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Flea and Tick Control for Dogs
Regardless of how clean you keep your house and dog, your home and pets are at risk for a flea and tick infestation. Learn what to do before you have to get rid of the little buggers. It's a lot nicer to prevent fleas than it is to remove them.
Remember
- Pesticides and repellents, both chemical and natural, have been known to be harmful. Read the label very well before purchasing a flea collar or spray, consult your vet, and monitor your dog after use.
- Ask your vet about adding garlic and yeast or apple cider vinegar to your dog's diet to make your dog less tasty to finicky fleas.
- Read the FDA's Fighting Fleas and Ticks .
- It's impossible to outline the differences between all brands and their products right here. Once you decide which methods you're going to use, talk to your vet, and read Doctors Foster & Smith 's charts comparing the relevant products.
What Are These Ingredients?
- Permethrin/Pyrethrin is a the strongest adulticide (adult flea and tick killer, not humans).
- Very good for most dogs, although some have dangerous reactions.
- Do not use for cats .
- Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) keep larvae from maturing into reproductive adult pests. These keep the infestation cycle to a single, 3 week-long generation.
- Natural repellents shy away from dangerous chemicals.
Preventative Care
Use these precautions from the time your dog is but a pup and look forward to a life together of itch-free happiness. Make sure that products are puppy-safe, though.
Collars
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Top Brands |
Household and Lawn Sprays
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Top Brands |
Monthly Treatments
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Top Brands |
Dealing with the Problem
Anti-Itch Treatments
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Top Brands |
Combs
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Top Brands |
Shampoos and Sprays
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Top Brands |
External Links
- About -- How to choose the proper flea and tick control.
- Doctors Foster & Smith -- Information on each type of prevention and comparison charts across top brands.
- Elverson Puzzle -- How BioSpot products can kill, one consumer's report.
- Epinions -- Advice on which treatment to pick.
- FDA -- Fighting Fleas and Ticks.
- Placerville Vet -- Pros and cons of most of the top flea, tick, and heartworm-control brands.