With tick season upon us the biggest question on everyone’s mind is – “What product should I use for my pet?”
If your pet lives in a low risk area (in the city and spends time on short grass) and picks up very few ticks in general, no treatment is needed. You can use a comb or pull off the few ticks your pet picks up in the year.
If your pet has more exposure to ticks, there are many methods and products for ticks. At Lakewood Animal Hospital we have 3 different tick products to choose from.
Advantix:
– A liquid drop you apply monthly for ticks, fleas, lice, and mosquitos.
– Ticks get a “hot feet” reaction when they are on the dog and typically jump off. Therefore the ticks don’t get the chance to bite.
– This product is TOXIC TO CATS. Product must be ingested by cats to be toxic. We advise to keep your cat away from your dog for a minimum of 12 hours after application.
– Some dogs may have skin irritation after application – redness, scratching or other signs of discomfort. If this happens you can apply some vitamin E oil directly to the skin or bathe your dog with mild soapy water, rinsing with large amount of water afterwards.
– A prescription is not required and it is sold per tube (stable, any extra tubes purchased can be used next year if it is not needed this season).
Nexguard:
– Oral treatment that must be given monthly to be effective against ticks, fleas (and lice, but the label does not state this).
– Ticks must bite the pet to ingest the product – they will then die and fall off.
– Can be given with or without food.
– Sold in singles or multiples.
– Common adverse reactions are vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and itching.
– Prescription medication – can only be dispensed if we have seen your pet in the past year.
Bravecto:
– Oral, single dose tablet that should be given every 12 weeks (3 months).
– Ticks must bite the pet to ingest the product – will then die and fall off.
– Should be given with food.
– Effective for fleas, and ticks (also works against mites and lice, but the label does not state this.)
– The most common side effects seen are vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and decreased appetite.
– Sold in boxes of 1 tablet
– Prescription – minimum age recommendation is 6 months old, can only be dispensed if we have seen your pet in the past year.
** All flea and tick products should be used with caution in patients with seizure activity.
Please note that the species of tick that causes Lyme disease are still very low in numbers in our province. Saying that, all ticks have the potential to transmit various diseases, with risk being low at this time.