How to Choose the Right Flea and Tick Medicine for Your Dog

With the weather being nice, people and pets are tired about being cooped up inside.  They are starting to enjoy the fresh air,  the calm breezes in their face and the warmth of the sun.  But whether it is a walk in the park, a weekend camping along the lake or even lounging around your front yard, fleas and ticks could be waiting to latch onto your pet and hitch a ride.  So because of this, application of a flea and tick control or collar is essential to prevent them from infesting your home.

There are many factors to consider when choosing the optimal product.  One must decide if they want a collar, topical or chewable tablet.  Each one has their pro’s and con’s about them.  The collars and topical products such as Frontline or Advantage have been around a lot longer and may be less expensive to buy, but we have seen breaks in protection because the fleas and ticks have gained resistance or the product has not been used properly.  Some of those products are approved by the EPA so they might not be safe to use on your pet.  Recently new products such as Nexguard or Bravecto have been developed that are taken orally.  Because they are newer products, the fleas and ticks have not developed a resistance to them.  Also since they are ingested, they are approved by the FDA to assure their safety to the pet.

There are several oral products available like Simperica Trio that will also control other parasites, along with fleas and ticks.  So they may be more expensive but be more convenient in the long run.

The best thing to do is to have a conversation with your vet about what is best for your pet, as well as what works for you financially. We are happy to have a conversation about any concerns you have. Prevention is key, so make sure to protect your furry companion this summer. Contact our offices today!