Fleas, ticks, roundworms... There is always a lot of warning information circulating around, and it is difficult to choose the true ones. How to protect your dog from external and internal parasites?
These are dog fleas...
The most common flea infestation on dogs is fleas . They spread readily even in winter, when they wait in the snow, for example in the warm urine of marking dogs. They are also widely spread by hedgehogs, if your pet likes to run into them in the garden.
Along with fleas, roundworms are also spread, which colonize the intestines and can even cause death in small puppies. Another unpleasant passenger is tapeworm , and recently, heartworms have been spread by mosquitoes, which threaten the function of the heart and the life of the dog. And last but not least, the number one parasite is of course the tick .
It is better to consider deworming based on the results of the stool test. Statistics show that 2/3 of owners deworm their dogs without reason, which creates resistance to deworming agents in internal parasites. Moreover, deworming agents are not usually effective against Giardia, for example.
What and how it works
Fortunately, ticks burrow into the ground during the freezing winter months and are "not there". Unfortunately, we have barely had those freezing months a year lately. The rest of the time, it is advisable to protect your dog against ticks (and all the diseases they transmit) and fleas. What is the best option to choose? We looked at antiparasitics.
Spot on
👍 You have many brands to choose from.
👍 Effectiveness on fleas is around 8 weeks, on ticks around 4 weeks (depending on the manufacturer, sometimes the opposite)
👍 It is conveniently applied to the back of the neck, no further manipulation is required, the dog has no chance of licking it off, it also works when bathing
❌ Often lasts for a much shorter period of time
❌ If you also have a cat, you must ensure that it does not come into contact with the pipette on the dog's fur, as it is toxic to it
Spot on may leave marks on the hair on the back of the neck for several days. Be careful before the show.
Collars
👍 They usually last for several months
👍 They often help repel parasites, so there is no risk that your furry friend will drop an unattached tick at home.
👍 Suitable for water
❌ Higher after -sales price
❌ They are often "felt", for example, if a furry friend sleeps in bed with you, you know they have it
❌ There is a risk that he will get caught somewhere in the forest. He must not wear a collar at all in agility competitions
Collars also often leave visible marks in the coat. Be careful when displaying.
Tablets
👍 They usually have a tempting flavor and, with a few exceptions, dogs eat them willingly and without worry.
👍 It mostly works on internal and external parasites and also on heartworms, against which it does not yet have much effect
👍 They kill parasites almost immediately after being ingested, so there is minimal risk of the parasite transmitting any disease to the dog
❌ The application needs to be repeated approximately every month
❌ A small percentage of dogs may have an allergic reaction after administration
Sprays
They repel ticks and fleas, but are usually ineffective against internal parasites . They are only effective for a few hours and are not waterproof.
Natural antiparasitics
You may be tempted by a chemical-free version with zero side effects. Against ticks and fleas, adding Brewer's yeast to the food helps, thanks to which the dog does not smell of parasites. For internal parasites, some recommend regularly adding diatomaceous earth to the food. Sprays based on essential oils of cloves, lavender, citronella... Plus, they smell pleasant.
Consult!
When deciding what is best for you, definitely take into account the price, your lifestyle requirements (travel, risks abroad, baths, sports activities) and also consider whether your dog has allergies or any skin problems. It is best to choose the right option with a veterinarian, feel free to consult with several experts.
