Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention

As dog parents, we’re responsible for making a rapid succession of decisions on behalf of our dog’s health and well-being — almost daily. Note: This can feel stressful and overwhelming. We are here to remind you, you are not alone. When it comes to the hot topic of preventative medications — one question we’re frequently asked is — what type of flea, tick, and heartworm prevention is best for my puppy? Let’s start with the basics…

FLEA, TICK & HEARTWORM 101

FLEA

Fleas may be pesky, little things, but they can be avoided with the right preventative measures. Though they typically flourish in warmer months, if they are able to find a viable host — like your dog — they can be a year-round pest. Before medicating, there are a few simple measures you can take to help reduce the likelihood of a flea infestation such as regular bathing and brushing, checking for fleas after being outdoors or in the presence of new animals, as well as researching and discussing preventative methods with your veterinarian or fellow dog parents. 

TICK

The thing about a warming climate is that it affects everything — especially our ecosystems and their inhabitants’ behaviors. As the colder months shorten and populations of deer and mice increase, so too does the population and activity of certain species of pests — ticks. Ticks are now a year-round health risk which we have to protect ourselves and our dogs against — especially if you and yours take long walks, hikes, or enjoy frequent backyard hangs. If left unprotected, dogs may be exposed to Lyme disease, canine ehrlichiosis, canine anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. 

How to Check for Ticks: Pet your dog in reverse. Run your hands in opposition to the way their fur naturally grows or lays to expose the skin underneath — where ticks will latch. 

Tick Removal Tools:

We highly recommend the Original Tick Key.. Pros: Designed to remove a range of ticks safely (from the head), you can attach the Tick Key to your keychain while out and about, so it's at the ready. Cons: If your dog is super wiggly or anxious, lining up the tick in the keyhole can be difficult. A great alternative is a good old pair of tweezers which offers greater dexterity on your moving target.

HEARTWORM

So, what is heartworm exactly? It’s a parasitic worm — that looks like thin spaghetti — called Dirofilaria immitis which can do a lot of damage — including harm to the organs, lung disease, and heart failure — if left unchecked. They are transferred via mosquito bite and then the worm makes its home in a dog’s or other animal host’s lungs, heart, and blood vessels. 

PREVENTATIVE MEDICATIONS: Oral, Topical, and Alternative

When it comes to supporting your dog’s unique biology and immune function, there is no one-size-fits all approach. Medications are personal and should be personalized to meet their evolving health needs. As always, we recommend discussing breed-specific — and geographical — health factors with your vet prior to medicating. 

Here’s a helpful list of medical considerations to discuss and research before committing to a certain flea, tick, and heartworm preventative medicine or alternative methods.

Medication Considerations: 

1. How is the medication administered? Which delivery system is most appropriate for my dog/ their prescribed dosage?

Oral: Because we ingest them, oral medications tend to get into our bloodstreams more readily, and are therefore typically faster acting. Oral medications also reduce exposure to other members of your household — namely you and your family. Why? Unlike topical medications or collars which simply repel fleas and ticks, oral medications protect your dog internally, killing the tick when it embeds itself in your dog’s skin membrane and attempts to feed on their blood supply. 

Fact: Getting your dog to take a pill — even if it’s chewable — can be tricky. (If your medication is delivered via capsule or liquid syringe, we recommend camouflaging it in something familiar like a small spoonful of single-ingredient peanut butter — not to be confused with peanut spread which may contain the toxic ingredient, xylitol.) 

Important to Note: Over time and with exposure, fleas and ticks have grown resistance to existing or older oral medications, so it’s generally best to opt for newer medications.

Topical: Some dog parents opt for topical treatments over ingestibles due to ease of application. However, the time in which topicals take their desired effect is considerably longer. For instance, your dog may need to wait for 24-48 hours for the medicine to take effect/ be absorbed through the skin before being allowed outdoors.

Important to Note: If you have a dog with gastrointestinal issues, most vets highly recommend the use of a topical or collar in lieu of oral medication which may upset their sensitive stomachs. Vets also prefer topical or collar alternatives if your dog is prone to or has a history of seizures.

Medicated Collars (Tick & Flea): An alternative to ingestibles and topicals, many dog parents reach for

this preventative if they haven’t been in the practice of medicating their dog throughout its life. If your animal is a bit older or senior, introducing oral tick medication midlife can sometimes be a shock to their system, so using topical or a collar is a great external option.  

2. What are the active ingredients? Review these with your veterinarian.

3. Is the medication available in different dosages? Ensure the dosage fits your dog’s weight class. 

4. Efficacy: Does the medication actually work/ deliver desired results/ has it been clinically verified?

5. Consistency: How often do I want to administer the medication? Monthly or choose a longer-lasting option — this may be more convenient for those living in the Northeast where tick activity is among the highest in the nation. 

6. Safety: Has this medication been clinically tested and verified? 

7. Cost: Pet care can be expensive. Find a mediation that fits your pet’s needs and your budget.