Pet parents who struggle to stay on top of an effective flea and tick treatment plan for their fur babies are far from alone. There's no way to escape these pesky pests, but the good news is that there are actions one can take to significantly lower their dog's risk of infestation. 

The most foolproof way to control flea and tick infestations is to treat a pet all year round. For a long-term solution, it's best to keep a monthly vet-approved topical treatment at the ready. 

But first, let's get some of the basics out of the way:

What Are Fleas and Ticks?

Fleas

Fleas are small insects that live in a dog's coat and bedding. Female adults can lay up to 500 eggs per day, which eventually hatch to larvae that burrow into different areas in a dog's environment. Fleas can affect a pet in a variety of ways. They can: 

• Cause skin irritation through bites
• Carry tapeworms
• Cause hair loss
• Cause anemia (in rare cases)

Ticks

Ticks are tiny, gray insects that feed on the blood of animals. Although they're frequently found on a dog's ears, face, or belly, they can inhabit any part of a dog's body. Ticks can cause a pet to contract many different diseases, including:

• Lyme disease
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• Ehrlichiosis

Acute Fleas vs. Flea and Tick Prevention: What’s the Difference?

When a dog has acute fleas, it means he or she is experiencing an infestation and needs dog flea meds to stop the little buggers in their tracks.

Flea and tick prevention, on the other hand, involves administering monthly topical treatments to prevent adult fleas from reaching the dreaded egg-laying stage. It's all about staying ahead of the curve. 

Whether or not a pet has an active infestation, taking preventive measures is always a good idea and saves pets and their parents from encountering issues later on.

Types of Tick and Flea Treatments for Dogs

Some common treatments for both of these issues include:

• Oral treatments
• Insect growth regulators
• Combination insecticides 
• Flea and tick collars
• Topical treatments (also called spot-on treatments)

Topical Tick and Flea Medication for Dogs

To apply a topical medication, pet parents put the solution between their dog's shoulder blades so he or she can't lick it off. Most topical treatments start killing and/or repelling dog fleas and ticks right away and last around a month before reapplication is needed. 

When it comes to topical treatments, numerous options are available. For example, Effipro Plus is a monthly vet-recommended flea and tick preventive medication for dogs that includes options for four different weight classes:

• Small: 5 to 22 pounds
• Medium: 23 to 44 pounds
• Large: 45 to 88 pounds
• Extra Large: 89 to 132 pounds

Fuzzy offers flea treatment bundles for each of the above sizes as well. Each set includes:

• Dog flea meds to eliminate active fleas
• Treatment to prevent future flea and tick infestations
• 24/7 live vet chat for veterinary support
• A surprise treat for the pup

The Takeaway

Just like an apple a day can keep the doctor away, a topical treatment a month can keep the vet away! 

If you're wondering how to get rid of fleas, reach out through the Fuzzy app, and our veterinary support team will provide all the information you need to keep your beloved pet infestation-free.