Flea and tick infestations are not uncommon for pet parents, but dealing with them is always a hassle. However, there are several flea and tick treatments available in the market that makes prevention easier.
There are varied tick and flea treatments available in the market; however, the most preferred treatment methods are topical and chewable. This blog will walk you through the fundamental differences between these methods. We’ll also cover some popular products to help you understand the effectiveness of both treatment types.
Let’s get started!
Topical Flea and Tick Treatments
Topical, also known as 'spot-on', are liquid formula applied directly to the pet’s skin. Typically, they are applied at the base of the neck, between the shoulder blades so that the pet can’t lick it.
Here are some popular topical flea and tick treatments available in the market:
Frontline Plus
Frontline Plus is among the pioneers of topical flea and tick treatments in the veterinary industry. It kills all stages of fleas and ticks and prevents new infestations. Frontline Plus is suitable for dogs and cats over 8 weeks of age, weighing 5 lbs and 1.5 lbs, respectively.
Duration: 1 month
Species targeted: Cats and dog
Active ingredients: Firponil and S-methoprene
Key benefits:
- Easy administration and fast action
- Covers brown dog ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks, and deer ticks
- Safe for use on breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs and cats
- Aids in eliminating chewing lice
- Waterproof formula for extended protection
Revolution Plus
Revolution Plus is a widely popular and vet-recognized topical solution for treating flea and tick infestations in cats. The topical treatment is recommended for cats 8 weeks of age or older, weighing at least 2.8 lbs.
Duration: 1 month
Species targeted: Cats
Active ingredients: Selamectin and sarolaner
Key benefits:
- Easy to administer topical solution
- Treats and controls lone star tick, gulf coast tick, American dog tick, and black-legged tick infestations
- Protects against roundworm and hookworm infections
- Aids in preventing heartworm disease
Advantage
Advantage is a highly-recommended topical treatment for the treatment and prevention of fleas in dogs and cats. It is suitable for cats and dogs of all ages, as per their respective weight indications.
Duration: 1 month
Species targeted: Dog and cats
Active ingredients: Imidacloprid
Key benefits:
- Kills adult and larval fleas
- Effective in controlling lice
- Reduces the chances of flea allergy dermatitis
- Safe to use in pregnant and lactating dogs and cats
Chewable Flea and Tick Treatments
Chewable flea and tick treatments are administered directly by mouth. They are often formulated in palatable flavored form and can be given with or without food.
These are some of the most recommended chewable flea and tick treatments for pets:
Nexgard
Nexgard is a beef-flavored chewable flea and tick treatment highly praised and preferred by vets and dog parents for its prompt action. It is suitable for dogs and puppies from 8 weeks of age, weighing 4 lbs or more.
Duration: 1 month
Species targeted: Dogs
Active ingredient: Afoxolaner
Key benefits:
- Easy to administer and quick action treatment
- Treats and controls black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks, brown dog ticks and long-horned ticks
- Aids in the prevention of Lyme disease
Simparica Trio
Simparica Trio is a popular broad-spectrum chewable that also protects dogs against fleas and ticks. These liver-flavored tablets are recommended for dogs and puppies from 8 weeks of age and weighing at least 2.8 lbs or more.
Duration: 1 month
Species targeted: Dogs
Active ingredients: Sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel
Key benefits:
- Easy-to-administer flavored tablets
- Treats and controls roundworm and hookworm infections
- Aids in preventing heartworm disease
- Treats and controls lone star ticks, gulf coast ticks, American dog ticks, black-legged ticks, and brown dog ticks
- Helps in preventing Lyme disease
Credelio
Credelio is a flavored chewable tablet treatment effective against flea and tick infections in dogs and cats. It is suitable for dogs and puppies from 8 weeks of age, weighing 4.4 lbs or more. In cats and kittens from 8 weeks (fleas) and 6 months (ticks) of age and weighing 2 lbs or more. It protects kittens and cats against fleas from 8 weeks of age and against black-legged ticks from 6 months of age with at least 2 lbs of body weight in both circumstances.
Duration: 1 month
Species targeted: Cats and dogs
Active ingredient: Lotilaner
Key benefits:
- Palatable flavored tablets
- Treats and controls fleas, lone star ticks, American dog ticks, black-legged ticks, and brown dog ticks in dogs
- Protects against fleas and black-legged ticks in cats
- Aids in improving signs of flea allergy dermatitis
Also, Read- Best Topical Flea and Tick Treatment For Cats
Differences Between Topical and Chewable Flea and Tick Treatments
These are the major points of differences between topical and chewable flea and tick treatments.
Application: The primary difference between these two is the mode of administration. While topical treatments are applied to the skin, chewables are ingested.
Ease of use: Chewables are flavored, which makes them palatable and easy to administer. However, you need to ensure that the pet consumes the whole dose. Topicals are also simple to administer but can get messy if the pet is uncomfortable. Also, it requires special attention to ensure pets or children don’t touch the treated area before it dries.
Potential residue: Since chewables are ingested by the pet, they don’t leave any residue. Some topicals, however, leave a residue on the skin, and some pets may feel irritated by it.
Water sensitivity: Some topical solutions come with a waterproof solution, while others may lose their effectiveness if the pet gets wet. Chewables, on the other hand, are not affected by water.
Parting Words
Topical and chewable are the most preferred methods to deal with flea and tick infestations. The above blog covered the difference and some of the popular products for both treatment methods. However, you must consult your vet to understand which one is more suitable for your pet.
