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What are dog ticks?
Ticks are eight-legged parasites that bite your dog to drink their blood. Although dog ticks are very tiny, they can swell up to the size of a pea once they’ve attached themselves to your dog by burying their mouthparts into their skin.
There are several types of tick that can affect dogs in the UK, including dog ticks, sheep ticks and hedgehog ticks. They can also bite humans too, and some ticks can transmit diseases.
First, let’s look at what types of tools are used to protect our pets. They can be divided into several categories according to the form of release:
Drops. Drops are applied to the withers of the dog and are considered one of the effective methods of protection. The average duration of the action of such funds – 2-3 weeks. It is important to use the remedy correctly. It is possible to put drops only on dry wool, after the procedure it is impossible to bathe the dog for 2 days. This medicine for ticks for dogs has one feature: it destroys even the parasites that are already on the dog’s body. After applying the substance absorbs in the subcutaneous fat layer and penetrates the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. After, it gradually stands out, killing or scaring ticks.
Collar. This type of protection is often used not to kill ticks, but to scare them away. The action of the collar is quite long, they remain effective for 1-7 months. For full protection, they can be used in conjunction with drops. Collars have one important disadvantage, because the collar is localized on the dog’s neck, it can not always provide uniform protection throughout the body. Using it, the owner should not relax. Inspect dogs regularly for parasites.
Spray. The effect of the spray lasts from 1 to 4 weeks. BUT! It is necessary to carefully treat the entire body of the dog so that no unprotected places remain, and you also need to ensure that the animal does not lick the product until it is completely dry. Such drugs from ticks for dogs are most often aimed at scaring off parasites and differ in the speed of action. They will be particularly relevant in cases where the animal needs protection right now, and the action of other means has not yet begun.
Pills. Tablets for fleas and ticks for dogs can be applied without age restrictions dogs. Practical experience and research of veterinarians indicate the absence of side effects. Safe to use from 2-4 months of a dog’s life. Anti-tick and flea tablets are absorbed and do not adversely affect nursing and pregnant females. Can be given to dogs prone to allergic reactions. Safe for human health, in particular children, in the sense that they can safely pet the pet (which cannot be said of external preparations that are applied in the area of the withers). The pills have a pleasant smell and taste, and look like a dog-like treat. Do not accumulate in the liver, excreted in the urine, which indicates a minimal negative impact on the animal’s body. Attractive price products.
Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Small Dogs
New development of the famous pharmaceutical company. The main active ingredients are imidacloprid and flumethrin. The collar is a polyvinyl tape that can be adjusted in length. Available in two versions: for dogs less than 8 kg and larger. The set includes reflective clips that can be mounted on the collar. Effective against ticks, fleas and eaters for 8 months. Waterproof, retains its properties after washing the animal. It is not recommended to combine with the use of insect acaricides of other groups.
Main advantages:
- prolonged action;
- does not have an unpleasant smell;
- high efficiency.
Minuses:
- high price.
Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Control
For many years, frontline has been ranked first in popularity among the anti-tick defense. Active substances: fipronil 9.8%, S-methoprene – 8.8%. Effective against ticks, lice, lashing, fleas and their eggs. The drug has no systemic action, is distributed over the skin surface during the first days after application to the area of the withers and spine. 2 days after that the animal is not recommended to wash. Acaricidal action lasts 1 month for dogs and 3 weeks for cats. With frequent bathing (usually 2 times a month) it is recommended to reduce the interval between treatments for 1 week. Contraindicated for use in sick animals and puppies under 2 months.
Main advantages:
- efficiency;
- sold in all pet stores;
- easy to use.
Minuses:
- relatively high cost.
Bayer K9 Advantix II Flea & Tick Control Treatment
The main active ingredients are imidacloprid (10%) and permethrin (50%). Effective against lice, fleas, lashing and ixodid ticks in various stages of development. Treats moderately hazardous substances, has no systemic effect. The death of parasites begins as early as 12 hours after the spot application of the drug on the skin in the area of the withers and spine. Possible local inflammatory reaction of the skin in contact with the agent. Do not use sick and weakened animals, as well as puppies under 7 weeks of age. 4 types of dosages depending on the size of the dog.
Main advantages:
- Convenient, easy to apply
- Vet recommended.
- kills lice and repels flies
Minuses:
- May induce skin allergies.
Vet’s Best Natural Flea and Tick Home Spray
We recommend this one for sensitive dogs and for dog owners who want to be environmentally conscious with their purchasing decisions. This treatment is a spray made from natural components, so there is nothing in it that should harm your dog or the environment. Those natural components are very gentle on your dog and ideal for dogs with sensitivity issues and allergies.
It’s not as potent as some of the other flea treatments on this list, though, so don’t expect very fast and effective results. If there is a serious infestation, you may want to start with something else and work your way down to this gentler, safer treatment method. This is also a good option if your dog has had a bad reaction to some other form of flea treatment that you have used in the past and you want to make sure that doesn’t happen again.
Pros
- One of the cheaper options.
- Made with natural ingredients.
- Safe for your dog, no matter its size.
Cons
- Not as effective as other flea treatments.
Capstar Fast-Acting Oral Flea Treatment for Small Dogs
A single dose of Capstar starts killing fleas within 30 minutes and achieves greater than 90% effectiveness against adult fleas within 4 hours for dogs and 6 hours for cats. This oral flea tablet treats flea infestations in dogs, puppies, cats and kittens 2 pounds of body weight or greater and 4 weeks of age or older. Capstar kills adult fleas that may cause flea allergy dermatitis. It is safe to give as often as once a day if your pet gets re-infested with fleas and can be given with or without food.
https://www.amazon.com/Capstar-Flea-Tablets-Dogs-Count/dp/B005Z6UL1M/ref=sr_1_9?crid=1TBHEN8YHYQRU&keywords=frontline+pill&qid=1558617164&s=gateway&sprefix=frontline+pi%2Caps%2C248&sr=8-9
Pros
- Can be used for both dogs AND cats
- This product claims to kill fleas in 4 hours for dogs, 6 hours for cats
- Pet owners can administer this medication once per day
Cons
- These are pills, which can be a hassle for pets to swallow
- Kills adult fleas, but not flea eggs or larvae
- Expensive tablets that are used only as a quick method of relief
- Slight side effects can make pets itch and/or act erratically
