Fleas and ticks are back! These parasites can pose a danger to pets, so it is important to be aware. They can cause severe itching, blood loss and anemia.
Find out more about Ticks (and Fleas) in this Talent Hounds article How-to-protect-your-dog-against-ticks/
Kilo, the Pug, got a terrible case of fleas two years ago. I was too late to prevent it. It was frightening to see his belly covered with bites. We were shocked to find out that he rarely goes beyond our block. Before we could clean everything, I had a few bites on my ankles. Crusoe, the Celebrity Dachshund, became very ill from a tick bite I found when I was working with him on a prevention campaign called “No Bite Is Right”.
There are many options for tick and flea products. They come in oral form as pills, food toppings, chews and creams. Topicals can be sprays or liquids or collars. Tags, shampoos and tags are also available. There are so many options. It can be overwhelming. You may find it difficult to accept that all treatments come with risks and consequences. It is important to safeguard your dog and limit side-effects or adverse reactions. It is important to be informed about the ingredients and warnings.
Consult your veterinarian before starting flea prevention or treatment for your puppy or dog.
Based on our experience, reviews, and recommendations from friends, we have put together a list of the top products for dogs. We don’t use collars and oral medication, so I didn’t include them.
We also reviewed the Companion Animal Parasite Council’s product reference guide and videos by Dr Karen Becker. See link below.
Check Prevention and Treatment
This post includes Amazon Affiliate Links. You may earn a small commission if your purchase is made through these links, but you don’t pay any more.
Topicals
K9 Advantix II Flea- and Tick Prevention for Extra Large Dogs (6 Pack, 55 Pounds”)>K9 Advantix 11. Flea & Tick Prevention
This Advantix treatment is what I use for Kilo. For four months, I apply a few drops of the Advantix treatment to Kilo’s shoulder blades once per month beginning in March or April. K9 AdvantixII is a combination of the active ingredients imidacloprid and permethrin. It kills adult fleas, flea eggs, larvae, ticks, lice and decreases stable and mosquito bites. K9 AdvantixII is only for dogs and not cats. It is crucial to choose the right product for your dog.
Amazon Link K9 Advantix II Flea & Tick Prevention for Extra Large Dogs 6 Pack, More Than 55 Pounds
Bayer Advantage Multi Topical Treatment for Dogs 20.1 to 55 lbs, 6 Doses (6-mos. supply)
Bayer Advantage Multi has received positive reviews, but I have yet to try it. It kills fleas, and other parasites, but not ticks.
Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Treatment for Dogs (Large, 45-88 Pounds and 3 Doses)
This treatment has been used for Kilo. It kills flea eggs, larvae, adult fleas, and all life stages of ticks for one month. Safe for dogs and puppies up to 8 weeks old and weighing at least 5 lbs. It is also safe to use in pregnant, nursing, and breeding dogs. Fleas do not have to bite to make it work. The active ingredients fipronil (and S-methoprene) work together to kill parasites, and end the flea lifecycle. Fipronil kills ticks, adult fleas, and chewing lice. S-methoprene stops flea eggs, larvae and pupae developing.
Amazon Affiliate Link: Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Treatment for Dogs (Large Dog – 45-88 Pounds, Three Doses)
Wondercide – Flea, tick and mosquito spray for dogs, cats, and home – Flea Killer, Control and Prevention, Treatment with Natural Essential Oils. – Pet and family safe – Lemongrass 32oz
This natural product is made from plants and appears safe. There are four scents available and it comes in a variety sizes. This product repels, kills, and prevents fleas and ticks as well as mosquitoes and other pests. I plan to try Kilo.
My Amazon Affiliate Link: Wondercide Flea, Tick, and Mosquito Spray for Dogs and Cats – Flea Killer, Control Prevention, Treatment – with Natural Essential Oils. Pet and Family Safe – Lemongrass 32 Oz
Natrapel 6 hour Mosquito, Tick, and Insect Repellent
This DEET-free pump spray is available in a lemon eucalyptus fragrance and offers up to six hours protection against ticks, moths, and other insects. It’s easy to use and compact size makes it portable. My Amazon Affiliate Link : (2 Pack) Continous Spray 6-oz Natrapel 8-Hour Mosquito, Tick & Insect Repellent
Vet’s Best Flea & Tick spray
The all-natural formula includes peppermint oil, clove extract and clove extract to kill ticks and fleas. This product is easy to apply and great for dogs. My Amazon Affiliate Link: Vets best flea and tick spray, 8 oz., USA made, brown (3165810346).
