How to Protect My Pet from Fleas and Heartworms

Fleas, ticks, and worms are the biggest concerns for pet parents. Keeping fleas and ticks away from your pet can not only result in relief from itching, scratching, and allergy dermatitis; but it is also a great preventive to save your pooch from getting infected by various worms. These worms are much more dangerous than fleas and ticks; they attach themselves to the pet’s intestines or lungs and cause problems from the inside of the body. This can lead to severe dehydration, vomiting, anemia, and other fatal problems. The most dangerous of them all is heartworm which can block your pet’s heart and thus cause death. Preventing such events from happening is our sole purpose as pet parents.

The pets which are more active outdoors, the ones that like to go outside and play in the grass are more prone to getting bitten and infected with the parasites. This makes monthly treatment crucial, which can be achieved by using regular treatments that aid in the prevention of external and internal parasites.

Three of the most effective treatments that keep the fleas as well as the heartworms away from your pet are-

NexGard Spectra for Dogs

NexGard Spectra is the #1 vet-recommended powerful protection against fleas and ticks, including paralysis ticks. With an advanced formula, NexGard Spectra can also combat various intestinal worms along with Heartworm. It comes in four different strengths according to the dog weight. It has been shown to have 100% efficiency in preventing flea tapeworm infestation. NexGard can kill fleas within 8 hours and ticks within 48 hours. Moreover, this monthly treatment comes in tasty beef-flavored chews and is safe for puppies as young as 8 weeks old.

NexGard Spectra contains Afoxolaner and Milbemycin oxime as its active ingredients. Where afoxolaner is an ectoparasiticide, Milbemycin is a macrolide antibiotic. Ectoparasiticides kills all the parasites that live on or in the skin of the animals by causing over-stimulation of their nervous system, especially the nerve cells associated with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a substance in the nerve cells that contributes to conveying messages. On the other hand, macrolide antibiotics work by inhibiting the protein synthesis in parasites, which leads to blocking signal transfer between nerves. This uncontrolled activity leads to paralysis and eventually the death of fleas, ticks, and mites; this happens before they lay eggs thus preventing further infestations.

Revolution for Dogs and Cats

Revolution has been trusted by vets for over 20 years to protect dogs and cats from dangerous parasites. It covers a broad range of parasites including fleas, ticks, ear mites, heartworms, Sarcoptic mites, roundworms, and hookworms. The topical treatment is easier to use, when compared to other brands, and doesn’t need separation time after application. Just one dose a month at the base of the neck between the shoulder blades, is all it takes to keep your pet protected from all the common parasites. Moreover, one does not need gloves to apply; simply washing hands afterward is enough. It has been indicated to be safe for dogs as young as 8 weeks of age and for cats as young as 6 weeks of age.  This topical parasiticide contains Selamectin as an active ingredient, which paralyzes the worms, eventually killing them. It works by entering the bloodstream through the skin, from where it attacks the internal parasites. Then it redistributes to the skin as well combating the external parasites. Additionally, bathing or shampooing your pet after 2 hours of application will not reduce its effectiveness. The only precaution you need to take is to get your pet tested for heartworm before commencing the treatment with Revolution.

Advocate for Dogs and Cats

Advocate is an all-in-one spot-on treatment to provide protection against a wide range of worms including dangerous heartworm. It efficiently kills fleas on contact, thus preventing further infestations. Along with that, it is uniquely formulated to give your pet full protection against roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms, along with lice, mites, lungworms, and flea tapeworms. Thus, this monthly treatment is used as a treatment or a preventive measure for dogs and cats at a risk from mixed parasitic infections. Moreover, it comes in easy-to-use pre-filled pipettes, which come in different strengths and pack sizes according to the your pet’s weight. It has also been established as a safe product for kittens from 9 weeks of age and puppies from 7 weeks of age, and both should be weighing more than 2.2 lbs (1kg).

Advocate flea treatment contains Imidacloprid and Moxidectin as the active ingredients. While Imidacloprid interferes with certain receptors in the nervous system resulting in paralysis and death; Moxidectin causes paralysis by interfering with the signals passed between different nerve cells. Care should be taken while choosing the correct dose according to the weight of your pet; also avoid grooming your pet until the application site is completely dried.

Bottom line, When it comes to protecting your pet from parasites, prevention is more effective than cure! Using regular treatments is the easiest and most affordable way to keep your pet happy and disease free. Remember, that it is necessary to consult your vet before using any treatments on your pet.