[cbv20]

Hi guys, long time lurker, sometimes poster. This site has always been very helpful.

I need a recommendation from you, what is the most effective thing going on against fleas and ticks now? I tried Frontline 5 years ago and worked fantastically but it has lost its magic. I currently have 3 dogs and they are being eaten alive. Summer its taking its toll over here in southern california. My vet recommended Seresto but in pills (If I remember correctly, that's what he said, pills or tabs) I mention this because I remember seeing seresto as collars but not in pills. Anyways, he said they were really effective. Can you advise what's the best option out there right now? It has to be for both fleas and ticks, I really could use some help. Have 3 girls that are suffering right now.

Thanks in advance!

 

[LeoRose]

Maybe your vet meant Sentinel or Sentinel Spectrum tablets? Sentinel is for heartworm prevention, some intestinal parasites, and fleas. Spectrum also gets rid of tapeworms, which are generally carried by fleas.

I personally use NexGard for my dogs. I prefer to use a separate heartworm prevention, and give flea control as needed.

 

[Jen2010]

I use Advantage for my dogs. You can get Advantix, which includes tick prevention as well.

 

[JackB]

I previously used Frontline Plus but noticed that my 2 dogs [Collie and Collie mix] would act strange for a day after application. It did work but I decided to switch to Nexgard which has shown no side affects and has worked here in Mid Atlantic area. I might also consider Mercks Bravecto which is a 3 month interval application. Both are at the high end price wise.

 

[irvol]

Ive used Frontline which became Frontline Gold but I have noticed a difference in my dog for a few days afterwords also. All of the preventatives seem to have side effects and concerns and I don't know which to use either but I have been staying with frontline. I do make my own natural flea powder which I will treat their legs, feet and belly with when we are going to be out in the yard for a while.

 

[Sanne]

I don't use regular flea preventatives since I don't live in a heavily infested area. If I notice a flea on one of my dogs, I tend to just give them an oral med that kills all fleas within an hour or two and only stays in the system for 24 hours. Works for me because it is not often that my dogs are picking up fleas.

When I do travel to flea infested areas, I prefer Nexgard. I found it is the only one I have used that works consistently and my dogs have never had any bad reactions. One of mine got some serious skin burns from the topicals so I am not comfortable with them anymore and I always found fleas within 2 weeks of using them on my other dog. I have never found a flea on either of my dogs until after about 6 weeks of giving a Nexgard dose, even though I think it is only guaranteed for 4 weeks.

 

[impactpups]

This year I've been extra cautious about ticks in my area. I prefer to use natural products for my dog and I started using Cedarcide Tickshield spray. So far it has been successful! You can also spray it on yourself. Another brand that I heard works well is Only Natural Pet. I believe they make a collar too, but I haven't tried their products yet. Hopefully you find a solution for your doggos soon!

 

[Wet Beards]

Sanne - What is the name of the oral med that you give?

 

[Sanne]

Sanne - What is the name of the oral med that you give?

Advantus is the one I am currently using, I believe it is made by the same company that makes Advantage? I have also used Capstar in the past and have no complaints but the dogs take the soft chew without me strangling them lol so I've been using that more.

 

[brians08]

It helps to also spray carpets and bedding with Insect Growth Regulator. This prevents fleas that get inside from reproducing.

 

[crysania]

We use the Seresto collar with my dog. We've been using it for over 4 years and never found a flea or tick on him!

I don't think it comes in pill form though. But I highly recommend the collar.

 

[Knute]

I started with Frontline, but soon learned it was ineffective in this area of China. I shifted over the VetGard topical. It has the same ingredients and proportions as a more expensive competitor. I apply to 3 locations on the dog, between shoulder blades at base of neck, mid-spine and base of tail.

Shadow, the dog, has not had flea or tick or mosquito trouble. This is a once a month application. I generally buy a 12 month supply because VetGard is not available in China. I buy when I travel back to USA.

 

[dalefelton450]

Tick collars will work fine.