Choosing the Best Oral Flea Prevention

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Lindsay Butzer, DVM
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Dr. Lindsay Butzer
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Fleas and ticks can be a real pain. In fact, they can present a real threat to pet parents who have dogs or cats. If left unprotected, their pets can become ridden with harmful fleas and ticks that might be carrying deadly diseases. Plus, if a pet has fleas then the pet parent's home is at risk for an infestation too. Generally, if a pet parent finds a flea on their pet then there are about 1,000 more burrowed in their carpet at home.

Compare combination heartworm and flea prevention medications

Bravecto Chews, Opens in New Window NexGard Chewables, Opens in New Window Comfortis, Opens in New Window Simpariaca, Opens in New Window Credelio, Opens in New Window

Prevention is the best method to keep a pet parent's home and pet free of fleas and ticks. In the past, the most effective prevention method chosen was topical flea and tick medication. These topical preventatives provided pets protection up to one month after application.

However, oral flea and tick prevention has topped the popularity charts and for good reasons as well. Oral flea and tick preventatives can be more effective than traditional topically administered medications. Two of the biggest benefits of oral flea and tick medications are that they are FDA approved and safe for pets to ingest. Thus, the ease of use is incomparable to previously favored topical methods because pet parents no longer have to worry about a sticky mess following applications. In fact, the majority of oral preventatives come in tasty soft chews which the majority of pets believe are a treat.

A pet parent deciding to protect their pet is an easy decision. Deciding which preventative method is best for a pet can be difficult. Especially since what might be best for one pet might not be optimal for another. Plus, many different types of oral preventatives are available; some kill fleas and ticks, others can also treat and control ear mites or sarcoptic mange. In addition, some combination methods protect pets from heartworm, fleas and ticks.

Most oral preventatives require monthly dosing. On the other hand, preventatives like Bravecto are given once by mouth every twelve weeks. Generally, oral preventatives require a prescription from a pet parent's trusted veterinarian.

Choosing the best protection for your pet can vary based on your pet's lifestyle. If a pet spends most of their time outdoors then their preventative regimen will most likely differ from an indoor pet. Not to forget, it is very important to know whether the oral preventative is safe for use in pregnant, breeding, or lactating pets while making a decision. Coincidentally, we have taken the guesswork out for pet parents by providing a chart above to determine the best preventative method for their pet.