Before deciding on a flea and tick medication, always check with your veterinarian and make sure it’s a good fit for your dog. Review the product label and consult with your veterinarian to make sure:

  • The product is the correct species for your pet (dog versus cat)

  • The product is within the correct weight range for your pet

  • The product protects against the appropriate parasites

  • Whether the product should be given with food

  • How often you should administer the product

  • How long before the product starts working

  • How soon you can bathe your pet after application

  • Whether the product has any safety-related concerns

  • You know what to do in the case of an adverse reaction

Here are some other factors to consider:

1. Application Method

Flea and tick preventatives commonly come in two forms:

  1. Oral: chewable tablet that your dog ingests

  2. Topical: liquid that’s applied between the should blades or down the back of your dog

Topical flea and tick preventatives are a great option for pets that are picky eaters or have sensitive stomachs. However, if you have small children or other animals, you need to be careful that they don’t touch or lick the product before it has time to dry. Topical treatments are also not a great option for dogs that like to swim a lot or dogs that need frequent baths, as water can affect the product’s efficacy.

Oral treatments can be an easy and convenient option for dog parents because they can be given like a treat. If you use oral treatments, it’s best to monitor your dog to make sure they have eaten the entire tablet and do not throw it up before it can be absorbed into their system.

2. Geography

Different geographic locations have different local parasite populations, including fleas and ticks.

The Companion Animal Parasite Council is a helpful resource to identify the parasites in your area so you can make sure whichever flea and tick product you choose keeps your dog fully protected.

 

3. Access to the Outdoors

Consider the types of outdoor areas where your dog spends time. Dog parks, hiking trails, wooded areas, parks, bushes, and backyards can all be homes to fleas and ticks. If your dog spends a lot of time in wooded areas or spaces where other animals and dogs spend a lot of time, their risk of exposure to parasites is higher.

Even if your dog doesn’t spend a lot of time outside, fleas can easily come in through window screens, on other pets that go outside, or even on a person’s pants and shoes. Veterinarians  recommend flea and tick prevention regardless of how much time a dog spends outdoors.

4. MDR-1 Gene

Some breeds (such as Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Shetland Sheepdogs) have a gene mutation called MDR-1 that makes it harder for them to break down certain types of medications.

Many veterinarians recommend testing dogs for the MDR-1 gene, especially affected breeds. That said, many manufacturers of parasite preventatives have tested their products for safety on dogs with the MDR1 mutation and found they had no adverse effects.

5. Lifestyle

While no breed is more at risk of acquiring fleas or ticks than others, some dogs may be at higher risk due to their personality and breed characteristics. Working, herding, and hunting dogs may spend most of their day in the field, while other dogs are content to stay at home, only venturing outside occasionally.

6. Life Stage

If your dog is still a puppy or is a small dog breed, you will need to consult your veterinarian to find an appropriate product for their weight or age. Most flea and tick preventatives have a minimum age of 6 to 8 weeks, but always check the package insert for confirmation.

7. Medical Conditions

Some classes of preventatives, called isoxazolines, should be used with extreme caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disease, as these medications may make it easier for those particular dogs to have a breakthrough seizure.

No preventative should be used without thorough discussion with your veterinarian if:

  • Your dog has previously had an allergic reaction to the medication

  • Your dog is sick and/or underweight

  • Your dog is pregnant, nursing, or will be used for breeding in the future