You know that flea and/or tick prevention is imperative for your dog's health and well-being. While the sheer discomfort of a flea or tick infestation is enough to wreck Fido's day, many parasites carried by ticks or fleas can jeopardize Fido's physical health.
Severe itching from fleas or ticks can also cause your dog to scratch and bite at the affected area, leaving "hot spots" over his body. Ingesting fleas could lead to the development of intestinal worms as well. So, as a caring pet parent, you want the best flea and tick prevention possible for your fur baby.
NexGard Soft Chew
Our best overall flea and tick prevention is NexGard Soft Chew for Dogs. You can obtain this product online at sites such as Chewy.com or you may find it at your local pet store. Your vet may also offer this flea and tick prevention tool. This product is chewable that you give your dog each month. Once Fido ingests the chewable, he's protected from fleas and ticks via the effectiveness of Afoxolaner, which will kill fleas and harmful ticks such as the Lone Star tick and the black-legged tick (both of which can carry harmful diseases). Experts love the effectiveness of the NexGard chewable, but, it is pricey. However, you'll save a great deal on vet bills by using this small preventative.
Bravecto Chew for Dogs
Another great chewable is the Bravecto Chew for Dogs. This chewable protects dogs for three months at a time. It is available online, and it is slightly cheaper than the NexGard chewable. It kills fleas quickly, but not on contact, something the NexGard chewable does. Another consideration, while it does kill certain fleas, if a person and pet are located in areas where Lone Star ticks are prevalent, then you may need to give your dog a dose every eight weeks instead of every twelve weeks. Fleas will live on your dog for up to two hours after they get on your dog. NexGard kills fleas and ticks on contact.
Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo
If your dog won't go for a chewable, you may need to utilize a shampoo to kill fleas and ticks. The best shampoo we've found is the Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo. This can be found online or in-store, and it is much cheaper than chewables. The Adams shampoo is gentle on sensitive skin, and it kills fleas and ticks for up to twenty-eight days after one application.
Vet's Best Flea and Tick Pet and Home Spray
If you are looking for a natural solution to flea and tick infestations, one of the best products available in the Vet's Best Flea and Tick Pet and Home Spray. This spray is safe for use on all surfaces in your home as well as your pets. This spray utilizes natural peppermint and clove (in the form of certified essential oils) to prevent flea and tick infestations. Although this is a natural product, it is fairly cheap for the ingredients, and the spray works effectively. In fact, it will leave your home with a pleasant scent (Fido gets to enjoy this benefit as well). You'll have to order this spray online, however, as most stores do not carry this on the shelf.
Sentry Fiproguard Plus
For small dogs, the Sentry Fiproguard Plus topical treatment is a great way to eliminate not only flea and tick infestations, but the product also kills flea eggs, flea larvae, and a variety of ticks. It is specifically formulated to kill the ticks that carry Lyme disease so both you and your fur babies will be safe from this debilitating illness.
Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Treatment for Large Dog
Those with larger dogs will want to check out the Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Treatment for Large Dogs. It is available online, but you're likely to find it at your local pet store as well. This topical treatment works well for larger dogs and lasts for up to thirty days. It is waterproof, meaning Fido can swim in the pond, take a bath, roll in multiple mud puddles, and is still protected from a flea and/or tick infestation.
Bayer K9 Advantix II Flea and Tick Prevention
If you're looking for flea and tick prevention for a puppy, then look no further than Bayer K9 Advantix II Flea and Tick Prevention. This topical treatment can be used on puppies as young as seven weeks of age, and it kills not only fleas and ticks, but it will prevent the transmission of blood-borne pathogens and viruses by killing mosquitos as well! This can be found online or in local pet stores, and this treatment is not expensive. You'll have to use this treatment once a month, however. Another helpful bit of info - this treatment may lose some effectiveness before the four-week period is up, plus it takes at least twelve hours before the treatment begins working.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.