Fleas and ticks are most active during warm, humid weather, making late spring and summer a peak time for these pests to wreak havoc on the comfort of pets and owners alike. Fortunately, there are many preventative measures owners take to safeguard their pets against an invasion of these crawling critters.
Dr. Erin Ray, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, offers tips for owners on choosing the best flea and tick preventive method for their pets.
Unwelcome Arrivals
For fleas and ticks to grow, seasonal conditions must be optimal for them to thrive in their environment.
“Many ticks and fleas typically slow their development or retreat into microhabitats to survive colder temperatures,” Ray said. “As the weather warms, they resume their growth and reproduction, leading to increased encounters with humans and animals in warmer climates.”
Among the more common prevention methods that can protect pets against flea and tick exposure are: pills, topical solutions and collars, as well as chewables, which often include the added benefit of protecting against heartworms and intestinal parasites.
However, a new prevention option is also gaining popularity for dogs: an injectable treatment.
“The injectable flea and tick control product — available solely for dogs — specifically targets the common flea and multiple species of ticks,” Ray said. “It is administered under the skin by a veterinarian and provides a slow, steady release of the active ingredient. After the injection, fleas and ticks must bite your pet and ingest the product in order for it to work.”
This option is specifically labeled for dogs and puppies over 6 months of age, according to Ray.
“Overall, the injectable treatment offers a convenient alternative that reduces the risk of missed doses and helps maintain continuous protection for your pet,” Ray said. “However, this product should be used with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurological conditions.”
Choosing A Preventative
When deciding which option is best for your pet, owners should properly research the products.
“Each type comes with its own advantages and disadvantages — varying in safety, effectiveness, convenience, and cost,” Ray said. “However, not all products are created equal — some over-the-counter treatments can be toxic to cats and dogs, and even certain prescription products might not be the best choice for your pet.”
In addition to a pet’s health, an owner’s schedule, financial means, or specific concerns may also influence the decision.
“When it comes to prevention, topical treatments or medicated collars are commonly used methods,” Ray said. “However, extra care needs to be taken in households with children or adults with potential health concerns to ensure they don’t come into contact with these products after application.
“In addition, when using a topical solution, be wary of the appropriate application areas — such as the nape of the neck or between the shoulder blades,” Ray said. “This can help prevent pets from licking the treatment off of themselves that could lead to potential toxicity.”
If an owner determines a collar is the best course of action, it is vital to ensure that pets cannot chew through the product.
Finally, when considering oral treatments, Ray notes that these may eliminate concerns related to bathing schedules and the risk of human exposure associated with topical products, oftentimes making them a safer and more hassle-free option for many households.
“Oral flea and tick treatments offer great convenience for pet owners, especially those that combine protection against fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites in a single dose,” Ray said. “Many of the newer formulations are highly effective at controlling flea and tick populations on your pet. However, some oral products contain flavorings that may trigger allergies in sensitive animals.”
These can also be more costly per dose, and certain medications should be avoided in pets with a history of neurological conditions.
For the safest and most effective protection, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian before using any flea and tick product — including over-the-counter options — to ensure it is suited to your pet’s species and health needs.
Environmental Considerations
A pet’s environment is another important factor to consider during flea and tick season.
“Where your pet lives and whether they travel can significantly influence their risk of encountering fleas and different species of ticks,” Ray said. “Additionally, certain activities or jobs — such as hunting dogs, outdoor cats, or pets living in wooded areas — can increase their exposure to these parasites.”
Even pets that only go outside briefly for walks or bathroom breaks can still come into contact with fleas or ticks. Humans may also inadvertently bring these pests into the home on shoes, clothing, or other items.
“Oftentimes, the environment needs to be managed for flea infestations,” Ray said. “Multiple life stages of the flea are oftentimes in furniture, cracks of floors, rugs, and where the animals spend most of their time.”
Treating an environment may include:
- Regular vacuuming
- Washing bedding frequently
- Treating surfaces of concern with appropriate products
Taking multi-pronged preventive measures is essential in order to combat the population of these invaders. Eliminating fleas can take multiple weeks — or even months — to clear them all.
“Please consult with a veterinary professional prior to using over-the-counter products in your house or yard to ensure appropriateness and safety for any humans or animals in the environment,” Ray said.
Waiting until fleas and ticks are widespread can put a damper on the excitement for the summer season. To best protect pets, owners should take a proactive approach and choose a veterinarian-approved prevention plan so their pets can safely enjoy the sunny season.
Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamu.edu.