Oral Flea Preventatives vs. Topical Spot-On Flea and Tick Protection: What’s The Difference?

Fleas and ticks really bite. With a wide selection of innovative flea and tick preventatives to choose from, you can find a product that makes it easy to keep your pet protected.
Read on to learn about the differences between oral and topical flea and tick preventatives and how to choose the best option for your dog or cat.

What’s A Topical Flea and Tick Preventative?

Most topical flea and tick preventatives, also known as “spot-on” products, come in single-use tubes, the contents of which you apply to your pet’s skin between their shoulder blades. They’re applied once monthly for ongoing protection against fleas and ticks.

Topical preventatives work through dermal translocation, which means they spread across the skin’s surface in about 24-48 hours. The product remains in the external lipid layer of the skin, slowly dispersing through the sebaceous glands to create a continuous layer of protection.

Pros of Topical Flea and Tick Products

• Kills fleas and ticks that land on your pet
• Some products can also repel pests
• No need to hide in food for picky pets
• Most do not require a prescription from your veterinarian

Cons of Topical Flea and Tick Products

• May take up to 24 hours to start killing fleas and ticks
• Additional protection needed for internal parasites
• Pet cannot swim or bathe for up to 48 hours after application
• Pets should be separated until product is dry, especially in multi-pet households with cats that tend to groom other pets

What’s An Oral Flea and Tick Preventative?

Oral flea and tick preventatives are popular in multi-pet homes in which pets spend time in close contact.

Most oral flea and tick preventatives come in the form of a tasty, chewable tablet that you give your pet as a once-monthly treat. The medication in flea and tick chews travel through the bloodstream and quickly kill fleas and ticks that bite your pet.

Pros of Oral Flea and Tick Products

• Can start working in as little as 30 minutes
• Kills fleas before they can lay eggs
• Easy to give as a tasty treat
• Some products also treat internal parasites
• No need to wait before swimming or bathing your pet
• May be safer for multi-pet households

Cons of Oral Flea and Tick Products

• Most require a prescription from your veterinarian
• May need to be hidden in food for picky pets

Choosing The Best Flea and Tick Preventative for your Pet

Both topical and oral flea preventatives from trusted manufacturers are clinically proven to be safe and effective when used as directed.

When looking for the best flea and tick protection for your pet, keep in mind:

• If your pet likes to swim or needs frequent baths
• If you are busy, forgetful, or just prefer your pet’s routine simple
• If your pet is picky even when it comes to treats
• If you have a cat that cuddles or grooms other pets in your home

Fast-Acting? Long-Lasting? Or All-in-One?

All dogs and cats need flea and tick protection as well as a heartworm preventative.

An all-in-one oral preventative like Simparica Trio protects against fleas and ticks, as well as internal parasites like heartworms.

A long-lasting product like Bravecto protects dogs from fleas and ticks for up to 12 weeks.

And while topical flea and tick prevention typically needs up to 48 hours to completely dry, with fast-drying Revolution pets can be bathed or swim just two hours after application.

Still not sure what’s right for you and your pet? Talk to your veterinarian about finding the best flea and tick prevention solution to keep your pet protected.

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VISION

Every pet deserves to live a long, happy, healthy life.