What is administered to dogs for fleas and ticks? - briefly
Veterinarians commonly prescribe oral or topical insecticides containing active ingredients such as nitenpyram, spinosad, afoxolaner, or selamectin to control fleas and ticks on dogs. These products are administered as monthly chewables or spot‑on treatments, providing rapid kill of existing parasites and ongoing protection against new infestations.
What is administered to dogs for fleas and ticks? - in detail
Canine ectoparasite control relies on several pharmacological formats. Oral tablets and chewables deliver systemic activity, while topical spot‑ons, collars, shampoos, sprays and injectables provide external protection. Selection depends on product spectrum, dosing interval, dog size, health status and owner preference.
Oral systemic agents
- Fluralaner (administered every 12 weeks) controls fleas, ticks, mites and heartworm.
- Afoxolaner (monthly) targets fleas and a broad range of tick species.
- Sarolaner (monthly) offers rapid flea kill and efficacy against Ixodes, Dermacentor and Rhipicephalus ticks.
- Milbemycin oxime combined with lufenuron (monthly) provides flea egg inhibition and heartworm prevention; tick activity varies by formulation.
Topical spot‑on products applied along the dorsal midline
- Imidacloprid + permethrin (monthly) eliminates fleas and kills adult ticks; permethrin contraindicated in cats.
- Fipronil (monthly) offers flea kill and repellency against several tick species.
- Selamectin (monthly) controls fleas, ear mites, heartworm and certain tick species.
Collars delivering continuous release
- Imidacloprid + flumethrin (8 months) provides sustained flea and tick protection.
- Amitraz‑based collars (6 months) focus on tick control; limited flea activity.
Additional measures
- Flea‑combing shampoos containing pyrethrins or pyrethroids give immediate kill but lack residual effect.
- Sprays with permethrin or pyriproxyfen act as spot treatments for environments and short‑term dog application.
- Injectable ivermectin formulations protect against mange and some tick species; not a primary flea control.
Safety considerations
- Minimum weight thresholds apply (e.g., 2 kg for most oral tablets).
- Age restrictions exist; puppies under 8 weeks often excluded from systemic products.
- Concurrent use of products with overlapping active ingredients increases toxicity risk.
- Dogs with known hypersensitivity to pyrethroids, organophosphates or macrocyclic lactones require alternative options.
Veterinary oversight remains essential. Prescription‑only products, especially those with broad‑spectrum activity, demand accurate dosing calculations and monitoring for adverse reactions. Regular health assessments ensure efficacy and minimize resistance development.