5 Tips for Choosing the Right Flea and Tick Medication
Shaking off winter for the warmer months of spring is always an exciting time of year. But with the flowers and showers come bugs, some of which pose a threat to your four-legged friends! The worst culprits are fleas and ticks, which can carry diseases that are also transmittable to humans.
Flea infestations are uncomfortable for your pet and a pain to deal with as an owner. A female can lay up to 50 eggs a day, which often end up on your carpet, bedding, upholstery and pet gear. Ticks are another growing issue for both humans and dogs, and they pose a serious risk of lyme disease. Preventative solutions are key when it comes to protecting your cats and dogs as the weather warms up.
How to Determine If Your Pet Has Fleas or Ticks
An important step in the treatment of these pests is determining if your pet has them. If you pet has fleas, they may exhibit the following signs and symptoms:
- Scratching, biting or licking, particularly the head, neck, armpits, tail and groin
- Flea waste or “pepper” (small black or reddish-brown specks)
- Irritated skin
- Visual confirmation (flea looks like small red brown seed)
- Hair loss
- Pale gums
- Evidence of eggs (small white ovals)
If your pet has ticks, they may show some of the following symptoms:
- Mild fever, including shivering, loss of appetite and excessive panting
- Scabs
- Fatigue
- Head shaking
- A small bump on the skin or visual confirmation of a tick that has latched on
Types of Treatment
Whether you’re looking for prevention or eradication, there are a number of ways to address the pest problem. Treatment can typically be done at home or at your vet’s office. Common treatments can be categorized into:
- Oral medications (treatment and prevention)
- Topical medication (treatment and prevention)
- Shampoo (treatment and prevention)
- Flea collars (prevention)
- Sprays (treatment and prevention)
- Manual removal with a tick key (treatment)
How to Choose The Right Medication
Because pets and circumstances vary, there is no one right answer to what prevention is best for your pet. An indoor cat who hates medicine might do best with a flea bath when the need arises, rather than monthly medication or ointment. If you take your dog adventuring frequently, then your pup definitely needs a preventative medication.
A veterinarian can help you choose the right product for your pet, lifestyle and location. When considering a treatment option, consider the following:
Works Quickly and Reliable
An effective treatment should get to work quickly, regardless of whether it’s being used to treat or prevent fleas and ticks. Consider your pet’s breed, health, age and size when choosing a type and dose.
Kills Pests During All Stages of Life
Look for a treatment that is effective at all stages of the life cycle for fleas and ticks. Talk to your vet to see what types and specific species are prevalent in your area to make sure you’re well covered.
Easy to Use
Treatment is available in many forms, so it’s worth considering what will be easiest for you to administer. The easier it is to use, the more likely you are to stick to the regime.
Safe for You and Your Pet
Most treatments are specifically for cats or dogs and are not interchangeable. Weight is another important consideration when it comes to dosing and the safety of a given medication. Talk to you vet to ensure that a given treatment is right for your pet.
Matches Your Pet’s Preference
Some pets are happy for sit still for a shampoo treatment while others run at the sound of the bathtub running. Some will easily take a pill if it’s hidden in a piece of cheese while others can smell a pill a mile away and 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.
Potential Side Effects and Warnings
As with any medication there are potential side effects to be considered. While oral pet products are reviewed and approved by the FDA, some have rare side effects like stumbling, muscle tics, or seizures. With topical treatments, there’s a risk of poisoning if they’re not applied correctly, which can result in lethargy, vomiting, poor appetite or diarrhea.
While not as serious as an adverse neurological reaction or poisoning, skin irritation is another possible side effect of medication. Consider any food allergies your pet has as well, as some ingestible medications have flavorings that may not agree with your pet’s stomach.
With more and more information available online, pet owners have the ability do their own research and make informed choices on what type of medication is best for their pet. Sometimes research can lead to more questions than answers when choosing prevention. Connect with your local veterinarian to get answers and make sure your pet is protected this Spring.