How do tick tablets work in dogs? - briefly
Tick tablets deliver systemic acaricides that enter the bloodstream after oral administration, and when a feeding tick attaches, the compound disrupts its nervous system, leading to swift paralysis and death. The effect persists for the product’s labeled duration, usually spanning several weeks, eliminating the need for external applications.
How do tick tablets work in dogs? - in detail
Oral tick preventatives for canines contain systemic compounds that are absorbed into the bloodstream after ingestion. Once the drug reaches therapeutic concentrations, it circulates throughout the animal’s tissues, including the skin and hair follicles where ticks attach.
The most common active agents belong to the isoxazoline class (e.g., afoxolaner, fluralaner, sarolaner, lotilaner). These molecules bind selectively to ligand‑gated chloride channels in arthropod nerve cells, specifically the GABA‑gated and glutamate‑gated receptors. Binding blocks the normal flow of chloride ions, causing uncontrolled neuronal excitation, paralysis, and death of the feeding tick.
Pharmacokinetic profile:
- Rapid oral absorption; peak plasma levels reached within 2–4 hours.
- High bioavailability ensures consistent systemic exposure.
- Long elimination half‑life (up to 30 days for some compounds) provides month‑long protection from a single dose.
- Distribution into peripheral tissues creates a reservoir that ticks encounter during blood feeding.
When a tick attaches and begins to ingest blood, the drug present in the host’s plasma is ingested together with the blood meal. The toxin acts within minutes, disrupting the tick’s nervous system before it can transmit pathogens. Some products also affect mite and flea species, extending the spectrum of control.
Safety considerations:
- Selective affinity for arthropod receptors minimizes impact on mammalian GABA and glutamate pathways.
- Clinical studies show low incidence of adverse effects in healthy adult dogs; mild gastrointestinal upset is the most common reaction.
- Dose adjustments are recommended for puppies, pregnant or lactating females, and dogs with compromised liver or kidney function.
Resistance management:
- Rotating products with different modes of action reduces selection pressure.
- Maintaining proper dosing intervals prevents sub‑therapeutic exposure that could foster resistant tick populations.
Administration guidelines:
- Provide the tablet with food or water to enhance absorption.
- Observe the animal for at least 30 minutes after dosing to ensure ingestion.
- Record the date of treatment to schedule the next dose according to the product’s labeled interval.
The systemic approach of oral tick tablets eliminates parasites during feeding, delivering reliable, long‑lasting protection without the need for direct contact with the skin.