How To Effectively Compare Flea and Tick Dog Treatments?

As most of you know, there are several flea and tick dog treatments available in the market. And having to pick out the best and most effective flea and tick treatment can be an exhausting and arduous task. Moreover, there are many factors involved when comparing flea and tick treatments. But comparing their active ingredients is perhaps the best way to effectively know which treatment is the best since flea and tick products rely heavily on active ingredients to eliminate parasites.

Furthermore, some active ingredients can work wonders for one pet, but may not be effective for the other. Thus, understanding the different active ingredients and side effects can help you pick out the best product for your four-legged buddy.

Comparing Flea and Tick Treatments

To compare flea and tick treatments, there are several factors that can be involved. But as stated earlier, we will be delving into the active ingredients that help in eliminating pesky fleas and ticks. But before we do that, we should look into the treatment options available for treating fleas and ticks.

Flea And Tick Treatment Options For Dogs

If you look for flea and tick treatment options for dogs, then there are plenty of them. Such treatment options include:

• Flea and tick collars
• Flea and tick topicals or spot-ons
• Flea and tick oral chews and tablets
• Flea and tick shampoos
• Flea and tick sprays

All of the above treatment options have their own advantages and disadvantages. Not all treatments will suit your dog and that has to do with the active ingredient present in the product. Thus, active ingredients play a key role in pick the safest and best flea and tick treatment for your dog.

Active Ingredients Of Flea And Tick Treatments

Most of the flea and tick treatments for dogs are made with certain active ingredients. So let us look at them, and see what each ingredient does!

#1. Fipronil

This active ingredient is found in Frontline topical and helps in eliminating adult fleas and ticks by paralyzing their nervous system. Such a treatment is safe for puppies and dogs of all breeds that are above the age of 8 weeks. They are easy to apply and provides protection for at least one full month. Moreover, if you want to use products with Fipronil in them on your pregnant or nursing dog, then consult a vet first.

#2. Imidacloprid

Such an active ingredient is found in topicals like Advantage for dogs. It is the only flea treatment that helps in getting rid of fleas in just 12 hours and stops their biting within only 5 hours. This active ingredient attacks the nervous system of fleas and eliminates them quickly. Moreover, it is safe for puppies and dogs 7 weeks and above. Besides, this treatment is not recommended for elderly dogs, dogs will illness, as well as pregnant and nursing dogs before discussing with a vet.

#3. Lufenuron

The active ingredient Lufenuron is found in oral remedies such as Sentinel Spectrum. It prevents heartworm infection by killing immature forms of heartworm. The oral treatment controls adult hookworms and removes and prevents roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. It provides long-term protection and controls flea infestations and flea allergy dermatitis in dogs by preventing the development of flea eggs and larvae. 

#4. Permethrin

One of the few treatments that have the active ingredient Permethrin in it is none other than Vetsense Permetrol. The topical solution treats fleas and ticks on dogs. It controls and prevents flea and tick infestations. The topical treatment aids in the control and prevention of flea allergy dermatitis in dogs. The insecticidal spray aids in the treatment of Queensland Itch infestation in horses. It treats and controls buffalo fly, stable fly, pyrethroid sensitive flies, and biting insects in horses. 

#5. Pyrethrins

Most of the flea and tick dog shampoos have the active ingredient Pyrethrins in them. This ingredient helps in effectively eliminating fleas and ticks on the dog’s body. It is very safe and recommended for all breeds of dogs and young puppies.

Final Thoughts

So based on the active ingredients, you can opt for the desired flea and tick treatment for your four-legged pooch. And if you are still in doubt about which treatment to opt for, we recommend consulting a vet and seek their expert opinion.