How do tick drops work for dogs? - briefly
Tick spot‑on treatments are applied to a thin area of skin; the active compound diffuses through the coat and enters the bloodstream, eliminating attached ticks and deterring new ones. Efficacy lasts several weeks as the substance distributes via the animal’s natural oils.
How do tick drops work for dogs? - in detail
Spot‑on tick preventatives are liquid formulations applied to a dog’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades. The product spreads across the skin surface through the animal’s natural oil layer, creating a thin film that remains effective for weeks.
The active ingredients—commonly pyrethroids, isoxazolines, or organophosphates—interfere with the nervous system of ticks. After a tick attaches and begins to feed, the chemical penetrates its cuticle, disrupts sodium or chloride channels, and induces paralysis, leading to rapid death. Because the compound is absorbed systemically, it also reaches ticks that bite other body parts, providing comprehensive protection.
Key pharmacokinetic steps include:
- Absorption: Lipophilic molecules dissolve in the sebaceous secretions and enter the epidermis.
- Distribution: The substance migrates via the lipid matrix of the skin, covering the entire coat within 24–48 hours.
- Metabolism: Minimal hepatic processing occurs; the agent remains active in the cutaneous layer.
- Excretion: Residual amounts are eliminated slowly through shedding of hair and skin cells, extending efficacy.
Efficacy depends on several variables:
- Correct dosage relative to the dog’s weight.
- Application to a clean, dry area to ensure optimal spread.
- Adherence to the product’s re‑application interval, typically 30 days.
- Absence of bathing or swimming for a specified period after treatment, which can dilute the film.
Safety considerations:
- Avoid use on puppies younger than the minimum age indicated on the label.
- Do not apply to dogs with known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient.
- Keep the product away from eyes, mucous membranes, and open wounds.
In practice, a single dose provides protection against multiple tick species, including Ixodes scapularis, Dermacentor variabilis, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus. The mechanism relies on a combination of topical distribution and neurotoxic action, delivering a reliable barrier against tick infestation for the designated treatment period.