Top Flea and Tick Treatments for Your Pets: Brands and How They Work

As a pet owner, keeping your furry friends safe from fleas and ticks is a top priority. These pests not only cause discomfort but can also transmit serious diseases. Choosing the right flea and tick treatment is essential for your pet's health and well-being. In this guide, we’ll explore the best flea and tick treatments available, including popular brands and how they work, to help you make an informed decision.

Introduction to Flea and Tick Treatments

Effective flea and tick control involves using the right products to protect your pets from infestations. There are several types of treatments available, each with its own advantages. Understanding these options will help you choose the best solution for your pet.

Spot-On Treatments

Spot-on treatments are applied directly to your pet's skin, usually between the shoulder blades. They are convenient and most are easy to acquire from a local store.  Unfortunately, all the Over-The-Counter formulas are very old and have been grandfathered in for sale from back when flea/tick products were approved through the EPA as pet safe lawn treatments as opposed to the FDA where they are viewed as a medication given to your pet to prevent disease.  Because of this we do not recommend using OTC Spot-On Treatments for your pet anymore as their efficacy is questionable at best with our practice diagnosing a large number of tick borne diseases in pets “protected” with over-the-counter treatments.

• Frontline Plus: This product contains fipronil and (S)-methoprene, which is labeled to kill fleas, ticks, and chewing lice. When it was invented back in 1993 was very effective.  The formulation has not been changed since and many fleas and ticks no longer die after coming in contact with these ingredients. 
• Advantage II: Utilizing imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen, Advantage II is labeled to kill fleas at all life stages within 12 hours of application, offering a full month of protection.  When it was invented back in 2011 it was highly effective but has been clinically dwindling in its protection.  It also has no tick prevention at all.
• Revolution: Selamectin-based, Revolution is labeled to protect against fleas and  one species of tick (the brown dog tick).  It also is labeled to treat ear mites and some internal parasites, providing a more comprehensive monthly protection.  The original Revolution invented back in 1999 was altered in 2019 to include a new isoxazoline and increase the products effectiveness against ticks.  At that time it was renamed to Revolution Plus.  Revolution Plus at this time still appears to be effective as a monthly preventative against fleas and ticks on cats.

Oral Medications

Oral medications are flavored, chewable tablets that protect your pet from the inside out.  All oral medications out on the market now are prescription products. They are effective and can be easier to administer for a lot of pets who do not like having cold water applied to their back..

• NexGard: Afoxolaner, the active ingredient in NexGard, kills fleas and ticks by over-stimulating their nervous systems. It provides protection for up to a month and is available as a tasty beef-flavored chew.  This is the oldest oral flea/tick preventative out on the market.  While its efficacy is still good, the kill rates do tend to get a little slower as the end of the month approaches.
• Bravecto: Fluralaner-based, Bravecto offers up to 12 weeks of protection against fleas and ticks with a single dose, making it a convenient option for pet owners.  The only downside to Bravecto is that coverage is only offered up to 8 weeks for the Lone Star Tick.  Therefore, in highly infested areas it is recommended to be dosed at every 8 weeks.
• Simparica: Containing sarolaner, Simparica kills fleas and ticks within hours of administration and offers up to 35 days of protection.  It is still recommended that this product be given every 30 days but with the 5 day overlap/lee-way you can be sure to keep you pet more easily protected.

Flea and Tick Collars

Flea and tick collars are worn around your pet's neck and release active ingredients over time to repel and kill pests.

• Seresto Collar: This collar uses imidacloprid and flumethrin to provide up to 8 months of continuous protection against fleas and ticks. It is very important that the collar touch the skin at all times in order to protect the entire animal.  If there is hair between the collar and your pet, the pet will not be able to absorb the active ingredient into their bloodstream and therefore will not be protected.  They also do not typically last 8 weeks as each time your pet is bathed or becomes wet the collar needs to use more stored ingredients to recover the animal.
• Preventic Collar: Amitraz-based, this collar is specifically designed for tick prevention and is effective for up to 3 months.  It was originally created to be paired with older flea only preventatives on the market and the original Revolution because it did not fully protect against ticks by itself.  So long as the collar is tight enough and the pet is not bathed too frequently it should be effective.
• Adams Plus Flea & Tick Collar: Combining pyriproxyfen and tetrachlorvinphos, this collar offers 7 months of protection and is adjustable for various pet sizes.  We do not recommend the use of this product.  From our experience at the clinic we have seen at best, pets with fleas and ticks still on them while using the product and at worst an animal presented to us having seizures after using an Adams flea/tick product.

Flea Shampoos and Sprays

Flea shampoos and sprays are useful for immediate relief and can be used to help get a pet through until a more consistent and permanent solution is attainable.

• Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo: With pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide, this shampoo kills fleas, ticks, and lice.  Again we do not recommend using any Adams products as they have been quite harsh and certain animals have presented to us having severe reactions to their products.
• Vet’s Best Flea & Tick Home Spray: A plant-based formula with peppermint oil and clove extract, it kills fleas and ticks on contact and can be used on both pets and home surfaces.  While it will kill on contact and it is safe, it does not have a lasting effect beyond first contact.  It is important to seek a more continual preventative measure with its use.
• Hartz UltraGuard Rid Flea & Tick Shampoo: Contains pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide, providing effective killing action against fleas, ticks, and lice.  Hartz is another brand that we recommend you steer clear of.  Hartz brand prevention products regularly cause severe reactions in pets including rash, hair loss, chemical burns, and seizures when used.

Natural and Alternative Treatments

For those seeking natural options, several products use plant-based ingredients to repel and kill fleas and ticks.  The only downside to these treatment options is that they are not regulated at all and many of them on the market are not effective or even harmful you you/your pets when used.

• Wondercide: This product uses natural ingredients like cedar oil and lemongrass oil, safe for pets and humans.  How effective the product is at actually killing parasites is still up in the air, but can only cause minor skin irritation when applied and mild stomach upset if eaten. 
• Diatomaceous Earth:  This should never be used on an animal in any preventative way.  Diatomaceous Earth is not effective at killing fleas, ticks, or worms and can cause very severe, documented respiratory disease from inhalation by your animals..

Choosing the Right Treatment for Your Pet

Selecting the best flea and tick treatment depends on various factors, including your pet’s age, size, health condition, and lifestyle. Always consult your veterinarian to determine the most suitable and safe option for your pet.

Conclusion

With numerous effective flea and tick treatments available, you can protect your pets from these harmful pests. Implement these treatments as part of a comprehensive prevention plan to ensure your pet’s health and comfort.

Protect your pets from fleas and ticks by choosing the right treatment today. For personalized advice and top-notch care, schedule an appointment with Carrollton Animal Hospital. Our team is here to help you keep your pets healthy and happy.