Flea and Tick Treatment for Dogs

When it comes to fleas and ticks, an ounce of prevention is better than pound of cure. Preventing fleas and ticks before they occur is better for your dog and easier on you, which is why you should use flea treatments regularly – even if your dog doesn’t have fleas or ticks.

If your dog gets fleas – you will see them on either you or your dog, your dog will constantly scratch or bite his fur, you might see flea bites or your arms or legs, and you might see fleas in the upholstery of your furniture, on your drapes, or in your carpeting – getting a fast acting, over-the-counter flea treatment for your dog and a household flea spray is highly recommended.

It is important to know that fleas and ticks don’t go away on their own. Fleas only jump on dogs for a few minutes to feed, then they then hide usually along a dog’s underbelly, which is why fleas can infest floors and carpeting so quickly.

Fleas and ticks are harmful to you and your pets. Fleas can carry tapeworm eggs that can cause a tapeworm infection in your dog. Some dogs are allergic to fleas and get dermatitis from the bites or constant itching and licking their fur. If your dog has an allergic reaction to fleas, you will need to get the dog seen by a vet, and the vet may prescribe a flea treatment not available over-the-counter.

While fleas are extremely annoying to humans, except in rare circumstances they are not dangerous. If you have an allergic reaction to flea bites, see a doctor for treatment.

Ticks, on the other hand, can be dangerous to both dogs and humans and you should be very diligent about preventing ticks – especially if you take your dog to the woods or forested areas. Ticks can attach to you and/or your dog for a few days and drop off once they have finished their blood meal. Because ticks can carry Lyme disease, it’s important to see a doctor for you and a vet for your dog if you’ve been bitten by ticks.

The best flea treatment for some might not be the best for you or your dog. Some dogs love flea collars, on others a spot-on flea treatment works better, and some dogs respond best to flea tablets. We supply a full range of non-prescription and prescription flea treatments for your dog.

Spot-on flea treatments are a liquid in a pipette that you empty on to your dog’s skin at the back of the neck. They are easy to administer, especially if your dog has difficultly taking tablets. Dosages are different for various sizes of dog, so be sure to know your dog’s weight when choosing a flea spot-on treatment. We carry Flevox, Fipnil and Fipnil Plus, Effipro and Effipro Duo, Imidaflea, Prac-tic, Vectra, and more.

How often you apply spot on flea and tick treatments depends on the brand you choose. For many of these treatments, applying the spot on every four weeks will give optimum protection.

Pet Drugs Online offers two kinds of flea collars for dogs: Scalibor collars, which protect against tick infestations, biting flies and mosquitos, and Seresto flea collars with tick control. Both collars are available without a prescription and are recommended by vets. It is important to note that Scalibor collars should not be used on dogs that come in close contact with cats, the active ingredients in Scalibor collars can be toxic to cats.  

Most flea tablets for dogs are prescription-only medicines, but Program and Capstar can be purchased over-the-counter. Capstar is for flea infestations and works within 15 minutes for 24 hours. Program prevents fleas and should be taken once a month for at least six month.  You will need a prescription from your vet to buy other flea tablets at our discounted online price.

Flea sprays include household sprays to help to kill fleas in the home, as well as flea spray treatments for your dog. Some of these sprays are suitable for both dog and home treatments. These include popular brands such as Frontline flea spray and prescription only Effipro flea spray.