What does a tick tablet do for a dog? - briefly
A tick tablet provides a systemic acaricide that kills attached ticks and prevents new infestations for several weeks. The active ingredient circulates in the dog’s blood, ensuring that any feeding tick is eliminated before disease transmission can occur.
What does a tick tablet do for a dog? - in detail
Tick tablets for dogs contain systemic acaricides that are absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and circulate in the bloodstream. After ingestion, the active compound reaches a concentration sufficient to kill attached ticks within a few hours, preventing disease transmission. The medication also eliminates immature stages that may be encountered during grooming or environmental exposure.
Key characteristics of oral tick control:
- Active ingredients – commonly include isoxazolines such as fluralaner, afoxolaner, sarolaner or lotilaner; each binds to GABA‑ and glutamate‑gated chloride channels in arthropods, causing uncontrolled neuronal activity and death.
- Speed of action – most products achieve lethal levels within 24 hours of a tick attaching to the host.
- Duration of efficacy – single doses provide protection for 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the formulation and label specifications.
- Spectrum – effective against a broad range of species, including Ixodes scapularis, Dermacentor variabilis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and many others.
- Administration – tablets are given orally, with or without food, at a weight‑based dosage calculated in milligrams per kilogram.
Safety considerations:
- Dogs with known hypersensitivity to isoxazolines should not receive these products.
- Concurrent use of other ectoparasitic medications may increase the risk of adverse reactions; veterinary guidance is required.
- Common side effects include transient gastrointestinal upset, lethargy or mild pruritus; severe neurologic signs are rare but warrant immediate veterinary attention.
Usage recommendations:
- Weigh the animal accurately before dosing; under‑dosing reduces efficacy and may promote resistance.
- Maintain the dosing schedule to avoid gaps in protection, especially during peak tick activity seasons.
- Store tablets in a cool, dry place to preserve potency.
Overall, oral tick tablets provide a systemic, long‑lasting solution that eliminates parasites after they attach, reducing the likelihood of tick‑borne diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis. Proper selection, dosing and monitoring ensure optimal protection for canine patients.