There are different methods of flea and tick medication on the market today – each one serving different purposes with different methods of application. There are pills, liquids, collars and all-in-one products. Every manufacturer claims to have the best products, so it can be a hassle choosing which products are best for your pet.
So, which one is actually the best?
To be honest, our answer to this question may be subjective as there are a lot of great products out there. However, we have done the research and compiled a detailed list of some of the best flea and tick control methods on the market. We divided these products into three different types of medications: Collars, Topical treatments, and Oral medication.
Collars
In terms of convenience, collars take the cake when it comes to flea and tick treatments. You don’t have to worry about trying to trick your pet into swallowing medicine or forcing it to stay in one position while you draw lines of liquid medicine on its skin. What’s more, collars are extremely durable – some of them even last up to eight months!
Collars are particularly effective against ticks. Take, for example, the neck and other areas around the head of a dog. These areas are the most tick-prone areas of the dog’s body, and since the collar will be placed around the dog’s neck, it will be extremely effective in getting rid of the ticks.
If you live in an environment that is usually humid or moist particularly close to grassy or wooded areas, then there is an increased risk of a tick infestation on your pet. A well-fitted collar would be a great addition to your collection of anti-tick and anti-flea control methods. You also have the option of combining the collar with other equally effective treatment regimens. Here are some collar options for you to consider:
Seresto
- Effective against fleas and ticks already on the body of your pet. It also serves as a tick repellent.
- Provides up to eight months of uninterrupted protection
- Can be used for cats and dogs
Preventic
- Could take up to 48 hours to begin full functionality
- Protects your pet for up to ninety days
- Can only be used for dogs
When you’re getting a flea and tick collar for your pet, it is important that you get the perfect fit. The way the collar works, it needs to be as close to the skin of the pet as possible – although you must be careful that it’s not tight enough to choke or cause discomfort. We would recommend that you should be able to fit two fingers under the collar after you attach it to your pet’s neck. A proper fit will ensure that the chemicals on the collar are transferred to the skin as they should be.
Topical Treatments
These include spot treatments and shampoos. Each treatment has varying levels of effectiveness, so you should keep a lookout to see which one works best for your pet.
Shampoos
Flea shampoos are relatively cheap and easily accessible. This fact is a contributor to the popularity that they enjoy among pet owners. They are somewhat labor-intensive, however. Compared to some other forms of flea and tick control, you have to exert quite a bit of energy into applying them.
Typically, a flea shampoo functions effectively for about 24 hours. However, there are exceptions to this rule. The relatively short period of effectiveness may tempt a pet owner to apply the product every day, but you should know that this isn’t good for the health of your pet as it may lead to skin irritation.
The best way to make use of flea shampoos is to use them alongside some other method of flea/tick control, such as the collar mentioned above treatment. You can also use a flea shampoo if your pet is suffering from a severe infestation – possibly during or after a camping trip.
Spot treatments
Most pet owners are accustomed to using these. They are the tubes of medication that you squeeze on the skin of your cat or dog, and they are actually quite effective. They are more effective than shampoos and last longer.
Spot treatments attack eggs, larvae and fully grown fleas. After application, they remain effective, protecting your pet for up to thirty days. It can be a little stressful getting your pet to stay still while you apply the medication, especially if it is a wiggler. However, after a few applications, you should be able to handle it with ease. Some options available include:
Frontline
- Effective against fleas and ticks
- Attacks fleas at all stages of growth
- Guarantees protection for up to thirty days
- Can be used for cats and dogs
Advantage
- Attacks fleas at all stages of growth
- Waterproof
- Guarantees protection for up to thirty days
- Can be used for cats and dogs
NB: Before purchasing any product, do your homework and make sure to be able to tell the difference between a knockoff and the original as there are a lot of knock-offs out there.
Oral Medication
Pills are very common and effective against fleas and ticks. However, you have to carefully consider any side effects of a pill before you begin to use it for your pet. They are also best administered alongside a meal – this will help prevent nausea on the part of your pet. Some pills that you can take a look at include:
Comfortis
- Begins to work within thirty minutes
- Can be used for dogs and cats
- Prescriptions should be taken from a veterinarian
Brevecto
- Provides protection against ticks and fleas for up to twelve weeks
- Prescriptions should be taken from a veterinarian
- Should only be used for dogs
An important thing that you must take note of while using any of these flea and tick control methods is consistency. Keep track of application dates and your pet’s health information – preferably in online data entry or a diary. You can also set up reminders on your smart device so that you never miss an application date or a refill.
Most of the products listed can be found on Amazon, so you should definitely check that out. Additionally, you can reach out to professionals to help you to handle pest control especially if you may have problems handling it all by yourself. Best of luck!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ty the Bug Guy
Ty Hawkins, also known as Ty the Bug Guy, has been in the pest exterminator for several years and exterminated pests all over the country. Ty has worked for many companies including Orkin and Terminix.
While working for these companies he realized he could offer a more friendly and personal service. He called Rick and together they started Mantis Pest Solutions and now offer pest control in Overland Park and Lee’s Summit. Ty’s goal is to make Mantis more than just your local pest control company, but a business that constantly is giving back the community as well.
Quickly after a few services, Ty became known as Ty the Bug Guy. Feeling a bigger need to help people with their pest infestations he created his own pest control tip blog to better serve the local community and those all over the country with their pest issues.
When Ty isn’t helping residents of the Kansas City area get rid of their pests or posting about pest control tips Ty enjoys spending time with his family. They love traveling, playing board games and trying new restaurants. When you call in for a pest control quote don’t forget to talk about some of the great places to eat or things to do in Kansas City.
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You can also read some of his most popular pest control tips and articles below:
Frequently Asked Questions about Pest Control
5 Things your Pest Control Technician wants you to Understand
How to Bed Bug Proof Your Luggage
