One of the biggest problems pet owners face, especially those who own dogs, are fleas and ticks. They are nasty and unhygienic. Regular protection from these things can keep your dog clean and happy. Today, many products can help treat and keep your dog clean and tick-free. However, they must be checked for side effects before being administered.

Here are a few tips to protect dogs from fleas and ticks:

Topical medication
“Spot-on” are products that you apply on the surface of your dog’s skin or fur. You apply them on the shoulders and neck. These products have ingredients that kill and repel ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes. They contain ingredients such as methoprene, permethrin, imidacloprid, and moxidectin.

After these products are applied, they get infused into your pet’s sweat glands. They are simple and easy to use and are long-lasting. Although this is one of the most effective tips to protect dogs from fleas and ticks, they can be toxic if ingested. So make sure to keep your dog under careful watch until the product dries.

Oral products
If you’re not in favor of using topical medication, your next option is oral medication. They are more beneficial than topical applications because they kill fleas and ticks on the surface of your dog’s skin and destroy internal parasites, such as heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms. However, not all products work in the same manner; some prevent fleas from producing eggs, thereby ending their life cycle. Nitenpyram is one of the most effective ingredients to prevent ticks, as they kill fleas in less than an hour. They are safe enough to be used on pregnant or nursing dogs as well.

Sprays and powders
Compared to the other products, sprays and powders are much cheaper. However, they are just as efficient. These products additionally kill mosquitoes, gnats, and other pesky insects. Some of them kill the immature stages of fleas and stop their cycle of development. These products contain growth regulators. According to the product you select, fleas can last for approximately a few months. Make sure to read precautions and instructions before using them.

Natural products
Natural products like citrus oils and plant extracts can be used to repel fleas. Do not let your guard down because of the word natural, as your dog might sometimes be allergic.

Collars
Flea collars have concentrated chemicals to get rid of fleas and ticks. These chemicals spread out over your dog’s body. They are inexpensive compared to the other methods available but are much more irritating to your pet. This is one of the cheapest tips to protect dogs from fleas and ticks.