Buying guide for best dog flea and tick prevention
For many people, dogs really are man’s best friend – which is why we go to such great lengths to take care of them. But as much as you might worry about what you feed your favorite four-legged pal or what leash works best for those long walks, you definitely shouldn’t overlook the importance of finding a good flea and tick prevention product for Fido.
That’s because the right flea and tick prevention product can keep your dog safe from pests that could potentially cause health issues. Fleas and ticks could be lurking just about anywhere your buddy plays and spends time with other dogs – on walks, at the park, in the yard.
There are so many flea and tick products on the market for dogs today that choosing the best option can get a little overwhelming. Which formula is right for your particular pet? At BestReviews, we can answer this and other questions you may have about selecting a flea and tick prevention product for your dog.
Flea and tick dangers
Fleas and ticks pose fairly significant risks to your dog’s health. Both types of insects are parasites that feed on dog blood, but the negative effects of each insect are different.
Fleas
Many dogs are allergic to flea saliva. These poor pups experience severe itching and scratching when they have an infestation. A dog with a particularly bad reaction could scratch his skin raw, causing scabs that could actually become infected.
Fleas can also cause internal issues for your pet. If fleas are swallowed, the dog could develop tapeworms, which are another parasite that cause dogs to lose weight and become malnourished. Some small or young dogs can develop anemia due to a lowered red blood cell count from flea bites. If left untreated, the anemia could be fatal. Fortunately, treatment from a veterinarian can reverse the condition if received promptly.
Ticks
Ticks can cause skin redness and irritation in dogs at the site where they feed. If the ticks are allowed to feed for too long, the dog could also develop anemia.
However, there are even more severe health risks posed by ticks. The bite from some female ticks could result in a rare form of paralysis in some dogs. But it’s Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever that are the biggest health risks for dogs with ticks. Lyme disease can cause a dog to develop arthritis and swelling in the joints, making it difficult to get around. Rocky Mountain spotted fever can also make it difficult for your dog to walk; it can also cause fever and other symptoms.
We carefully research dog flea and tick preventions with pet safety at top of mind.
During research, we give special consideration to concentrated topical dog flea and tick preventions you can apply in places where the pup won’t be able to lick it or rub it off.
We look for flea and tick preventions that can be used in different dosages to accommodate dogs of various sizes.
In our search for the best dog flea and tick preventions, we give extra points to topical medications with applicators that are easy and clean to use.
In case your furry friend has sensitive skin, we make sure to include in our search some edible dog flea and tick preventions that are as effective as topical options.
When investigating the most effective dog flea and tick preventions, we note that anti-pest collars are often best used in conjunction with a second type of treatment.
Our search for the best dog flea and tick prevention products leads us to recommend comprehensive solutions that fight multiple pests in addition to focused treatments that prevent specific bugs from attacking your pet.
We strive to find dog flea and tick prevention products that are also safe for puppies.
When researching dog flea and tick preventions, we find out how long each application is supposed to last. This allows consumers to plan and schedule accordingly.
To make sure we bring you the most comprehensive dog flea and tick preventions, we consider products that kill adult or adolescent insects, repel potential infestations, or both.
Assessing your dog’s risk
Fleas and ticks are a hazard for most dogs, but certain factors increase the risk.
Location: If you live in a warm, humid area, your dog is at greater risk for flea and tick issues. This type of climate is an ideal environment for the pesky parasites. Don’t think you’re off the hook if you live in a cooler climate, though; fleas and ticks are found in all 50 states.
Season: Fleas and ticks are usually a greater problem in the spring and summer months due to the warmer weather. But you shouldn’t let your guard down in the fall and winter; they can hang around in garages, under decks, and even on wild animals.
Local wildlife: Animals like rats, raccoons, opossums, and feral cats and dogs are known carriers of fleas and ticks. If you have these types of wildlife in your area, your dog is at greater risk.
Habits: Any dog that spends time outdoors is at risk for flea and tick exposure. If you send your dog to the groomer, boarding kennel, or doggie daycare, there’s a risk of an infestation there, too.
- Lack of flea and tick prevention: If you aren’t using any type of flea and tick prevention product year-round, your dog is at significant risk for exposure.
Did you know?
Adult fleas make up only 1% to 5% of the flea population.
