Best Topical Flea & Tick Treatments for Dogs & Cats in South Africa

Fleas and ticks aren’t just a warm-weather nuisance in South Africa. Our pets can encounter fleas and ticks year-round during their visit to gardens, kennels, or hiking trails. They can also be exposed to them by simply being at home, as these parasites can infest indoor environments too. Fleas can cause intense itching and discomfort, whereas ticks can transmit serious diseases.  

Topical flea and tick treatments offer a hassle-free way to help control these nasty parasites and may reduce the risk of health problems associated with infestations. This blog enlists three commonly used topical flea and tick treatments for dogs and cats that you can discuss with your veterinarian for your furry friend’s parasite prevention routine.

Best Topical Flea & Tick Treatments for Dogs

1. Frontline Plus for Dogs

• Parasites covered: Fleas, ticks, chewing lice and sarcoptic mange
• Active ingredients: Fipronil and (S)-methoprene
• Frequency of application: Every month

Available as a ready-to-dose topical flea and tick treatment, Frontline Plus for Dogs is indicated for the treatment and prevention of fleas, ticks and chewing lice. It helps protect dogs from discomfort and diseases caused by them. Unlike many other treatments, it not only kills fleas but also breaks the flea life cycle by preventing the development of immature stages.

2. Bravecto Spot-on for Dogs

• Parasites covered: Fleas, ticks, mites  
• Active ingredient: Fluralaner
• Frequency of application: Every 4 months for ticks and 6 months for fleas

Bravecto Spot-on contains fluralaner and is one of the most convenient choices of flea and tick treatments for its long-lasting effectiveness. It provides 4 months of tick killing activity and 6 months of flea killing activity with a single application. It is effective against castor bean ticks (deer ticks), brown dog ticks, South African yellow dog ticks, and marsh ticks. It is also indicated for the treatment of Sarcoptes scabiei mites and Otodectes spp. mite infestations. It can also be used as part of a treatment strategy for Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD). Bravecto Spot-on for Dogs is suitable for dogs and puppies from 8 weeks of age, weighing at least 2 kg.

3. Advantix for Dogs

• Parasites covered: Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, lice, flies   
• Active ingredients: Imidacloprid, permethrin  
• Frequency of application: Every month

Advantix for Dogs combines imidacloprid and permethrin and works through contact, killing and repelling fleas and ticks while also providing protection against mosquitoes, lice, and flies. The topical treatment repels and kills paralysis ticks, bush ticks, and brown dog ticks in dogs. It is indicated for use in dogs and puppies from 7 weeks of age. Advantix is for dogs only and should never be applied to cats.

Best Topical Flea & Tick Treatments for Cats

1. Frontline Plus for Cats

• Parasites covered: Fleas, ticks, chewing lice
• Active ingredients: Fipronil and (S)-methoprene
• Frequency of application: Every month

Frontline Plus for Cats is a topical cat flea and tick treatment trusted by pet parents for more than two decades It breaks the flea life cycle by preventing the development of immature stages. One dose of Frontline Plus Cat Spot-On helps protect against flea and tick infestations for up to 30 days.

2. Bravecto Spot-on for Cats

• Parasites covered: Fleas, ticks, mites 
• Active ingredients: Fluralaner
• Frequency of application: Every 3 months

Bravecto Topical for Cats contains fluralaner and is one of the more convenient choices if remembering monthly treatment is a struggle for you. It breaks the flea life cycle by preventing the development. It can be used as a part of a treatment strategy for Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) and Otodectes spp. mite infestations. The topical treatment is effective against common tick species, such as castor bean ticks and South African yellow dog ticks in cats. Bravecto Spot-on for Cats is suitable for cats and kittens from 9 weeks of age, weighing at least 1.2 kg.

3. NexGard Combo for Cats

• Parasites covered: Fleas, ticks, intestinal worms, mange, ear mites, lungworms, heartworm (disease prevention)
• Active ingredients: Esafoxolaner, eprinomectin, and praziquantel  
• Frequency of application: Every month

NexGard Combo is a broad-spectrum topical parasite preventive for cats. It kills fleas and treats and controls tick infestations. It also helps prevent heartworm disease and protects against mange, ear mites, and lungworms. It also treats and controls intestinal worms, such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. NexGard Combo Spot-on for Cats is suitable for cats and kittens from 8 weeks of age, weighing at least 0.8 kg. 

Parting Words

The best topical flea and tick treatment for your cat or dog is the one that matches your pet’s weight, age, lifestyle and parasite risk and that you can use correctly and consistently. Apart from the products discussed in this blog, there are many other oral, topical, and collar treatment options are available for flea and tick prevention. You can explore these products on our website, www.budgetpetsupplies.com. Always follow your veterinarian’s advice and read the product label carefully before starting treatment.