Safest Flea and Tick Treatment for Dogs

One of the most typical reasons for itchy skin in dogs is fleas and these pests are little and have a potent bite. No matter how we try to keep our dogs healthy and safe, they will inevitably come into contact with ticks and fleas when they go outside. These parasites could negatively impact your dog's health. Hence, it is crucial for dog owners to choose a flea treatment that is both efficient and secure.

Dog Flea Treatments that are Safe to Use

When it comes to protecting dogs from these pests, veterinarians usually advise oral flea and tick treatment, topical flea and tick treatments, or dog flea and tick collars to be the safest dog flea treatments available right now that are mentioned below:

Oral Flea and Tick for Dogs

Oral flea and tick is the most used treatment for dogs. Many prescriptions for oral flea and tick treatments are said to be relatively safer for dogs. Most of these preventatives are available as pills and chewable. Your veterinarian will advise you on the best one based on the age of your dog.

• Bravecto: Bravecto provides protection from fleas and ticks. Fluralaner is an active substance and component in this treatment that kills adult fleas and ticks. This treatment should only be given to dogs when your veterinarian writes a prescription for it. It is effective for up to 8-12 weeks per dose.
• Nexgard: Afoxolaner is the active ingredient of Nexgard. The oral treatment starts against fleas within 30 minutes and kills ticks within 24 hours of administration. Moreover, it prevents tick-borne diseases in dogs like sarcoptic mange. It is safe for 8 weeks and older puppies

>> Based on your dog's age, lifestyle, current health, and other particulars, your vet can assist you in selecting the safest and most efficient flea and tick treatment.

Topical Flea & Tick Treatment for dogs

Topical flea and tick treatment for dogs is an effective treatment to treat fleas and ticks. There are many topical or spot-on flea treatments available for dogs, and most of them provide defense against a variety of pests in addition to fleas.

• Frontline Plus: Fipronil and (S)-methoprene are two active ingredients in Frontline Plus to combat fleas and ticks at all stages of development. Additionally, it gets rid of ticks and helps in managing flea outbreaks.
• kills heartworms, hookworms, whipworms, roundworms, sarcoptic mange mites, and fleas using the active ingredient imidacloprid and moxidectin. However, it doesn't kill ticks.

>> The spot-on treatment should be applied on areas where the possible side effect and to prevent possibly harmful effect it should be applied on areas where the dog cannot lick, the most preferable area is between the shoulder blade and base on the skull. >> After applying the treatment you must wait for a few days before giving your dog a bath as the usual requirement for topical treatment is monthly application.

Bravecto Chew VS Bravecto Spot On? << Read Here

Tick and Flea Collar for Dogs

Modern tick and flea collars for dogs are safe solutions for flea and tick control.

• Seresto Collar: Ticks and fleas are both killed by substances called imidacloprid and flumethrin. It is a practical substitute for monthly preventive treatments because the collar's effectiveness lasts for 8 months if it is kept carefully. Seresto collar is a very well-liked choice.

>> All flea and tick collars tend to leave traces of the chemicals that make them effective on your pet and in the surroundings where the dog is present. It is advised to consult your veterinarian before using these collars on old, breeding, pregnant, or nursing dogs. This is applicable for every flea and tick preventative.

Also, Check Out South Africa's 5 Best Flea and Tick Treatments 2023

Bottom Line

Before purchasing any treatment for your dog, it is important to read the package label carefully. The product must be selected based on the dog’s age and weight. In case of any allergies or suspicion visit your vet immediately. Note that all flea tick treatments have the possibility of side effects but the risk of not using the treatment against flea and tick is far greater.