The Best Ways to Get Rid of Fleas and Ticks at the Same Time
Many of the best products for flea control are quite effective for killing ticks as well. Frontline Plus, for instance, will kill ticks within 48 hours of application. That’s twice as long as it takes to kill fleas, but still quite quick.
Frontline will also kill the ticks responsible for Lyme disease, an important feature if you live in an area where Lyme disease is prevalent.
While Advantage does not kill or repel ticks, Bayer does make a related product called K9 Advantix which is a similar monthly treatment for dogs that will kill fleas, ticks and mosquitoes.
Like Advantage, K9 Advantix comes in small vials for various sized dogs, and is applied between the shoulder blades. This product should not be used on cats, however, since felines are unable to metabolize the active ingredients.
Another topical treatment for use against both fleas and ticks is Revolution, made by Pfizer. As an added bonus, Revolution also provides protection against heartworms, which are a serious long-term health risk for dogs. As with Frontline and Advantix, Revolution is applied topically to the animal’s back once a month.
If your dog is only exposed to ticks from time to time, you might just consider a medicated collar, such as those made by Virbac. These collars contain Amitraz, which is released slowly, and spreads through the animal’s coat, causing ticks to become paralyzed and then fall off and die.
Another option for dogs that are exposed to ticks less frequently is a medicated tick shampoo. In this case, you dog can be bathed only after possible exposure to ticks, such as after a hike in the woods. Exposure to possible toxins is reduced, and only used when necessary.
Whichever product you decide on for flea and tick control, please be aware that ticks can carry diseases, such as Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted fever, which can potentially be quite dangerous. Consult your veterinarian if you’re concerned about your pet’s exposure to fleas and ticks.