What Works Best on Dogs for Flea & Tick Prevention

Dog owners know what a nuisance it is to remove a tick from their pet. Rarely do dogs stay still enough for you to get rid of it at first try. Ridding a dog of fleas can be even more challenging. That's why it's important to choose an effective flea and tick prevention method that keeps pests from infesting your dog.

  1. Flea and Tick Diseases

    • Flea and tick bites are dangerous for dogs. Not only do they cause skin irritation, but these pests carry fatal diseases. Fleas, in particular, carry tapeworm -- a parasite that weakens a dog's digestive system. Ticks also transport a number of diseases, including lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which both can deteriorate the dog's cardiovascular system and lead to death, states Robin Tierney of Paw Rescue.

    Topical Flea Control

    • Insect-growth regulators (IGRs) control fleas, but not ticks, and are available in topical applications. Although they do not eliminate mature fleas once your dog is infested, they're effective at preventing new fleas from hatching. The best IGRs contain lufenuron, methoprene and pyriproxyfen.

    Oral Flee Prevention Products

    • If you're in search of an oral medication for flea prevention, try lufenuron. Dogs take it as a pill once a month to prevent ticks from invading and laying eggs. Lufenuron often accompanies nitenpyram, another oral medication in pill form. Nitenpyram eliminates adult fleas that infest your dog. Pet Product Advisor claims that the product kills fleas within 30 minutes of the dog ingesting the pill, and Consumer Search states that the product kills 98 percent of fleas in four hours.

    Prevention Selection Tips

    • With so many flea and tick prevention medications available, it's sometimes difficult to know which is best for your dog. You ideally should choose one that's easy to administer, safe and economical, notes Pet Product Advisor. Select one with a guarantee, so you can return it for a refund if you're not fully satisfied with its results. Consult your veterinarian about new products available and don't be afraid to ask for a recommendation. He's likely aware of the prevention products that work for other clients and can suggest one right for your pet.