Besides being an inconvenience, fleas and ticks can be health detriments in the form of skin irritation, allergies and even deadly illnesses like Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis. Flea and tick prevention is something dogs need all year round and can be realized by either applying a topical or by oral means. Each has strengths and weaknesses, with the awareness of the difference, you will make a more informed choice on the most suitable covering for your pet.

Flea and Tick Prevention is Important. Why?

The breeding rate of fleas is very fast, and in fact, the process of reproduction by an adult female flea goes on at a frightening rate of 50 eggs per adult female flea on a daily basis. Even their small population will soon become so uncontrollable that you do not even know when they will end up occupying your house and making your dog uncomfortable. Instead, ticks can transmit some serious diseases brought with only a single bite, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, and anaplasmosis are just a few of them.

Veterinarians recommend that dog owners exercise proper flea and tick prevention as a result of these hazards, both in the case of indoor and outdoor pets. They differ in terms of action and application to the different lifestyles: oral and local can be both effective.

Topical flea and tick products: What are they?

Topical treatment is a liquid that is poured on the skin of the dog, usually between the shoulder blades or down the back. Once applied, the medication penetrates the oils on the skin, covering the entire body of your dog.

Well-known topical products are Advantage II, Frontline Plus and K9 Advantix II. These products usually last a month and are available either over the counter or by a veterinarian.

What Are Flick Flea and Tick Treatments?

Tablets, or chewables that your dog consumes, are pill-type treatments. The drug circulates in blood, and when fleas or ticks bite your dog, the active ingredient is ingested and the insects die.

Well-known oral drugs are Bravecto, NexGard, and Simparica Trio. These need to be prescription-based and will have protection, which is monthly or monthly, depending on the brand.

How They Work

  • Kill fleas and ticks after they bite your dog.
  • Some also protect against heartworms and intestinal parasites.
  • Effective regardless of bathing, swimming, or grooming habits
  • Advantages And Disadvantages of Topical Treatments

Pros

  • Fast and broad-spectrum: A number of topical agents kill fleas in 12 hours and protect against a variety of parasites: lice, mosquitoes, etc.

Cons

  • Sloppy application: May stick messily on fur, giving an oily residue during 24-48 hours of application.
  • Inhibition of grooming: Pets (dogs) can actually lick the product before it can even be absorbed.
  • Bathing decreases life: Bathing or other high-frequency swimming can decrease the length of the protective period.
  • Hypersensitivity: In other dogs, the skin is sensitive or there is loss of hair at the site of application.

Advantages and disadvantages of oral treatments

Pros

  • No residue, No mess: Nothing to put on the skin, perfect to use a home with children or many pets.
  • Waterproof coatings: Showers, swimming, or water do not have an impact on performance.
  • Broad-spectrum products: There are single-dose oral products that include flea and tick, and heartworm prevention.
  • Extremely palatable: They are made with such flavours that dogs love them as treats.

Cons

  • Needs a bite to be effective: Fleas and ticks need to bite your dog before they die, and this is how they can still cause diseases.
  • Prescription: Need the care of a veterinarian to get oral medications.
  • Side effects: Weak chance of side effects, which are mild stomach upsets or subtle neurological responses in very sensitive dogs.
  • Expense: Tends to be more costly at first than topical products.

Which one Is Better?

The ultimate decision will depend on your dog's life, health conditions and even your tastes as someone caring about your pet.

Topical may be best suited in case your dog is outdoors and requires repellent to deal with the mosquitoes or biting flies. They are cheap and readily accessible as well.

Oral therapy is ideal when the dog is active and goes swimming or bathing regularly, families with small children or owners interested in a solution that will not tip over.

There are even owners who use one method in winter, and another during the summer alternately, although it is necessary to do this with the advice of a veterinarian.

Topical plus Oral Treatments

Although the idea of doubling up might appear to be a good idea in order to increase protection, one might end up either overdosing or having unpleasant side effects. Speak to your veterinarian before using ParasitPlus. Occasionally, vets might advise using a flea/tick product with a second product to prevent heartworms (not something that should be done at home).

Other Factors to Consider in Successful Prevention

  • Treat surroundings: Use a vacuum on the carpet, wash bedding and treat the outside to get rid of flea eggs and larvae.
  • Individually protect pets: Since they need to know which animal has fleas, the other pets in the home should be treated to avoid their reinfestation.
  • Protection throughout the years: The presence of fleas and ticks in the interior during winter requires the prevention activity throughout the year.
  • Frequent vet visits: Ask your vet about your dog's risk factors and side effects to make appropriate changes to the treatment.

Final Thoughts

In the case of the treatment of fleas and ticks in dogs, both topical and oral products can be used, and they are both very effective as long as they have been applied correctly. Topicals create a repellent effect and are easy to administer, whereas oral medications are convenient, waterproof and non-messy and usually have wider coverage in terms of the parasites they can repel. The best option can depend on the life of your dog, your financial condition and a suggestion of a veterinarian.

Being aware of the pros and cons of each procedure, you will be capable of finding a compromise and keeping your dog healthy, comfortable and free of murderous parasites all year round.