What to Look for With Flea and Tick Treatments

While flea & tick treatments have the same goal — to prevent pests from bothering your animal — they use a variety of ingredients to accomplish that goal. Depending on where you live, the amount of time your pet spends outdoors, and your pet’s breed and size, you might find one product to be much more effective than others.

First, consider the method of application. All treatments use similar chemicals to either kill pests or prevent them from growing into adults, but they’re administered differently. Topical treatments are applied directly to the pet’s skin, while collars slowly deliver chemicals over several days or weeks. Shampoos are typically intended as one-time treatments, and many don’t offer long-term protection. Finally, oral treatments are given as pills or treats.

Insect neurotoxins are the most common ingredients in all flea and tick treatments. Insect growth regulators (which help kill insect eggs and larva) and synergists (which extend the life of active ingredients) are also typically included.

Common ingredients in flea & tick preventatives include:

• Fipronil
• Imidacloprid
• S-Methoprene
• Permethrin

These ingredients are safe and effective when used according to their instructions. Pet owners should look for products specifically designed for their animals; dog flea treatments contain high levels of permethrin, which can be extremely dangerous to cats, and treatments intended for larger animals can cause serious health issues in smaller animals.

Fleas and ticks are annoying, but both pets can carry dangerous diseases that can impact your pet’s long-term health. Whichever type of product you choose, read its documentation carefully to make sure that you’re using it correctly. Even if you’ve used a certain product several times, product formulations and usage instructions change from time to time.

The CDC recommends treating your pet at the beginning of flea and tick season; the season peaks during warmer months, so make sure you have an ample supply of preventative products before you need them.

Comparing Flea & Tick Treatments Online

As discussed above, the most popular flea & tick treatments use similar ingredients in similar quantities. If your pet reacts poorly to a certain brand of preventative, check the ingredients list; you’ll want to avoid products that use the same chemicals. You should also get recommendations from your veterinarian, especially if your dog or cat has allergies or sensitive skin.

Once you’ve found an appropriate product, you can head online to find deals from e-commerce pet stores. Some tips to keep in mind:

• Pricing varies, so look at a variety of retailers. Some stores offer discounts through targeted advertisements and links on third-party websites, so look carefully for coupons and promotional codes. Keep track of each store’s pricing, particularly if you’re looking for a specific product.
• Check product reviews. If you’re switching brands, product reviews can help you determine whether the new product is as effective as your old preventative. If a site doesn’t allow users to leave reviews, you may need to do more research or contact your vet for advice.
• Remember to review shipping charges. Shipping charges can quickly add up, particularly if you’re setting up a subscription order. Many stores offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount, so consider adding other essentials (such as food, cat litter, or treats) to take advantage of free shipping.
• Use a careful approach when trying a new product. Make sure that the product is appropriate for your pet’s weight. Read the instructions before using the preventative, and if your pet displays any worrisome health symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away.

By looking carefully, you can find effective preventative treatments for less than you’d pay at a physical retail store. Just be sure to read carefully — even with discounts, flea & tick products are expensive, and you’ll want to make sure that you’re buying the right preventatives for your pet.

Using Online Resources to Find Flea & Tick Treatments

Whether you’re purchasing oral preventatives, flea collars, or topical treatments, internet resources can make shopping much easier. Look for at least 3-4 retailers and keep notes regarding pricing, shipping costs, product availability, and other important factors. If you’re switching to a new type of product, check with your veterinarian.

Finally, understand the capabilities and limitations of each product, particularly if your pet spends a lot of time outdoors. Flea & tick treatments can’t prevent other parasites like heartworms (though many online retailers now offer heartworm preventatives with a veterinarian’s prescription). With some quick research, you can find what you need to protect your pet’s long-term health — without overspending.