In the last decade or so, we have seen a wide array of newly released flea and tick preventative treatments for dogs and cats. Hence, as a pet owner, you become spoilt for choices. The task becomes even more intricate due to the advertising done by the sellers. It is your duty to ensure that the flea and tick preventative product that you select is “the safest”, “most effective”, “the most convenient” and “the swiftest kill”.
Please remember that there is no single product that can best for all the pets. Hence, you need to make an informed decision to select the best flea and tick preventative treatment from the rest. We understand your predicament as a pet owner and so we have tried to resolve the quandary by answering seven relevant questions that would make you choose the best flea and tick control product for your pet:
Frequently Asked Questions And Answers About Best Flea and Tick Preventatives for Dogs and Cats
Q 1: Does My Pet Have Exposure To Ticks?
A 1: Yes, it has been researched and found by the U.S. Center for Disease Control that ticks are prevalent in each and every state of the United States. The reason that makes ticks such a dangerous thing for pets is because they carry diseases encompassing Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis.
Q 2: Is My Pet High Or Low Risk For Exposure To Ticks?
A 2: If you reside in an urban area, it does not mean that there are no ticks present there. It has been found that ticks normally live on ground, whether it is a city lawn or in a forest. They have the prowess to crawl up on a blade of grass. They wait for a warm-blooded pet to pass by and then drop onto their host for the meal. Thus, it is important to use a product containing the following active ingredients: Amitraz, Pyrethroids and Selamectin.
All these ingredients are labeled to control ticks. If your pet has minimal exposure to ticks, then the tick efficacy is not important for your pet. If your pet roams in wooded and dense area, then the tick exposure is high and tick efficacy is one of the most important things while selecting an insecticide.
Q 3: Do You Take Your Pet to Grooming Parlors, Parks Or Daycare? Or, Does He/She Stay In Its Own Backyard?
A 3: If your pet likes socializing, then he might be prone to fleas. If you think that making your dog stay in the backyard will have limited exposure to fleas then this assumption is wrong. It has been observed that wildlife, including raccoons, stray cats and opossums can carry fleas in your yard. All dogs and cats that roam outside are at the risk of getting exposed to fleas. Hence, you need to select the best flea control treatment.
Q 4: Does Your Pet Swim Or Bath At Least Once Every Two Weeks?
A 4: If the answer is yes, then it is recommended to select a flea and tick preventative treatment that remains effective even after exposure to water and soap. If you are using a topical treatment, do not forget to wait at least a day before or after applying the treatment which would enable the pet to swim. Most of the topical treatments need time to absorb by the skin in order to remain effective. If your pet does not swim, choose a product that does not need to be waterproof.
Q 5: Do You Have A Pet Cat?
A 5: Remember that there are certain active ingredients including Deltamethrin, permethrin and phenothrin that can be dangerous for the health of your feline. Also, understand that if you allow your cat to rub next to a recently treated dog, it can life-threatening for her. While selecting flea and tick preventative treatment for your cat ensure that it has been labeled for cats only. Also, never apply flea collars on cats because an outdoor cat may get the collar caught on fences or branches and strangle themselves.
Q 6: What Is The Age Of Your Pet?
A 6: There are certain flea and tick preventative products that are not recommended for pets younger than eight weeks of age. While others are not safe to be administered on ill or pregnant pets. Hence, it is extremely important to read the product label for age and health restrictions before selecting the product.
Q 7: Does The Product Kill Both Adult Fleas & Eggs?
A 7: There are certain flea and tick preventative treatments that only prevents flea eggs from hatching or larvae from completing its life cycle. While there are other products that are effective against adult fleas & ticks along with the entire flea lifecycle. So, it is better to select a product that kills both adult fleas and ticks along with the entire lifecycle of fleas.
Never fall victim to the boastful flea and tick advertising campaign by the manufacturer. Always select the best flea and tick preventative product based on the concerns of your pet by consulting with your veterinarian. Apply the treatment as the information provided on the product label. This would ensure that your pet stays away from these pesky parasites and enjoy his/her life.