How Do I Protect Dogs From Getting Fleas And Ticks?

Are you worried about scratching, gnawing, and irritation of your dog? Fleas and ticks can cause irritation and a wide variety of problems for your dogs.

A dog’s fur provides the perfect environment for fleas and ticks. Dogs can easily pick up fleas when outdoors. Fleas are tiny parasites that can survive in our carpets and bedding for months. These parasites can rapidly infest your dog and irritate it’s skin. This leads to intense scratching and itching, which can cause hair loss.

When a flea or tick bites, it injects saliva into your dog’s skin. They feed on your dog’s blood and can cause health problems ranging from mild allergic reactions to serious illnesses. Ticks and fleas can carry other diseases as well. If you find a tick or flea on your dog, try to remove it as soon as possible.

If you’re looking for the best flea and tick products, keep reading and find the perfect one for your four-legged buddy.

Top 5 Flea And Tick Products Under $70

Thinking of giving a flea and tick control treatment to your furry friend? Consider an anti-flea and tick product for your pooch who is at risk of getting parasites.

There are many safe and effective flea control products for dogs. These products include topical spot-on treatments, oral preventives, shampoos, and collars. Many of these products kill and prevent other parasites as well including heart worms, intestinal parasites, mosquitoes, and mites.

The longest lasting, most effective and also the most expensive Flea and Tick collar is the Seresto Collar which I have written about in depth, and is not included in this top 5 due to the fact it is over $70, however the Seresto does last for up to 8 months.

1. K9 Advantix Flea And Tick Prevention

K9 Advantix II Flea and tick prevention is a broad-spectrum, veterinarian-recommended treatment that kills insects on contact. It repels ticks and fleas, along with mosquitoes, biting flies, and lice.

K9 Advantix II Flea and tick prevention provide a monthly barrier against ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes. This topical formula starts working to kill ticks and fleas within 12 hours. The product is waterproof after 24 hours. The formula is safe for dogs who weigh as little as 4 pounds.

Always seek the advice of a vet before using K9 Advantix II for breeding, pregnant, and nursing dogs.

Key Features

• Brand: K9 Advantix
• Ingredients: Imidacloprid 8.80%, Permethrin 44.00%, Pyriproxyfen 0.44%
• Item form: Drops
• Kills and repels fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes
• Works through contact
• Topical formula
• Suitable for dogs that are 7 weeks and older

Pros

• Waterproof after 24 hours
• Kills fleas within 12 hours
• Fleas don’t have to bite for it to work
• Gives protection for at least 4 weeks
• Easy to apply
• Great price and value for your money

Cons

• Some buyers have complained that the product worked well for 2-3 weeks. After that, the fleas started to come back.

2. PetArmor Plus For Dogs – Flea And Tick Prevention

PetArmor Plus flea and tick prevention for dogs is a fast-acting topical that remains effective for up to 30 days. It kills fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, ticks and chewing lice. It also controls mites, kills deer ticks, dog ticks, American dog ticks and lone star ticks.

Unlike other flea and tick treatments, PetArmor Plus flea treatment works by effectively breaking the flea life cycle. It prevents the development of flea pupae for up to 30 days and thus prevents re infestation.

The main active ingredients in all PetArmor products are Methoprene and Fipronil. The powerful topical formula begins killing fleas and ticks within 24 hours. To protect your fur buddy from parasites, you need to reapply monthly.

Key Features

• Brand: PetArmor
• Active Ingredients: Methoprene, Fipronil
• Topical formula
• Kills flea eggs and larvae and prevent re infestation
• Also effective in colder months

Pros

• Waterproof solution
• Helps to break the flea life cycle
• Kills and protects against all parasitic pests on dogs
• Application is effective for 30 days
• Easy to use
• Long-lasting and fast-acting
• Affordable

Cons

• Can cause dogs to shed flaky skin residue
• Some users report that this product helps in flea reduction but not complete elimination

3. Frontline Plus Flea And Tick Treatment For Dogs

Frontline Plus is a nonprescription, fast-acting, long-lasting topical flea and tick treatment for dogs. It kills ticks and fleas, controls flea infestations, and kills chewing lice, all with one easy application.

The active ingredients, fipronil and S-methoprene, work together to kill parasites and break the flea life cycle. Fipronil kills adult fleas and ticks. S-methoprene prevents flea eggs, larvae, and pupae from developing. The parasites die on contact and they don’t have to bite your dog for Frontline Plus to work.

Frontline Plus is very easy to use. The long-lasting topical formula is stored in the oil glands of the pet’s skin and distributes itself continuously via the hair follicles. The product gives non-stop flea and tick protection for a full 30 days.

