Taking care of dogs is always rewarding, but it also comes with a few challenges. For instance, what can you do if your dog has external parasites like fleas and ticks? These blood-sucking pests can be hard to get rid of, and they can cause discomfort and even serious health problems for your furry friend.
Don’t worry, as PetPal has you covered! There are many effective solutions available for these pests, and among the most popular ones are flea and tick pills for dogs. But of all the available products on the market, which are the best ones? Read on to learn more!
What Are Flea and Tick Pills?
Flea and tick pills are oral medications that kill or prevent these blood-sucking pests from infesting your dog. They come in different forms, such as chewable tablets or capsules, and are usually fast-acting. The pills work by entering your dog’s bloodstream. Then, when the pests bite your dog and feed on their blood, they’ll ingest the medications, which are fatal for them.
What Are the Best Flea and Tick Pills for Dogs?
Now that you know what flea and tick pills do, here’s a list of products that many pet parents love using on their beloved pups:
1. NexGard Chewable Tablets
NexGard Chewable Tablets are a popular choice among pet owners, and there’s a good reason why. They are monthly treatments, designed to annihilate fleas and ticks effectively.
If you’re worried about your dog refusing to take their meds, don’t worry — what sets these tablets apart is that they have a beefy aroma that can entice dogs. So, if you’re trying to get your dog to take it, it’ll only think it’s treat time! The beef flavoring is also plant-based and won’t trigger beef allergies.
These tablets work within 48 hours of taking them and are safe for pups eight weeks old and above.
2. Simparica Trio
This is another monthly chewable tablet for dogs that not only kills fleas and ticks but also prevents heartworm disease and treats and controls roundworms and hookworms. The active ingredients in Simparica Trio are sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel.
The tablets are also chewable and are safe for dogs as young as eight weeks.
3. Bravecto
When it comes to long-lasting protection against fleas and ticks, Bravecto takes the cake. This chewable tablet provides up to 12 weeks of protection, which means fewer doses to remember, less clutter in your medicine cabinet, and more peace of mind. This medication’s main active ingredient is fluralaner.
This flea and tick pill is safe for dogs and puppies six months of age and older.
4. Capstar Fast-Acting Oral Flea Treatment
Capstar is a fast-acting oral flea treatment that kills fleas on dogs within 30 minutes, which is crucial if your dog is already infested or prone to diseases brought on by these parasites. These products are safe for dogs four weeks of age or older. However, the tablets have a short duration of action, only working for up to 24 hours.
The Takeaway
It’s essential to remember that what works best for one dog might not work as well for another. Many factors can influence their effectiveness, such as your dog’s size, breed, age, overall health, and the severity of the infestation. It’s always best to talk to a vet before giving your dog new medications.
If you wish to talk to a vet online, PetPal has your back! Download the PetPal App on iOS App Store or Android Play Store and chat with our professional veterinarians to know how to give your furry pals the best care.
