When it comes to the health of your dogs, one of the best actions you can take is providing them with high-quality flea and tick preventative medication. If you live in a highly populated area, have multiple pets, are an avid hiker, or frequent dog parks often, investing in flea and tick solutions can keep your pup safe from a host of diseases and discomfort that fleas and ticks can pass along.
Typically, these medications are given on a monthly basis and come in topical or oral options. In general, people tend to note that they feel the oral medications tend to stay in their dog’s system longer. Pet owners also like that oral medications are not impacted if their dog gets wet, or is bathed.
Keep in mind that consulting with your vet is always best before trying out a new medication, and several types of flea and tick prevention do require a prescription. Below are the most cost effective, and highly rated flea and tick medications for your pups.
Selecting the right oral medication for your dog is crucial in keeping them happy and healthy. Oral medications may be a better choice for you if your dogs are prone to licking themselves, if you have children, or if you frequently give your pets baths.
Trifexis is an oral medication that prevents and treats heartworm disease, intestinal worms, and fleas. It is given orally once a month and comes in a beef flavor. In my experience, my dogs have easily taken these pills without a fuss, and without a pill pocket. If your dogs are a bit resistant to taking pills, this small pill can be easily hidden in their food.
Trifexis requires a prescription from your vet, but many offices will have this medication already in stock. The Trifexis site offers a manufacturer rebate for this particular medication, and many ordering sites also include an additional fifteen percent off coupon.
If you choose to go with Trifexis, you can expect to pay about 100 to 200 dollars a year per dog, depending on your dog's size, without including your rebate or discount.
Topical Medication For Fleas and Ticks
Topical medications are typically easy to apply, last up to thirty days, and are typically waterproof. When choosing to apply a topical medication instead of an oral medication, you should note if your dog or dogs tend to groom themselves or each other frequently. If so, you may want to keep an eye on them until the medication has settled.
If you have children, prevent them from ingesting or coming into contact with the medication. More detailed instructions and warning can be found on this website, and on your medication box. Frontline is a topical, over the counter flea and tick medication that offers competitive price points for highly effective treatment.
In addition to treating fleas, Frontline also treats mites, ticks, and lice. If these pests are common in your area, Frontline may be the right option for you. Frontline offers discounts and rebates for a six and twelve month supply.
Unlike Trifexis, Frontline can be ordered directly, without a prescription. They are around the same price point, but some tend to prefer the convenience of a topical treatment.
Flea and Tick Spray
For those of you that want to go the chemical-free route, Vet’s Best offers very reasonably priced flea and tick products that smell great and work well. The flea and tick home spray can be applied as needed to any size dog, to furniture and common sleeping surfaces.
The spray claims to kill fleas and ticks, while also repelling mosquitoes. I have been using Vet’s Best Spray for years, in addition to my pets monthly flea medication. In my experience, the spray does everything it claims and gives my dogs a shiny, fresh smelling coat.
In addition to the home spray, Vet’s Best offers flea and tick shampoos, wipes and yard spray.