Key Features

• Brand: Frontline
• Ingredients: Fipronil, Methoprene
• Topical formula
• Give protection for one month
• Safe for use in dogs at least 8 weeks of age and weigh at least 5 pounds
• Waterproof after 24 hours
• Break the flea life cycle

Pros

• Kills adult fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, all life stages of ticks and chewing lice
• Safe for use in breeding, pregnant and nursing dogs
• Fast acting and long-lasting
• Fleas don’t have to bite for it to work
• Easy to use
• Trusted by veterinarians for nearly 20 years
• Available without a vet prescription

Cons

• Not recommended for cats and puppies younger than 8 weeks of age
• Leaves greasy spot on dog’s fur

4. Advantus Flea Chew For Dogs A Chewable Flea Treatment

Advantus flea chews for dogs contains the active ingredient imidacloprid. The main ingredient spreads throughout your dog’s body to kill fleas. When fleas ingest the product, the active ingredient overstimulates the flea’s nervous system and kills the flea. It is safe for puppies as young as ten weeks

Your dog will like Advantus flea chews as much as you do because each month he’ll get his flea chews as a tasty treat. Advantus is also FDA-approved to help prevent infections that cause Lyme disease.

Advantus does not prevent fleas, but it does work to kill them. It starts killing fleas within one hour. The soft chews should not replace your dog’s flea and tick prevention. Advantus chews have an expiration date, which can be seen on the product label.

Key Features

• Brand: Advantus
• Active ingredients: Imidacloprid
• Soft chews with a pleasant flavour
• Suitable for dogs that are at least 10 weeks old and weigh at least 4 pounds
• Effective against ticks and fleas
• FDA approved

Pros

• Starts to kill fleas quickly, within one hour
• Safe to use around other pets and children
• Can safely be used with other products
• It still works if the dog swallowed a whole soft chew
• Available without a prescription
• Cut out the complications of messy topical treatments

Cons

• Does not prevent fleas but it does work to kill them
• Not all dogs like the taste

5. Capstar Fast Acting Oral Flea Treatment For Dogs

Capstar for Dogs is a fast acting flea tablet for dogs that is available without a prescription. It is safe for puppies as young as 4 weeks old and weighing at least 2 pounds. It starts killing fleas within 30 minutes.

The active ingredient in Capstar, nitenpyram, works quickly and kills greater than 90% of adult fleas on dogs in as little as 4 hours.

Capstar’s protection against fleas lasts only 24 hours. However, it is safe to give daily if necessary. It is perfect for young puppies that aren’t old enough to use a spot-on product that offers long-term protection. Just give Capstar to your pups and watch dead fleas fall off your pet!

Key Features

• Brand: Capstar
• Active ingredient: nitenpyram
• Starts killing adult fleas within 30 minutes
• Suitable for pups weighing at least 2 pounds
• Prevents adult fleas
• Kills greater than 90% of adult fleas on dogs
• Protection against fleas lasts only 24 hours
• Safe to give daily, if necessary
• For oral use

Pros

• Safe for puppies that are 4 weeks of age and older
• Safe for pregnant, nursing, and breeding dogs
• Fast-acting treatment
• Easy to administer
• Can be used with other flea control products
• Available without a vet prescription
• Works on dogs and cats

Cons

• Does not offer long-term protection
• Does not kill flea larvae or flea eggs
• Does not prevent any parasites other than fleas

Pro tip: If you own a puppy, a senior dog, or a sick dog, talk to your vet before using a flea and tick prevention treatment on him. These products contain chemicals that can cause sickness in some dogs.

What Do I Look For In A Flea And Tick Product?

Below are some points highlighting what should be taken into consideration before you buy flea and tick prevention products.

Delivery method

There are several types of flea and tick prevention products in the market. They include topical, oral tablets, shampoos, and collars.

• Topical formulas are a liquid that’s applied to your dog’s body.
• Oral tablets are designed to be eaten. They are preferred if your dog frequently gets wet. Getting wet frequently can wash off topical treatments.
• Flea and tick prevention shampoos often need to be reapplied several times per month.
• Anti-flea collars are less expensive than topical solutions. They are very effective if used correctly.

Active ingredients

Most flea and tick prevention products contain some type of insecticide that kills the parasites. Always check the active ingredient in a flea and tick prevention product to see what types of insects it kills. If you have multiple pets, take a look if it’s safe to use around other animals.

Always go for the active ingredient that is safe, effective, and has good residual activity. When in doubt, it’s best to speak to your vet to figure out which ingredients will work best for your dog.

Age

Tick and flea products are available that cater to different dog age groups. Always ensure that your dog’s flea and tick products should be age-appropriate for your fur buddy. Puppies generally need a more gentle formula.

Longevity

Different flea and tick products are effective for different lengths of time. Some need to be applied every week while others might last for several months, with the longest protection coming from the Seresto Collar at 8 months!!

