Walk into any pet store and you will find an overwhelming wall of flea and tick products. Some are effective, some are outdated, and some are dangerous for certain species. Here is how to make an informed choice.
Prescription vs. Over-the-Counter
Prescription products from your veterinarian (such as Simparica Trio, NexGard, Bravecto, or Credelio) are backed by rigorous safety and efficacy studies. Many over-the-counter products use older active ingredients with lower efficacy, and some — like permethrin-based topicals — are toxic to cats even in small amounts.
Oral Chewables
Oral products are convenient, cannot be washed off, and pose no risk of skin reactions. They work by making the pet's blood toxic to parasites after a bite. Most oral products provide one to three months of protection and also kill ticks that carry Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis.
Topical Products
Topicals are applied between the shoulder blades and spread through the skin's oil layer. They may be preferable for pets that will not take oral medications. Keep pets separated after application to prevent ingestion through grooming.
Collars
Seresto collars provide eight months of continuous flea and tick protection and are a good option for owners who struggle with monthly dosing schedules. However, they must fit properly and should be removed before swimming or bathing.
Year-Round Prevention in Austin
In Central Texas, fleas and ticks are active twelve months of the year. We strongly recommend year-round prevention — skipping winter months is the most common cause of flea infestations we see in our practice. Ask us during your next visit which product combination makes sense for your pet's lifestyle.