![]() If you live in a colder climate, it might only last four months or so. The length of the flea season, which peaks during warm weather months, varies depending on where you live. Generally speaking, it's best to start treating your pet at the beginning of flea season if you’re trying to prevent a flea infestation. Your veterinarian can help you determine the best time frame for treating your pet. You should also save the packaging for the product in case a problem does occur and you need to report it. You should also carefully read the label, the package insert, and any accompanying literature to make sure you’re using the product correctly. ![]() It’s strongly recommended that you involve your veterinarian when choosing a flea and tick product, especially if your pet has any health conditions. A few spot-on products are available for flea control in ferrets, and fly and tick control in horses.Īlthough flea and tick products on the market have been used in millions of pets, side effects or adverse events may and sometimes do occur. Some of these products are available only from a veterinarian others can be bought over the counter.įlea and tick products range from pills and chews given by mouth to collars, sprays, dips, shampoos, powders, and “spot-ons,” liquid products squeezed onto the dog’s or cat’s skin usually between the shoulder blades or down the back. Hundreds of pesticides, repellents, and growth inhibitors are available to protect your pet from flea and tick bites. And pets can bring ticks into the home, exposing you and your family to illness from a tick bite. Ticks can also harm your pet, transmitting tick-borne infections such as Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Babesiosis, and Bartonellosis. In severe infestations, fleas feasting on your pet’s blood can lead to anemia and, in rare cases, death. And a pet’s constant scratching can cause permanent hair loss or other skin problems. They can cause flea allergy dermatitis - an allergic reaction to proteins in flea saliva. “Another reason to avoid them is most contain organophosphates, a class of organic compounds that could cause increased nasal discharge, diarrhea and respiratory problems.Flea bites may be more than an itchy annoyance to some dogs and cats. “This is because fleas like the rump area best and a collar around the neck is too far to work well,” Dr. Sangiorgio says they’re old-school and simply don’t work as well as newer products. Note: While some people wonder about flea collars, Dr. These include preventatives - medications applied directly to the skin - and treatments - products like shampoos or dips (which you apply after shampoo). Topical products are applied to the skin. This so that any kids who might crawl around or touch your dog don't come in contact with medication on the dog’s fur or skin. ![]() “I recommend systemic products for clients with young children,” Dr. Systemic products are oral doses that - depending on the product - can last from one to three months. “The products for flea and tick prevention or control come in two types - systemic and topical,” Dr. John Sangiorgio, a veterinarian at CompleteCare Veterinary Center in New York City, to help you out. Since there seem to be a million products out there, it can be hard work to try to find the right ones - so The Dodo spoke with Dr. If you’re getting ready for summer and looking for the best flea and tick products, for prevention or treatment, we’ve got you covered. With the fun of summer comes one big downside - the dreaded flea and tick season. If you buy a product from a link on our site, we may earn a commission. We independently pick all the products we recommend because we love them and think you will too.
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