Obviously the less time a flea and tick collar is effective for, the more you will spend on flea and tick treatments each year.

Cost

There’s a lot of variety when it comes to flea and tick products. And that means a lot of price variation. Investing in a good flea and tick product saves you a lot of money and possibly some painful trips to the vets in the long run.

How Often Should You Use Tick And Flea Products For A Dog?

You probably already know it’s important to protect your dog from fleas and ticks. How often you should use a dog flea treatment for effective coverage depends on which products you use.

Keep in mind that fleas and ticks aren’t always seasonal. They can actually be a year-round risk. That’s why flea and tick prevention for your dog should be a regular entry on the calendar. Talk to your vet before treating a dog that is nursing her puppies.

If your dog has some health concerns, you should take expert advice before using a flea control solution. Consult your vet or groomer for more guidance on flea medications for your dog.

Tips For Getting Rid Of Fleas And Ticks

Do you know that female flea can lay up to 100 eggs every day? The number of fleas in your home and on your dog can multiply rapidly.

I have recently written an article on “Treatment For Parasites In Dogs” which I highly recommend you read as I not only cover flea infestation on your dog, but also within the house and yard.

Many dog owners think that once they have the dog treated and protected that’s it, well I am sorry to say it’s NOT!

You must make sure to treat the entire house and garden to truly eliminate fleas and ticks properly.

There are a few things you can do to avoid suffering from a flea infestation at home:

• Treat for fleas and ticks: Experts recommend year-round preventive measures to protect dogs. You can choose from the products we mentioned in this post to meet your pet’s individual needs.

• Inspect and groom your dog regularly: Regularly inspect your dog for ticks after walks through the muddy or grassy settings. Look between their toes, under the legs, on lips, around eyes and ears, near the anus, and under the tail. Regular grooming also helps you keep an eye out for any external parasites that may be hiding under your dog’s coat. Feel for bumps all over your dog’s body.

• Clean up your yard: Fleas prefer to live in shaded outdoor areas with sand, grass, leaves, or debris. So, you can prevent fleas by keeping your grass cut short. Also, don’t let your dog play in areas where fleas might be hiding. Cleaning your yard will give fleas fewer places to hide and breed.

• Treat all pets in your house: Treat all household pets regularly for fleas. Keep in mind that fleas will jump onto all animals in the home. So, treat all pets regularly for fleas to ensure they are protected at all times.

• Clean your dog’s bedding: Regularly and thoroughly clean dog bedding in a warm wash (60° Celsius) to kill fleas and their eggs.

• Remove the parasite ASAP! The quicker you remove a tick, the less likely your pet will contract a secondary illness related to tick bites.

• Get regular checkups: Annual vet visits are a key part of preventive care. Your vet will examine your dog for any signs of parasite problems. He will help ensure that the preventive products you are using are working effectively. The vet checkups also give you a chance to track your dog’s skin and coat conditions.

Pet Parent Tip: Read the label carefully. Never use canine products on cats. Many flea and tick products that are formulated for dogs contain an ingredient that is toxic to felines. Always use products only as intended.

How To Keep Your Dogs Skin Healthy?

To keep your dog’s skin healthy, you need healthy nutrition, regular exercise, a safe and comfy place to relax and sleep. Your furry pals also need protection from extreme temperatures and parasites. Dogs should be cared for when they fall ill.

You can take the following steps to maintain your dog’s healthy:

• When you groom your fur buddy, check for fleas, ticks, allergies and rashes. Also, identify any signs of flea bites and infection.

• Provide good nutrition and a complete balanced diet to your fur buddy. A healthy and nutritious diet will boost their immune system.
• Add omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to your dog’s diet to maintain healthy skin and coat conditions.
• Avoid feeding your dog processed food that contains toxic chemical preservatives. They can have a bad effect on your dog’s skin and coat.
• There are many commercial products for flea and tick control in dogs. You need to see which solutions will work better in your case.

Pet parent tip: If your dog is unwell and you know he was bitten by a tick, even if it seems like a while ago, always mention this to your vet. Keep in mind that symptoms of certain tick-borne diseases can take days, weeks, or even months to appear.

Final Thoughts

Give your dog the full protection they need against ticks and fleas with these tick and flea products. Consistency is the key for prevention.

Even one missed preventive dose of your flea and tick control can set the stage for a flea infestation!

By taking some precautions and following these tips, you can prevent ticks and fleas from starting in the first place.

Did you find this article useful? Feel free to share your thoughts. We would be happy to hear from you!

Stay tuned for more posts on dog care and much more!

“May Your Home Be Filled With Love And Dog Hair”

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Mark

Founder of Our Dogs World 101