STAFF
BestReviews
Factors to consider before you buy
Formula
When you’re choosing a flea and tick prevention product for your dog, the first question to ask is how it works. Always read the fine print so you know what type of prevention a product offers. Flea and tick formulas typically offer one of the following functions.
Repel ticks and fleas: Some flea and tick prevention products work to keep the bugs from attaching themselves to your dog in the first place.
Kill immature insects: Some flea and tick prevention products destroy immature fleas and ticks before they have a chance to reproduce and infest your dog.
Kill adult insects: Some flea and tick prevention products destroy fully grown fleas and ticks that have attached to your dog.
Combination: Some flea and tick prevention products repel, kill immature insects, and kill adult insects for total control of a flea and tick problem.
A product that prevents flea and tick prevention in all three ways is usually the most effective. However, if you’re unsure what formula would be best for your dog, it’s a good idea to talk to your veterinarian.
Species Effectiveness
When you choose a flea and tick prevention product for your dog, it’s important to choose an option that targets the insect species in your area. There are actually hundreds of flea and tick species across the world, so not every product may address your particular issues.
Talk to your veterinarian to determine what insect species are found in your area. Then, check the labels on any products you’re considering to verify that they can handle the ticks and fleas in your area.
If you’re unsure what species your dog is exposed to, look for a flea and tick prevention product that offers broad-spectrum protection against a variety of species.
"Many tick species have saliva that helps them stick to your dog’s skin. This makes them harder to remove."
STAFF
BestReviews
Type
Flea and tick prevention products are available in a variety of forms that can all help protect your dog. The most common types include the following.
Oral medication: Flea and tick prevention products in pill and tablet form have become extremely popular. They’re highly effective, and you don’t have to worry about the treatment washing or rubbing off. However, oral prevention products can sometimes cause side effects like nausea. They’re best given with food.
Topical medication: If your dog doesn’t take medication well, a spot treatment or topical flea and tick prevention product may be a better option. These products are applied directly to the dog’s skin, usually along the back, where they are absorbed into the body. They can be very effective, but some owners have difficulty applying them.
Collar: Flea and tick collars are a traditional prevention option. You don’t have to apply anything to your dog or fight with her to take a pill; you simply fasten the collar around her neck. Flea/tick collars are not as effective as oral or topical treatments, however. In general, they’re best used in combination with another prevention product.
- Shampoo: Flea and tick shampoos are an inexpensive, easy way to prevent your dog from developing an infestation. They can kill fleas and ticks instantly. Washing your dog is labor intensive, however, and the results don’t tend to last very long.
Duration/Frequency
It’s important to consider how long a flea and tick prevention product will work for your dog and how often he would need to be treated. Most oral and topical products require monthly treatments, while collars can offer protection for several months. Shampoos offer the shortest protection, usually lasting only a day.
Dog flea and tick prevention prices
Dog flea and tick prevention products range in price based on the type and how many applications are included. In general, you can expect to spend between $6 and $60 on a six- to eight-month supply.
Shampoo: Dog flea and tick prevention shampoos usually range from $8 to $22.
Collar: Dog flea and tick prevention collars usually range from $6 to $55.
Topical: Dog flea and tick prevention topical treatments usually range from $10 to $60.
- Oral: Dog flea and tick prevention oral treatments usually range from $18 to $60.
FAQ
Q. How important are my dog’s age and weight when I’m selecting a flea and tick prevention product?
A. Indeed, these are important factors to consider. You want to make sure your dog is at an appropriate age to use the product. In most cases, the dog should be at least six weeks old, but consult with your veterinarian to make sure your puppy is a good candidate. If your dog is the right age, it’s also important to consider his weight when choosing a topical or oral option. Larger dogs need a stronger dose, while smaller dogs should get a weaker dose to prevent side effects.
Q. What might cause a topical flea and tick prevention product to be ineffective?
A. A topical treatment may not be effective if you apply it to the dog’s hair rather than his skin. The treatment must be fully absorbed through the skin to work properly. However, you shouldn’t rub it in, as you could inadvertently absorb it through your own skin.
Before applying a topical product, check that your dog’s skin is soft and healthy. If the skin is thick, dry, or rough, the treatment may not be properly absorbed.
Q. Can I use my dog flea and tick prevention product on a cat?
A. No. Flea and tick prevention products are designed for specific species, so you should not use your dog’s treatment on your cat. Cats are actually more sensitive to the treatments, so they may get sick if you use a canine version.
