Best Flea, Tick & Heartworm Prevention for your Dog
Combination pills have become a feasible option for most pet owners today. They provide comprehensive protection against common dog problems viz. fleas, ticks, and heartworms. Some even cover intestinal worms and mites. However, the lack of proper knowledge about the best flea, tick & heartworm prevention that suits your dog has also generated a whirlpool of dilemma and skepticism amongst the customers.
Misconception Related To Combination Pills
The biggest misconception that must be cleared first is that all combination pills provide the same protection. This notion is completely wrong. Every product has a different combination of ingredients and may act differently on each pet. Moreover, the lifestyle of the pet and your family is also an important factor that decides the product’s efficacy. Thus, to choose the most suitable product for your furry companion, it is essential to have the answers to the questions mentioned below –
Do you go out with your pet a lot? Does he often get to explore the dog park? Do you take him out for hunting?
- Which product would you prefer at your convenience?
- Which product will suit your budget?
- Do you have any preference for topical or oral preventatives in mind?
Answering all these questions will give you a fair idea of which combination product will suit your pet the most.
Over the Counter Flea, Tick and Heartworm Preventatives
These preventatives are formulated for dogs to provide complete protection against fleas, ticks & heartworms. A single dose of the drug can provide complete one-month protection against the parasites. Moreover, it relieves the owner from keeping track of multiple products. The chances of missing or skipping a dose are also reduced drastically because a single administration works for 30 days.
Other than that, it is always easier to chase your dog for one administration than several.
Types of Combination Preventatives Available
A lot of many preventatives present on the market have varied levels of coverage. They offer different protection and thus must be given according to the requirements of the pet.
Nexgard Spectra Flea, Tick and Heartworm Treatment
Nexgard Spectra chews is a broad-spectrum preventative that kills fleas and ticks and prevents heartworm infection in canines. This treatment also covers intestinal infections caused by roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. This powerful chewable drug provides complete one-month protection and is highly palatable for dogs.
Pack Size:
- 4.4 to 7.7 lbs (Orange)
- 7.7 to 16.5 lbs (Yellow)
- 16.5 to 33 lbs (Green)
- 33 to 66 lbs (Purple)
- 66 to 132 lbs (Red)
Flea & Heartworm Sentinel Spectrum Chews
This beef-flavored chewable is highly effective in killing fleas and disrupting the complete flea lifecycle. In combination with flea prevention, the sentinel spectrum also acts as a heartworm treatment. It kills microfilariae circulating in the bloodstream thereby preventing heartworm disease in dogs. Milbemycin oxime and praziquantel act in sync to eliminate intestinal worm infection as well. Note that it is different from Nexgard Spectra as it doesn’t have any action on ticks. So if your dog has ticks choose Nexgard Spectra Tablets over Sentinel Spectrum else go for this product without any confusion.
Pack Size:
- 2 to 8 lbs (Orange)
- 8.1 to 25 lbs (Green)
- 25.1 to 50 lbs (Yellow)
- 50.1 to 100 lbs (Blue)
Flea Tick & Heartworm Prevention Comparison Chart for Dogs
Revolution for Flea, Tick and Heartworm
This product has been included in this list even though it doesn’t come in the chewable category because of its wide range of protection. It is a topical solution that has to be applied to the shoulder blades of the dog. Its swift action kills adult fleas, stops the maturation of flea larvae and eggs, kills ticks, kills ear mites, and kills microfilariae causing heartworm disease. Additionally, the product is highly effective in eliminating intestinal worms (hookworms and roundworms). You can choose this combination product to treat several parasitic infections with just one application. However, make sure your pet isn’t restless kind.
Pack Size:
- Kittens/ Puppies (Pink)
- 5.1 to 10 lbs (Purple)
- 10.1 to 20 lbs (Brown)
- 20.1 to 40 lbs (Red)
- 40.1 to 85 lbs (Green)
Advantage Multi for Dogs without Vet Prescription
Advantage Multi is also a topical solution that kills fleas, destroys ear mites, and prevents heartworm infection. Moxidectin – an antihelmintic in this product kills intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. Apart from that, Advantage Multi also destroys lice, and ear mites and cures sarcoptic mange in dogs. If you are confused between Revolution and Advantage Multi(Advocate), check if your pet has a whipworm infection or not because if he does have it then Revolution won’t work. You will need to administer Advantage Multi instead.
Pack Size:
- 3 to 9 lbs (Green)
- 9.1 to 20 lbs (Aqua)
- 20.1 to 55 lbs (Red)
- 55.1 to 88 lbs (Blue)
Combination drugs are highly beneficial for pets of all sorts to get the best flea tick and heartworm prevention for your dog. However, you must be aware of which product will suit your furry companion better. Pets also have allergies to different chemicals thus knowing which ingredient can cause allergy in your dog will be a savior. Furthermore, if the pet is a swimming enthusiast, chewable would be a better option in his case, because, even though topical is waterproof, you will have to wait for at least an hour to let the skin soak the solution completely.
Pet owners often repeat the mistakes while administering the products because of half-knowledge which makes the drug ineffective. Therefore, it is important, that whosoever is administering or applying the product to the pet must read the pack insert first. It will guide the person in the correct usage of the drug.
Besides, spend time with your pet, and take him for regular checkups so you can promptly act on the issues he is dealing with. It will help you stay informed about the causes of his ill health.
Get To Know More
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