Your little furry friend is more susceptible to flea and tick infestations than you think. These nasty parasites are a year-round nuisance, and every time your dog leaves the house, there’s a possibility of them getting infested.
Moreover, it can happen even if they mostly stay indoors. What you, as dog parents, can do is be to treat and protect your pet from these parasites. Well, this informative guide is going to help you do just that.
We will cover the fundamentals of flea and tick infestations, treatment methods, and popular products. You’ll also learn some effective tips to prevent these pesky pets from attacking your pooch.
So, stay tuned till the end!
Common Signs of Flea and Tick Infestation in Dogs
If you suspect a flea and tick infestation in your doggo, look for the following signs:
- Visible ticks or fleas on your dog’s skin
- Flea dirt on dog’s fur
- Rashes or redness on the skin
- Loss of appetite
- Hair loss
- Pale gums
- Lethargy
- Excessive licking or scratching
Popular Treatment Methods for Flea and Tick Infestation
In this segment, we’ll cover the varied treatment methods for treating flea and tick infestations in your doggo. We’ll also discuss some popular products from these respective treatment methods.
Oral Treatments
Oral treatments, as the name suggests, are administered by mouth and are typically available in chewable or tablet form.
Here are some popular dog oral treatments for flea and tick infestations:
Bravecto Chewables:
Bravecto Chewables is a flavored oral treatment for dogs. These chewables are effective in treating and preventing flea infestations. Plus, it treats and controls infestations caused by black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, Asian long-horned ticks, and lone star ticks.
- Dosage: Every 12 weeks
- Active ingredient: Fluralaner
- Recommended for: Dogs and puppies 6 months of age and older
Credelio:
Credelio is a widely popular oral treatment for protecting dogs against flea and tick infestations. These beef-flavored chewable tablets treat and control flea infestations and infections caused by American dog ticks, lone star ticks, black-legged ticks, and brown dog ticks.
- Dosage: Monthly
- Active ingredient: Lotilaner
- Recommended for: Dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older
Topical Treatments
Topical, also known as spot-on, treatments are applied directly to the dog’s skin, typically at the base of the neck between the shoulder blades.
These are some well-regarded spot-on treatments available in the market.
Frontline Plus
Frontline Plus is a spot-on solution for protecting dogs against fleas, ticks, and chewing lice infestations. This easy-to-administer, waterproof formula protects your pooch for a month.
- Dosage: Monthly
- Active ingredients: Fipronil and (S)-methoprene
- Recommended for: Dogs and puppies from 8 weeks of age, weighing at least 5 lbs
Revolution
Revolution is a highly regarded topical treatment for the control and prevention of flea and tick infestations in dogs. This monthly treatment aids in the prevention of heartworm disease and facilitates the treatment and control of ear mites. Revolution is also capable of treating and controlling sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptesscabiei).
- Dosage: Monthly
- Active ingredient: Selamectin
- Recommended for: Dogs from 6 weeks of age
Wearables
Wearables basically include flea and tick collars.
Let’s look at some popular tick and flea collars for dogs.
Seresto Collar:
Seresto Collar is an amazing flea and tick treatment, highly preferred for the long-term protection it provides. This non-greasy, odorless, and water-resistant collar is effective against fleas, ticks, and chewing lice and will keep your doggo safe for 8 months.
- Usage: 8 months
- Active ingredients: Flumethrin and Imidacloprid
- Recommended for: Puppies from 7 weeks of age
Bayopet Tick and Flea Collar:
Bayopet is another credible collar for dogs that effectively controls flea and tick infestations. It comes with a non-slip clasp and is easy to use.
- Active ingredients: Propoxur
- Recommended for: Small, medium, and large dogs
Measures to Prevent Flea and Tick Infestations
Take the following preventive measures to safeguard your beloved pet from flea and tick infestations:
- Maintain regular visits to the vet.
- Groom your dog regularly, and brush their hair.
- Avoid going to heavily wooded areas during walks.
- Know the common symptoms of flea and tick infestations.
- Mow your lawn periodically to maintain the growth of grass.
- Keep the house clean by sweeping or vacuuming your sofas, mats, chairs, etc.
Parting Words
Pawsome! Now you know the common symptoms of flea and tick infestation, treatment methods, and popular products. However, to select the right treatment method and product, you must consult your vet, as these products have different coverage and suitability criteria. Happy parenting!