Are Flea and Tick Treatments Safe?

Yes. Flea and tick treatments, including K9 Advantix and Frontline Plus, are incredibly safe. Not only they are veterinarians recommended,  but they are also backed by the United States Environment Protection Agency.

Just like with parenting, worry is a constant emotion among pet owners. It is normal to want your dog to be happy and healthy. Therefore, adding any new or foreign substance to your pet’s diet or health regime can be concerning. However, rest assured that mainstream flea and tick products have earned the safety seal of approval. 

Safety First

Both Frontline and K9 Advantix are spot-on treatments that are applied to the back of your dog, between their shoulder blades, and down to the base of the tail. Within 12 hours of application, fleas start to die off until their life cycle is completely broken. 

The product also works to kill off flea eggs and larvae, along with mosquitoes and other blood-sucking insects. Since the medication works with your pet’s hair follicles, it is imperative that you do not wash or groom your dog during the 48 hours after application. After that, the product will be in full effect with your dog’s sebaceous glands, working to both kill current infestations and prevent future flea and tick issues. Both Frontline Plus and K9 Advantix are waterproof and effective for up to 30 days so both you and your dog can run and play worry-free.

Spot-On Side Effects

While Frontline Plus and K9 Advantix are both safe and approved by the U.S. EPA, there are still side effects that can occur. Some pets can react badly due to skin allergies or sensitivity. Common side effects include hair loss, itchy skin, and redness. If these symptoms persist after the first 24-48 hours, your dog may need a different form of flea and tick prevention such as oral tablets, shampoos, dips, or flea collars, like Seresto. The options are vast and all are just as safe and effective.

Using Flea and Tick Treatments Safely

It’s important to make sure you are treating your pets for fleas and ticks safely. Pet owners should ask a veterinarian for guidance before using flea and tick treatment on young or old pets, or nursing mothers. These flea and tick products, like PetArmor, are designed with the weight and species of your pet in mind, but nobody knows better than your vet. After any treatment, monitor your furry friends for any sign of chemical sensitivity, especially during a product's first use.

What to do if your pet shows sensitivity to flea and tick treatments

• Bath your pet with a gentle soap
• Inform your veterinarian
• Keep the package and the product container together for reference

Treatment Conflicts

Many flea and tick products are designed specifically by size and species and are not meant to be used out of accordance with included instructions. Treatments for cats are for cats, while treatments for dogs should be used only for dogs. A smaller portion of a larger dog's medicine should not be used for a smaller dog.

Generally speaking, a product designed to treat fleas should only be combined with products designed to treat ticks. Products designed to treat both parasites should never be used in combination. Do not give your pet a flea bath if you've recently applied a spot-on treatment. Find out which flea and tick products work together and which do not.

Means of Non-Pesticide Control

Ensure that the area surrounding your home is not a haven for fleas and ticks. Cut back brush and tall grass where pets or children might play. Fleas and ticks need to feel unwelcome in your yard. Don't plant plants that may attract deer or other grazing animals that could potentially carry parasites.

Pest control inside the home

Wash all exposed pet and human bedding in hot water every few weeks, and vacuum daily to combat fleas and their larva. If the potential for infestation is severe, consider limiting your pet's exposure to the outdoors during flea and tick season. If you can't or don't want to keep your pet indoors, make a post-walk ritual of parasite searching.

Things to remember

• Any parasitic infestation can be treated quickly and aggressively
• Be calm. Pets are sensitive to owner anxiety
• Closely follow the directions of any product
• If in doubt, ask your veterinarian

Fleas and ticks can be a real headache, but with a few preventative measures, responsible pet owners can protect their furry friends.