Tips for Choosing the Right Flea and Tick Medication

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If you own pets, especially a cat or dog, that enjoy being outdoors, then you probably already know that they are susceptible to fleas and ticks. Besides becomes annoying and harmful for your pet, these parasites can also pose a risk to humans. Ticks are second only to mosquitos for carrying diseases that can affect humans while fleas are notorious for reproducing rapidly, quickly infesting your home and leaving you with a seriously itchy pet.

Whether roaming around in the yard, going on a daily walk, or taking an outdoor adventure, dogs and cats can easily come into contact with parasites. Your pooch or kitty will then bring it into your home, which can lead to an infestation, all while suffering.

In many climates, fleas and ticks become the most active in the springtime, as that’s when it starts to warm up. Preventative solutions are critical when it comes to protecting your pets and saving you from the headache of dealing with them.

Does Your Pet Have Fleas or Ticks?

A quick examination of your pet can often tell you if they have ticks or fleas. Regular grooming is a good routine activity that can help you notice any bugs early on.

However, there are also some other tell-tale symptoms of fleas:

• Consistent biting, licking or scratching, especially on the head, groin, and tail

• Rashes or unusual red patches

• Black or reddish-brown debris on your pet or its bedding (flea waste)

• Hair loss from scratching or lesions

If your pet has a tick, they may show some of the following symptoms:

Choosing the Right Medication

Television ads and online searches are great, but they can also be confusing. Finding the right flea and tick treatment is often easier if you talk to vet that you trust. Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for the right solution for your pet:

Speed and Reliability

Whether you’re looking for prevention of treatment, you want something that will work quickly to provide relief or protection. You also need to consider the type of pet, age, size, breed, general health and any sensitivities.

Ease of Use

You need something that will provide the least amount of stress to your furry friend and to you. If it is simple to use, you’re more likely to stick with the treatment routine.

Kills Everything

You want to be sure the treatment will kill all forms of the insect, including the eggs, larvae, and adults. Also, insect species vary by area, so be sure that what you are using will be effective in your location and any areas that you’re planning on traveling to with your pet.

Safety

Always read the label and verify that all the ingredients are safe for your pet. If you have questions, contact your veterinarian. If your pet is currently taking other medications, be sure there will be no adverse reactions between the two.

Preference

Each pet has its own personality and quirks. Some are happy to hop in the bath for a shampoo treatment while others flee at the sound of the water running. Some will easily take a pill if it’s covered in peanut butter while others will refuse. You also need to consider your lifestyle and the lifestyle of your pet. A indoor cat versus a dog you regularly take camping need very different levels of protection.

Types of Treatments

How they’re applied, how long they last and costs vary depending on the option you choose. Generally, treatments and prevention can be categorized into:

Potential Side Effects

Many of these medications have side effects, even if some of them are uncommon. For instance, oral flea and tick prevention meds can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In some rare instances, dogs have experienced neuronal issues after taking them.

Any type of cream or shampoo should be kept out of their eyes. Allergic reactions both on the skin and after ingestion are also possible. For these reasons, choosing a regime is often significantly easier with the help of your veterinarian.

As a pet owners, you want to take good care of your furry family members. Search online and talk to your vet to find the right information to ensure you’re taking preventative action. It’s also important to have a plan for if your pet does get fleas or ticks so that you can take prompt action.