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No Fleas, Please!
There are a variety of different flea and tick preventative medications for cats and dogs on the market. From oils to drops to collars, each brand and type will tell you why they’re the best choice. But how can you be sure? Green Dog Dental, in addition to pet dental care, offers full veterinarian services and has some tips to help you make the best decision for your cat or dog regarding flea prevention.
Which Flea Treatment Is Best
Choosing a flea and tick remedy for your pet ultimately comes down to personal preference, your location, and your feelings on exposing your cat or dog to chemicals. While the products available today are almost universally safe and well tolerated, there are a few things to consider before deciding which flea and tick medicine to buy.
It’s very important to get your dog on some sort of flea and tick prevention regimen, not only because ticks and fleas are a nuisance, but because they can transmit very dangerous diseases to your pet!
Monthly is Most Popular
Monthly topical medications are probably the most popular option. You’ve probably seen commercials on TV for them, complete with adorable puppies and catchy jingles. But are they safe?
The short answer is yes, they are! But you have to be sure to use them correctly. Many of these medications come in different sizes: some are made for small dogs and cats, others for very large dogs. It’s important to know your pets’ weight before purchasing topical flea and tick medication. If you purchase one for animals that weigh 20 pounds, and your pet weighs 55, it likely won’t be effective.
What About Flea Collars?
Flea and tick collars are also a popular option. These plastic collars, which your cat or dog will simply wear around their neck, generally last a long time (some upwards of seven to eight months) and are often less expensive than topical treatments.
Oral Medications Might Be Best
Lastly, there are oral medications. This option is more popular for dogs than for cats, but they’re generally administered orally once a month and are very effective. Watch out though, many of the oral medications only kill fleas, not ticks! If you live in a wooded area or your pet often is exposed to tall grass, you may want to consider using a collar or topical medication to protect your pet from ticks.
As far as which brand to buy, your best bet is to see which one your vet recommends. There are a variety of different topical, oral, and collar medications, and your vet will be able to give you a recommendation.
Visit the Green Dog Gazette for more tips for your pet.