the hair.
- Keep pets separated until the product dries: This is important to avoid licking or accidental ingestion.
- Maintain consistency: Mark your calendar for the next dose – missing even one can invite a flea problem back.
- Store safely: Keep treatments out of reach of children and other pets, especially cats, as some dog formulas are toxic to them.
Many pet parents unknowingly make common mistakes with flea and tick prevention treatments. You can ensure reliable protection for your dog by simply being aware of these typical errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same flea treatment for my cat and dog?
No. Dog treatments can be toxic to cats, even in small amounts. Always use species-specific products.
How often should I reapply flea and tick treatments?
It depends on the product. Most oral and topical preventatives last for a month, while collars can protect for several months.
Is it okay to bathe my dog after applying a topical treatment?
Wait for at least 48 hours after application to ensure the formula fully absorbs into the skin.
Can I switch from a collar to oral treatment anytime?
Yes, but allow a few days between treatments and consult your vet to avoid overlapping chemicals.
Why does my dog still scratch after treatment?
It may take a few days for all fleas to die, or your dog could have flea allergy dermatitis. If itching persists, seek veterinary advice.
