Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Flea and Tick Medication & Prevention

Someone asked me what I use for flea and tick medication and prevention for my dogs. So I'd like to post my answer here just in case other dog owners would like to know as well.

I am not an expert when it comes to these things, but I am a dog owner and dog lover myself. So these are just based from my experience. :)

I have tried using different types of flea and tick medication/prevention. However, these three are the most effective ones in my opinion.

1. Frontline (http://frontline.us.merial.com)

There are two types, one is the spray and the other is spot-on. I prefer the spot-on better because I find it more effective.

Note that it is important that you apply the liquid to the skin and not just the hair/fur of your dog. Also, it is advisable to not bathe your dog for three days after applying the medication, for it spreads with the help of the oil of the hair/fur of your pet.

There are different sizes of Frontline for different sizes of dogs. (Click on the thumbnail for a larger view.)


A step by step instruction how to use the spot-on.


I give this:
3 out of 3 paws in terms of medication
3 out of 3 paws for prevention
2 out of 3 for price (It's a little bit expensive, about P300++ per tube)

2. Bansect Flea & Tick Collar (http://www.drugs.com/vet/bansect-flea-tick-collar-for-dogs.html)

I have tried this once. However, O has used this a couple of times and says it really is a good product.

Basically, it's a collar for your dog and it kills the ticks and fleas. What's good about this product is wetting it does not impair its effectiveness. So you can bathe your dog and not remove the collar. Unlike Frontline, you can bathe your dog a day after you put on the collar.

Bansect says that it's good for about 120 days, but from what we've experienced, the effects only last for about 60 days. Good enough I think, 2 months is still long considering your dog is already protected from those pests.

Btw, the collar is quite long. As seen in the photo, it can be used by big dogs. So if your dog isn't big like mine (mini schnauzer and poodle), you can cut it in half and use the other half after 2 months. Not a bad tip, right? If you have smaller dogs such as chihuahuas, you can probably cut the collar in 3. Simply use Mighty Bond to glue the ends of the remaining collar.

I give this:
2.5 out of 3 paws in terms of medication
3 out of 3 paws for prevention
3 out of 3 for price (Only P130 for a collar.)

3. Flea and Tick Powder (Pooch Park)

This is another option you might want to try especially for those budget conscious owners. (Sorry I don't have a photo of the product.)

The flea and tick powder promises to kill the pesky fleas and ticks. So if you're dog already has so much, this is the way to go!

After bathing your dog with soap/shampoo, dissolve 1 teaspoon of the flea and tick powder with 1 liter of water and stir well. Use this for the "last rinse" of your dog. And dry your dog and groom afterwards. That's it! Very simple and very quick.

For sure you won't be able to finish the whole liter of water, so you can use that to clean your dog's area. Spray some on his/her bed, clean the cage with it, etc. Disinfect with this liquid solution.

I would suggest using this every other week just so you're sure that all ticks and fleas are killed. ;)

I give this:
3 out of 3 paws in terms of medication for your dog
1 out of 3 paws for prevention for your dog
3 out of 3 paws for prevention for the dog's area
3 out of 3 for price (only P100 per sachet. It's a bargain!)

Overall, I recommend Flea and Tick Powder
for cleaning and disinfecting the area of your dog. Because this will definitely prevent and kill the ticks and fleas that come near the area. Bansect collar for those dogs that just need prevention and have no fleas and ticks that much. And Frontline for those who need strong medication and prevention.

These are available at your local pet shops or at Pooch Park Doggie Day Care.

Pooch Park
J Vargas- #181 Auto Depot, Julia Vargas Ave., Pasig
910-5036 or (0922) 9663320

Metro East- Level 4 Robinsons Metro East, Marcos Highway, Pasig

6477025 or (0922) 3024566

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