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.
This information is for informational purposes only and
is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or
diagnosis, or treatment by, your veterinarian. Always seek the
advice of your veterinarian or other qualified professionals
with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Never disregard or delay seeking professional advice due to
what you may have read on our website.