It cannot be emphasized enough that our pets need to be protected against various external parasites throughout the year.
Because besides causing annoyance to our pet with their bites, for example, these tiny creatures can also cause serious diseases.
In some cases, the lack of protection can even cost the life of the pet.
Fleas can cause flea saliva allergy and tapeworm infestation, in addition to their unpleasant, itchy bites.
Ticks can carry the dreaded and sometimes fatal babesiosis, as well as Lyme disease.
Mites also cause unpleasant itching, and can even be the cause of dermatitis.
So we definitely need to protect our dog all year round against these parasites! But at this point, the owner may ask themselves what exactly to use, as the selection is so vast?
We help you decide!
Spot-on drops
Most drops provide 4 weeks of protection against fleas and approximately the same amount of time against ticks. It is worth waiting 2-3 days before and after bathing before applying it to our dog’s skin, as it absorbs through the skin’s sebaceous layer. Some types also protect against mosquitoes, providing an effective defense against heartworm disease. We also recommend these types if your outdoor pet’s ears tend to be bothered by flies. This way, the flies won’t find them as attractive.
The other group consists of so-called combo products that prevent flea eggs from hatching. So if unfortunately we have already brought fleas home into the apartment, yard, we should definitely put such drops on our pet. You can find such spot on products in the Frontline range as well.
Collars
Let’s not be fooled by the various drugstore, multinational flea repellent collars! These collars mostly contain only geranium or lemon balm and are more suitable as supplementary products. Most of the time, they cannot fully protect the dog from parasites.
And indeed, babesiosis is no joke! Often, even with the most careful treatment, it can only partially or not at all cure our pet. We do not even mention the high veterinary costs!
Prevention always means a cheaper and more reliable solution!
Most collars only promise protection against fleas and ticks. Or ticks and mosquitoes, but not for the same duration. Fortunately, there is now a complex protective collar (against fleas, ticks, mosquitoes), but even here none of them protect equally long against all.
For dogs that roam a lot in nature or hunt, collars may not be the best choice, as they can easily come off. In addition, note that not all collars are waterproof!
When putting it on, the collar should be neither too loose nor too tight. Two fingers should fit between the collar and our dog’s neck for optimal fit. If it’s too loose, it won’t provide protection; if it’s too tight, it can be uncomfortable for the pet, who may scratch and tear it off.
Tablets
Various tablet solutions against parasites can already be found in most veterinary clinics and pharmacies. These products can be classified into two types.
Those that protect against fleas and ticks, and those containing milbemicin, which are used for heartworm prevention.
The latter should only be given to dogs with a confirmed negative heartworm test!
These tablets are always recommended to be given with a meal for better absorption. If our pet vomits them within 1-2 hours for any reason, it is worth using some other supplementary protection against parasites as well.
These tablets need to be administered to our dog every 4 weeks, and another type every 12 weeks.
Do not forget regular deworming, with a broad spectrum product!
With this type of protection, definitely consider the weight of growing puppies!
If we are uncertain about protection against parasites, ask our veterinarian! What is certain: it is not worth saving on our pet's life, as prevention is the best solution!
