Flea and Tick Treatment for Dogs
Fleas can cause intense itching, flea-allergy dermatitis and anaemia, while ticks can transmit serious disease. The most appropriate treatment depends on the individual dog, its lifestyle, health, medication and the parasites present in the local area.
Choosing and Using a Product Safely
- Use only a product authorised for dogs.
- Select the correct product for the dog's exact weight and age.
- Read the current package leaflet before every use.
- Never divide a large-dog dose between smaller dogs.
- Do not combine parasite treatments unless advised by a vet.
- Tell your vet about existing illness, seizures and other medication.
- Check before treating a pregnant, nursing, elderly, sick or underweight dog.
- Keep all products away from children and other animals.
Dog products containing permethrin can be extremely dangerous to cats. Keep cats away from a recently treated dog for the period stated in the product leaflet and never apply a dog-only product to a cat.
Collies and the MDR1 Mutation
Some Rough and Smooth Collies carry a mutation in the ABCB1 gene, commonly known as MDR1. This can make them unusually sensitive to certain medicines at particular doses.
MDR1 status does not mean that every parasite treatment is unsafe. Safety depends on the active ingredient, formulation and dose. Selamectin, milbemycin and moxidectin are among the medicines that can cause neurological toxicity at sufficiently high doses, although some authorised products have been tested at their labelled doses.
Check the dog's DNA result and ask your veterinary surgeon to confirm that the exact product and dose are suitable. Do not reduce the dose yourself, as underdosing may make treatment ineffective.
Isoxazoline Treatments
Isoxazolines include active ingredients such as fluralaner, afoxolaner, sarolaner and lotilaner. Brand names include Bravecto, NexGard, Simparica and Credelio, although available products and formulations can change.
These medicines are widely used and are considered safe and effective for most dogs when used correctly. However, the isoxazoline class has been associated with neurological adverse reactions including tremors, poor coordination and seizures. Seizures have occasionally been reported in dogs without a previous history.
Discuss the benefits and risks with your vet, particularly if your dog has epilepsy, previous seizures or another neurological condition. The warning does not mean that every dog will experience a reaction.
Other Flea and Tick Treatments
Spot-on Treatments
Spot-on products may contain ingredients such as fipronil, imidacloprid, selamectin or moxidectin. Different products control different parasites and have different age, weight, bathing and pregnancy instructions.
Temporary irritation, itching, redness, hair loss or a greasy appearance can occur at the application site. Drooling may occur if the dog licks the wet product. Seek veterinary advice if signs are severe or persistent.
Flea and Tick Collars
Some collars provide prolonged protection. Seresto, for example, contains imidacloprid and flumethrin. Check the fit regularly and remove the collar if the dog develops significant skin irritation or appears unwell.
Do not allow dogs to chew collars and keep discarded collars away from children and animals. Follow the leaflet regarding swimming, bathing and environmental disposal.
Shampoos and Sprays
These may kill parasites present at the time of treatment but may not provide lasting protection. Use only products labelled for dogs and follow the directions carefully.
What to Do if Your Dog Reacts
Contact a veterinary surgeon promptly if your dog develops marked skin irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive drooling, weakness, unusual sleepiness, tremors, wobbliness, breathing difficulty, collapse or a seizure after treatment.
If the reaction follows use of a collar, remove it. For a spot-on, spray or shampoo, telephone the vet before washing the dog because the correct action depends on the product. Take the packaging or a clear photograph of the label with you.
Suspected adverse reactions can also be reported to the manufacturer or through the UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate reporting scheme.
Controlling Fleas in the Home
Adult fleas seen on a dog are only part of the infestation. Eggs, larvae and pupae may be present in carpets, furniture, bedding and cracks in the floor. Effective control often requires treatment of every pet and attention to the home at the same time.
- Use a flea comb regularly and place captured fleas in soapy water.
- Wash pet bedding at the hottest temperature suitable for the fabric.
- Vacuum carpets, rugs, furniture edges, skirting boards and the car frequently.
- Empty the vacuum outdoors immediately after use.
- Treat all dogs and cats with an appropriate species-specific product.
- Ask your vet about a suitable household treatment for a persistent infestation.
Flea pupae can survive for some time, so newly emerged fleas may still be seen after treatment. This does not always mean the product has failed.
A Warning About “Natural” Remedies
Natural does not automatically mean safe or effective. Tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, citronella and other concentrated essential oils can irritate the skin and may be toxic if absorbed, inhaled or licked. Homemade mixtures should not be sprayed onto a dog.
Garlic, herbal food supplements, apple cider vinegar and citrus juice have not been shown to provide reliable protection against fleas or ticks. They should not replace an authorised preventative where parasite protection is needed.
Diatomaceous earth can irritate the eyes and airways and should not be applied to a dog's coat or used where people or animals may inhale the dust.
Checking for and Removing Ticks
Check the whole dog after walks, paying particular attention to the face, ears, neck, armpits, groin, between the toes and beneath the tail. Long-coated dogs need careful examination down to the skin.
Remove an attached tick promptly with a proper tick-removal tool, following its instructions. Do not cover the tick with oil, alcohol, petroleum jelly or heat it, as this may distress the tick and increase the risk of regurgitation.
Contact your vet if you cannot remove the tick completely or if your dog later develops lethargy, fever, lameness, swollen joints, reduced appetite or other illness.
