Ticks can lead to severe health issues in dogs, including tick paralysis, making selecting an effective tick prevention method crucial. This not only eliminates any existing ticks on your dog but also helps to ward off future infestations.
When it comes to tick prevention for dogs, there is a wide range of treatments to consider, each with its own unique benefits and considerations. These include oral chewables, topical applications (also known as spot-ons), and tick collars. By understanding these options, you can make an informed decision for your pet's health.
Spot-On Or Topical
Topical tick prevention treatments are a longstanding option for controlling ticks and fleas in dogs. Many pet owners prefer these treatments, mainly if their pets do not take oral chews well.
Popular, topical products like Bravecto, Revolution, and Frontline Plus offer a range of options for different dog ages and weights. Bravecto's topical formula, for instance, is a quarterly treatment suitable for dogs over six months old and weighing more than 4.4 pounds. Revolution can be used on puppies from weighing at least 5.5 pounds and six weeks of age. Frontline Plus is appropriate for puppies starting at eight weeks old with a minimum weight of 4.4 pounds. This detailed information can help you choose the most suitable product for your dog.
These treatments are effective against ticks, fleas, their eggs, and larvae, providing 30 days of protection. Additionally, Frontline Plus has the added benefit of repelling and killing mosquitoes.
Oral Chewables
Oral chewables, sometimes pills or tablets, are available in flavored and unflavored varieties. This type of treatment is commonly used for dogs, as getting cats to ingest pills can be challenging.
Many pet owners prefer oral chewables because they are straightforward to administer. They can be given directly to the dog to swallow or mixed into its food.
Bravecto and Nexgard are two prominent brands in the oral tick treatment market. These products are effective in eliminating fleas, eggs, larvae, and recently hatched ticks before they have a chance to reproduce.
The choice between Bravecto and Nexgard often depends on your preference for treatment frequency and your dog's age. Nexgard is suitable for dogs as young as eight weeks and weighing more than 4 pounds, and it requires monthly administration. Bravecto, ideal for dogs over six months old and weighing at least 4.4 pounds, offers up to 12 weeks of protection against ticks, with specific efficacy for eight weeks against the lone star tick, thus helping to prevent new tick infestations.
Collar
In addition to oral chewables or topical treatments, consider using a Seresto collar, particularly during peak tick activity seasons. Seresto collar provides up to eight months of protection against ticks and fleas. It is safe for use on puppies as young as seven weeks old.
Deciding The Best Tick Treatment For Your Dog
No single product is universally the best for all dogs. When selecting the proper tick treatment, such as Nexgard oral chewables or Frontline Plus spot-on, your choice should reflect your preferences for how often to apply the treatment and the application method.
Additionally, consider your pet's weight and age before making a decision.
It's crucial to consistently use the chosen product on your dog to maintain its effectiveness.
Most importantly, to effectively control ticks, you must also address any ticks present in your home and yard, as these areas can harbor ticks that may re-infest your dog.
