What are the tablets for fleas and ticks for dogs called? - briefly
These oral medications are referred to as flea‑and‑tick tablets, sold under brand names such as NexGard, Bravecto, Simparica, and Credelio. They are ingested and act systemically to eliminate or repel both parasites.
What are the tablets for fleas and ticks for dogs called? - in detail
Oral flea‑and‑tick medications for dogs are commonly referred to as chewable tablets or oral ectoparasiticides. The active ingredients belong to several pharmacological classes:
- Isoxazolines – fluralaner, afoxolaner, sarolaner, lotilaner. Products include Bravecto, NexGard, Simparica, Credelio and Simparica Trio. Provide month‑long (fluralaner) or monthly (others) protection against both fleas and ticks.
- Neonicotinoids – imidacloprid, often combined with pyriproxyfen. Sold as Advantage II and K9 Advantix, delivering monthly flea kill and, when combined with permethrin, tick control.
- Macrocyclic lactones – milbemycin oxime, sometimes paired with lufenuron (e.g., Sentinel). Primarily target fleas; additional tick efficacy varies by formulation.
- Spinosyns – spinosad, found in Comfortis. Effective against fleas for up to a month; tick activity is limited.
Key characteristics of these tablets:
- Administration – palatable chewable form, given orally with food. Dosing is weight‑based, typically once a month; fluralaner is administered every 12 weeks.
- Spectrum of activity – most isoxazolines cover common tick species (e.g., Rhipicephalus, Dermacentor, Ixodes) and flea species (Ctenocephalides felis). Neonicotinoid‑permethrin blends also repel ticks.
- Mechanism – isoxazolines block ligand‑gated chloride channels in arthropod nervous systems, causing paralysis and death. Neonicotinoids stimulate nicotinic acetylcholine receptors; spinosad disrupts nicotinic receptors, leading to hyperexcitation.
- Safety profile – generally well tolerated; side effects may include mild gastrointestinal upset or transient lethargy. Isoxazolines have rare reports of neurologic signs in predisposed breeds; veterinary guidance is required.
- Regulatory status – most products are prescription‑only in the United States and many other jurisdictions, ensuring veterinary oversight for appropriate selection and dosing.
When selecting an oral flea‑and‑tick tablet, consider the dog’s weight, age, health status, prevalent parasite species, and any concurrent medications. Veterinary consultation ensures the chosen product matches the animal’s specific needs and complies with local regulations.