Nature’s Protection Fleas & Ticks
Nature’s Prevention offers many products to treat your tick and flea problems. All-natural, easy-to-use collars, sprays, and topical formulations are available. All products are DEET-free and do not contain synthetic chemicals. There are no pesticides or insecticides.
Nutri-Vet Defense Flea & Tick
Nutri-Vet Defense Flea & Tick protects you and your dog from nasty fleas. This topical treatment is easy to apply and provides effective flea and tick control. It also combats lice, mites, and mosquitoes so your dog will be comfortable and free from itching. Nutri-Vet Defense Plus Flea & Tick Control For Puppies
Hartz(r), UltraGuard(r), Flea & Tick Treatments for Dogs and Puppies
Hartz UltraGuard Dual-Action Topical Flea & Tick treatment for dogs and puppies – 15-30lbs, 3 monthly treatments
SENTRY(r), Flea Killer & Mosquito Spray and SENTRY (r) SqueezOn(tm), Flea, Tick & Mosquito Control For Dogs
Shampoos
Pure and natural pet flea & tick shampoo
The natural shampoo for dogs is made with essential oils that repel and kill ticks. It’s gentle on pets skin and acts naturally as an antiseptic to soothe their skin.
Tropiclean Natural Flea & Tick Shampoo
This shampoo is fresh and smells great. It kills ticks and fleas, while soothing the skin of your pets. This shampoo contains cocoa butter, a natural soothing agent, and lemongrass and sesame oils to repel fleas and ticks. You can safely use this product every time you bathe your dog or cat. TropiClean Natural Flea & Tick Shampoo for Dogs, 1 Gal – Made in USA
Hartz UltraGuard Flea & Tick Shampoo For Dogs – Citrus Scent
Hartz UltraGuard Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo For Dogs With Soothing Aloe
Dams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo
This shampoo works to kill ticks and prevent flea growth for up to 28 days. It is gentle enough for sensitive skin. Precor Adams Plus Flea & Tick shampoo 12 Ounces
Tags
You can attach several tags to Kilo’s collars and harnesses that emit vibrations to repel them. Kilo was flea and tick-free after I tried it. However, it was difficult to determine if it worked.
Carol Bryant, Natural Flea and tick Prevention for Dogs
While I have had positive experiences with the products that I use, Carol Bryant of Fidose of Reality experienced terrible results with certain treatments. In case your dog is sensitive or prefers natural products, I have included a link to Carol Bryant’s recommendations. These include Wondercide soap and spray.
There are many reasons why I do not use chemical flea and bite spot-ons, topicals or sprays on my dog. My first Cocker Spaniel suffered serious side effects after I applied a chemical flea and tick preventative. Her skin became red and her hair began to fall out. She had a seizure after some of her blood sugar levels were changed.
Carol
The informative article linked above explains how ticks and fleas attack dogs. Ticks can find certain smells repelling. These odors include cinnamon, lavender and rose geranium as well as cedar, cedar, citronella and eucalyptus oils. Although she is not a veterinarian, she is a dedicated dog mom who has tested dozens of products for her Cocker Spaniels in the past 30 years.
Dr Karen Becker
You can also read How flea and tick medications work and answer the question “What do we do now?” !” question! With Dr. Karen Becker
Tick Removal
No matter what tick prevention product you use, your dog should be checked for ticks after any outdoor activities. Take out any ticks you find and use the remover to seal it.
Tick Twister Tick Removal Set
This handy tool is great for keeping around the house. It can be used on both animals and humans. The tool works by gently removing the tick, without having to squeeze it. This tool can remove the whole tick, leaving only the head. This tool is safe and simple to remove small and large ticks. Tick Twister Tick Removal Set with Small and Large Tick Twister
Are you able to share a tick- or flea-related product or experience? Please leave a comment.
Hounds with the Tick and Flea Prevention Talent.
