How many days after deworming can you treat for ticks? - briefly
You may apply a tick control product 2–3 days after administering a dewormer; most formulations are compatible, but a brief interval helps avoid potential interactions.
How many days after deworming can you treat for ticks? - in detail
The interval between administering a broad‑spectrum anthelmintic and initiating a tick control product depends on the active ingredients involved, the animal’s health status, and the specific formulations used.
When the dewormer contains a benzimidazole (e.g., fenbendazole, febantel) or a pyrantel‑based compound, there is no documented pharmacological interaction with most topical or oral tick preventatives. In such cases the tick product can be applied on the same day or the following day without increased risk.
If the deworming agent belongs to the macrocyclic lactone class (ivermectin, milbemycin oxime, selamectin), caution is advised because many tick control products also contain macrocyclic lactones. To avoid cumulative dosing that could exceed the safety margin, a waiting period of 5–7 days is recommended before starting the tick treatment. This interval allows the primary drug to be metabolized and eliminated to a level that reduces the likelihood of toxicity.
For combination products that already include both anthelmintic and tick‑killing components (e.g., a single dose of a milbemycin‑based heartworm/tick preventive), no additional waiting period is necessary; the label‑specified dosing schedule should be followed.
Practical guidance
- Benzoimidazole or pyrantel dewormers – start tick control immediately or next day.
- Macrocyclic lactone dewormers – wait 5–7 days before applying a separate tick product that also contains a macrocyclic lactone.
- Combination formulations – follow the manufacturer’s instructions; no extra gap required.
- Topical acaricides (e.g., permethrin, fipronil) – generally safe to use concurrently with any anthelmintic, as they act locally and are not absorbed systemically.
- Oral acaricides containing isoxazolines (e.g., afoxolaner, fluralaner) – can be given on the same day as benzimidazole or pyrantel dewormers; postpone if the animal has received a macrocyclic lactone within the past week.
Always verify the active ingredients on both products, observe the recommended dosage, and consult a veterinarian if the animal is pregnant, lactating, very young, or has a history of drug sensitivity.