Are there any negative side effects to flea & tick medication?Ī. Most resist rain, but submergence can decrease its longevity. Collars, meanwhile, may lose effectiveness if they get too wet.
The skin should be soft, clean and healthy before application. For dogs with thick fur and an undercoat, this can be tricky. Application of topical medication may prove weak if not wholly rubbed into the dog’s skin. Flea and tick medication for dogs FAQ What causes flea and tick medication to be ineffective?Ī. Collars may range from $15-$45, while shampoos come in at under $20. Most oral and topical options cost $20-$50 per dosage. Price will fluctuate with effectiveness and duration.
How much you can expect to spend on flea and tick medication for dogs Note that some options will last for 30 days, and not all months have 30 days, so mark your calendar appropriately. Shampoos, meanwhile, may only offer protection for a day or two. Collars may last a few months, though it can be hard to tell if it wears off too soon. Most oral options should be given monthly. How long flea and tick medication lasts depends on the type and the brand. A new outbreak may be best served by a formula that tackles eggs and immature parasites, while other formulas focus on ridding your dog of adult fleas and ticks.Ĭomprehensive and pricey options may be multifaceted, tackling parasites of all ages.
If your dog is free of any parasites, preventative formulas will maintain its healthy existence. Formįlea and tick medications work in various ways, with some focusing on prevention and others dealing with fighting existing outbreaks. However, they are more labor-intensive and don’t last as long. They can wear off more quickly and also become a nuisance to the dog. While quite effective, it requires the owner to use an optimal amount in the right areas and for the dog to agree to the experience.Ĭollars are also an option, and while they are convenient for some dog owners, they usually aren’t as effective as oral and topical applications. This is rubbed into the skin so that the body can absorb it. Oral options also don’t risk wearing off effectiveness. While some dogs are picky when taking an oral medication, most welcome it with few to no side effects. Oral medication is given in pill or tablet form, typically alongside a meal. You can administer flea and tick medication in various ways. What to look for in quality flea and tick medication for dogs Type Puppies under a couple of months old typically are not suitable for medication. Larger dogs require more powerful doses, while smaller pups can get by with less. Options will feature an age and weight range that is most effective and should be strictly followed. Your dog’s makeup will influence the dosage of medication that’s required. As they spread quickly from one host to another, you may expose your pup in dog parks, kennels or daycare. While they are typically prevalent in spring and summer, they will find warm places when the weather turns, hiding out in attics, garages or dens and lairs of wild animals.įleas and ticks find suitable hosts in various animals that live in city and suburban areas, like raccoons, deer, cats and possums. However, they still exist in colder areas, though they may be quiet or dormant until summertime arrives. Risk assessmentįleas and ticks are active in warm and humid climates. Ticks meanwhile lead to redness and swelling on the skin, and often they are carriers of Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which can cause swelling joints, mobility issues and a high temperature. Ingestion of fleas can cause internal problems as well, including tapeworms and anemia. Serious cases can lead to sores and wounds that risk infection. What to know before you buy flea and tick medication for dogs Flea & tick dangersįleas can cause itching and scratching as dogs are allergic to their saliva. Understanding how the medication works is key to finding the best option for your pet. Bayer K9 Advantix II Flea and Tick Prevention is a top pick for large dogs. Fleas and ticks are two of the most common nuisances for your furry friends, causing discomfort at best and severe illness and even death.įlea and tick prevention is an integral part of taking care of a dog, but how frequently you administer, along with what kind, will depend on your dog and the environment. To give your loving dog the happiest and healthiest life possible, they need to protect against pests and potential diseases. Which flea and tick medication is best for dogs?