A Review of Flea and Tick Products for Dogs

Fleas and ticks can cause many health problems in dogs. They feed on the animal's blood and can transmit disease through the blood to the dog's system. They can cause skin irritations and allergic reactions, causing the dog to scratch until he is bloody. They can also cause anemia which can contribute to a compromised immune system, weight loss and general lethargy. In rare cases, death can occur.

Fleas also carry tapeworms which can cause other significant health problems in the dog. Ticks carry Lyme disease as well as ehrlichiosis, babsiosis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. All of these can cause significant health problems in your dog, so it is important that you protect him against them.

Sprays, Powders, Collars, Creams and Shampoos

Flea and tick sprays, powders and creams can be applied to the dog's coat and skin to kill the pests and keep the them from coming back. They can rid your dog of the parasites before they have a chance to infect the dog with diseases or cause allergies. Flea and tick collars can protect your dog against fleas and ticks and there are no messy sprays or creams. Many collars can last as long as 3 months.

Shampoos kill fleas and ticks and many condition the dog's skin. With many of the shampoos, you lather your dog's coat and then let it sit for a couple of minutes so that it can have time to kill the pests. Make sure that you rinse the dog well.

Once a Month Topical and Oral

There are many oral and topical monthly preventatives available for dogs. They are quickly becoming very popular, mainly because they are easy to use, are quite safe and protect the dog against fleas and ticks for the entire life cycle of up to 30 days. The application is quick, requiring just about one minute and you don't have to think about it again for 30 days.

The topical type of treatment is a liquid solution that you apply to your dog's back. Many are even water safe and will not wash off easily. Oral products work in the dog's system to break the flea life cycle. They keep flea eggs and larvae from developing.

Anti-Itch Treatments

When a dog itches from flea and tick bites, he is miserable. It interrupts his sleep, he can drop weight and he can scratch until he is bloody. Even when no fleas are present, he can still itch from the bites. Excessive scratching can cause skin problems and infections. There are products that can alleviate the incessant itching. There are creams, shampoos and sprays that you can apply to your dog's skin.

Some products may be used together, such as a shampoo and then a cream or spray. These products soothe the skin and alleviate your dog's itching and soothe his discomfort. They can even help calm inflammation of allergy related skin irritations such as dermatitis.

Treating Your Yard and Home

Treating your dog is an important step in controlling fleas and ticks. Treating your yard and home is the next step. It is very important that your yard and home be treated to that re-infestation can not occur. There are foggers, sprays, powders and mists available that treat the home and yard, guarding against fleas and ticks. Make sure that you clean the dog's bedding and other areas that he frequents in his environment that can carry fleas and ticks.

Just remember that flea and tick problems can be worse in different geographical regions, different seasons and even different dogs. Make certain that you thoroughly review your risk factors and your treatment options so that you can make a good decision and select a product that is best for you dog, your family and your home.