Dog owners who worry about these side effects or prefer using natural remedies as a general rule might wonder if there are options like these for flea and tick control. Image Credit: Jus_Ol, Shutterstock What About All-Natural Products?įlea and tick pills, like many medications, have some potential side effects, some of which could be serious. Primarily, not all dogs will eat them, and then how do you get this big tablet down their throats? Pills also generally don’t repel fleas and ticks because their products work by entering the dog’s bloodstream and poisoning the parasites when they bite. We touched on some of the cons of flea and tick pills in our reviews. Parents may also feel more comfortable avoiding topical products or collars with young children in the house. They aren’t messy like topical products, and you don’t have to worry about your cat getting sick from touching them. Pillsįlea and tick pills are generally the most convenient way to treat your dog for parasites. Owners of both dogs and cats will need to be aware and cautious if they choose a topical product. Some dog flea and tick products are toxic to cats and could even cause a reaction if the cat touches the applied liquid on the dog’s body. Topical products are usually relatively easy to apply but can get messy, especially if your dog is very active. Because of this, they are a good choice for dogs with flea allergies who break out at even the slightest touch of a flea. While their specifications vary, many topical products not only kill fleas and ticks but actively repel them away from your dog. These types of products have also been in use for a long time, so long that some fleas and ticks are becoming resistant to their active ingredients. Topical Productsįlea and tick products applied to the skin are another option you could choose. Not all collars are created equal, and those who opt for the over-the-counter option may not be pleased with the results. In addition, they usually lose their effectiveness if they get wet. Flea and tick collars can be effective but must be correctly fitted around your dog’s neck to work properly. They are still one of the cheapest options, especially if you use a collar purchased over the counter. Flea And Tick Collarsįor many years, collars were about the only options if you wanted a long-lasting flea and tick control method. Now that we have your attention regarding the need for flea and tick control, let’s talk more about the pros and cons of the most commonly used methods. Tick-borne illnesses can be tough to diagnose, expensive to treat, and may ultimately prove fatal. Ticks are responsible for spreading diseases as well, the most well-known of which is probably Lyme disease. In severe cases, a dog (usually a puppy) can be so heavily infested with fleas that they become anemic from blood loss. Have you ever heard of the Black Death bubonic plague from medieval times? Guess what pesky little bloodsuckers were responsible for spreading that one? Dogs can also get tapeworms, an intestinal parasite, from swallowing infected fleas. Once infested with fleas, your dog can pass them to other pets or you.ĭealing with a flea infestation in your home can be expensive, frustrating, and extremely itchy! Keeping fleas away from your dog in the first place is much easier.įleas can also spread diseases, not just to your dog but to you as well. As we mentioned in the introduction, fleas and ticks are found nearly everywhere and almost all dogs will be exposed. While trying to decide whether flea and tick pills are right for you, you might have wondered whether parasite control is even necessary at all. Why Does My Dog Need Flea and Tick Control?
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