Ticks (and of course fleas)

melbury

I just wondered what other people consider to be the best spot on treatment to kill ticks.

Last year when our dog had fleas we eventually managed to get rid of them using Advantage, but have now gone back to Frontline spot on because that also gives the protection against ticks.

He also has Billy No Mates in his food which is supposed to repel them, but can't really say if it is, as I did find a dead tick on him this afternoon:eek:

We are going to Frontline him again tonight, even though it is only about 6 weeks since the last time, but it does say you can use it on a monthly basis.

KxMx

Flea drops work by killing the fleas once they bite, is it similar for ticks?

It's a good sign that the tick was dead, I think it's really important to treat on a regular basis rather than as and when.

melbury

KxMx wrote: »

Flea drops work by killing the fleas once they bite, is it similar for ticks?

It's a good sign that the tick was dead, I think it's really important to treat on a regular basis rather than as and when.

Well it says that Frontline will kill any ticks in 24-48 hours of them biting, but of course that means they could still pick up a disease from an infected tick.

Glad

My dogs were picking up 2 or 3 ticks a day I've bought them the Bob Martin Flea and Tick collars, they started wearing them 3 days ago and so far only 1 tick between them, fingers crossed

elsien

Glad wrote: »

My dogs were picking up 2 or 3 ticks a day I've bought them the Bob Martin Flea and Tick collars, they started wearing them 3 days ago and so far only 1 tick between them, fingers crossed

I wouldn't recommend those. Within 24 hours of putting one on my last dog she'd got an open weeping sore on her neck. Vet said he'd seen other similar reactions.
Vet recommends the chewable tablets that last 3 months if there's a persistant problem although they're a more expensive option but I can't remember the name. I think they also treat worms.
Gitdog is currently trialling effipro which is ok for just the odd problem but needs repeating every 4 weeks especially if there's a tick problem.
You can also get a cheap flea collar and put it in the hoover bag which kills any eggs that hatch out once you've vacuumed.

Merlin's_Beard

Frontline only protects against ticks for 1 month post application (or to be faithful to the label "up to 1 month")

It protects against fleas for "up to" 2 months. (cover your !!! wording, there...!)

Effipro and Frontline are exactly the same thing, but made by different companies.

(Frontline Plus has the additional environmental protection)

Sarahdol75

Harley used to get ticks every week, we go to Wales, at weekends, and guaranteed he would have them on him.

I changed to Bravecto, and fingers crossed, for the last year, he has never had any attached since. Cant say the same about me, I have had one removed from my leg today, as the head got stuck in as the body broke off.

halfone

Last year I found ticks on my dog despite using Frontline as directed. I spoke with the vet who said ticks can build up a resistance. A fellow dog-owner recommended Advantix (spot-on) which I've been using this year and so far no ticks. It also covers fleas. It is more expensive though, and I think you need to get it through the vet.

melbury

Is it okay to use Frontline monthly during the summer to ensure the tick protection?

thorsoak

Yes - it is recommended that you use Frontline monthly. However I alternate between Frontline and Advantix.

melbury

thorsoak wrote: »

Yes - it is recommended that you use Frontline monthly. However I alternate between Frontline and Advantix.

Thank you. I was just a bit concerned that it might be too much in the way of the chemicals and, as it does say it lasts for 2-3 months for flea control, thought that might be the recommended usage.