FAQs of flea medication for dogs
Do dogs really need flea medication?
Yes. Fleas and ticks are not only a major nuisance, they also carry diseases that can cause severe pain in dogs. While you may be tempted to use parasite preventives only in the spring and summer, fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and intestinal parasites are resilient. Veterinarians recommend that dogs stay on a broad-spectrum parasite preventive year-round.
What are the types of flea and tick medications for dogs?
Flea and tick medications are available as oral and topical products, collars, and shampoos. Oral products are chewable tablets, while topical products are ointments that go directly on the skin. Flea collars are out of favor because they are less effective than oral and topical treatments. Shampoos are less effective and do not provide long-term protection against fleas. These medications are available over the counter or by prescription and contain various active ingredients to kill and repel fleas and ticks.
What do veterinarians recommend to get rid of fleas?
Getting rid of fleas can take days to weeks. Veterinarians recommend a multipronged approach: Kill existing fleas, prevent new infestations, and treat the environment, inside and out. If you have multiple pets, treat them at the same time. Treatment inside your home includes vacuuming where flea eggs and larvae like to hide, such as cracks and crevices, and washing bedding in hot water. Outdoor treatment involves removing any places where fleas can hide, such as piles of leaves and tall grass. If this process seems daunting, you can hire a pest control service.
What is the most effective flea and tick treatment for dogs?
There is no single treatment that works best for all dogs. The best flea and tick treatments for dogs vary in many ways, including how many parasites they target, active ingredients, safety restrictions, and how long they last. effective. The most favorable treatments provide long-term protection, target flea adults as well as eggs and larvae, and are effective against other parasites, such as heartworms and intestinal worms. Your veterinarian can help you choose the most appropriate product for your dog.
What permanently kills fleas?
To get rid of fleas permanently, you need to do more than kill the adult fleas. Other developmental stages, the egg and larvae, must also be removed. Products that kill the first stages of fleas are the most effective. Year-round flea and tick treatment is also important to prevent future infestations. It may take several weeks to get rid of all the fleas.
Which is better, NexGard or Frontline?
Both NexGard and Frontline kill fleas in all life stages, including ticks. Both treatments have their advantages. There are several Frontline products: Shield, Plus, and Gold. Our top choice for an OTC flea preventive is Frontline Plus, which also protects against biting lice and helps control sarcoptic mange infestations. Compared to Frontline Plus, NexGard kills fleas (4 hours vs. 12 hours) and ticks (24 hours vs. 48 hours) faster. For this reason, NexGard is a better choice for preventing the transmission of Lyme disease from ticks. Some veterinarians also use NexGard to treat mange.
What is the safest flea and tick medicine for dogs?
Flea and tick medications are FDA approved to be safe and effective. However, these drugs also have safety restrictions depending on age, weight, and whether a dog is pregnant or nursing. Some treatments also have safety warnings for dogs with a history of seizures or other neurologic disorders. When you’re checking out flea and tick medications, check the label to make sure it’s safe for your dog.
What is the difference between prescription and OTC flea medication?
Some flea control products are sold over the counter, while others require a prescription. Prescription products are usually more expensive than OTC treatments because they protect against more parasites, including heartworms. However, OTC options can still provide effective, long-term treatment against fleas and other parasites.
Can I get flea and tick medicine without a vet’s prescription?
Yes, OTC treatments are available without a prescription. These medications generally do not protect against as many parasites as prescription flea and tick products.
Do flea collars work?
Yes. Flea collars work but are generally less effective than topical or oral treatments. Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs provides eight months of protection against adult fleas, flea larvae, ticks, and mange mites. Lay recommends flea collars for dogs that cannot tolerate topical or oral flea products.
Is Seresto harmful to dogs?
In March 2021, USA Today and the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting published a report saying the Seresto flea collar has been linked to thousands of adverse incidents in pets and people. To date, 2,500 pet deaths have been attributed to the collar.
Elanco published a statement defending the safety and effectiveness of the collar. This was followed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and Pet Poison Hotline. The EPA recommends pet owners read the entire label before using any flea collar and follow all directions carefully. Your veterinarian can provide additional safety guidance. Only purchase a Seresto collar from a reputable online retailer, brick-and-mortar store with a warranty program, or your veterinarian. To verify product authenticity, call Elanco product support at 800-422-9874. If your pet has an adverse reaction, remove the collar immediately and call your veterinarian. Tim Carroll, EPA press secretary, advises pet owners to contact the National Pesticide Information Center and report adverse reactions to the EPA.
How do I know if my dog has fleas?
Fleas are difficult to see with the naked eye. Look for signs of a flea infestation in your dog, including incessant biting, scratching, or licking and red, irritated skin. Flea feces, a rust-colored mixture of blood meal and dried feces, is a sign of fleas and can be found in places your dog spends time, such as their bed. Running a flea comb against the direction of your dog’s fur can pick up dirt. You’ll often see it on your dog in hard-to-reach places like the base of the tail, the middle of the back, and the groin. Other signs include pale gums, which is a sign of anemia, and patches of hair loss.
