How can I protect my dog from fleas and ticks?
Fleas and ticks are hard to avoid. They live in the same environments as your dog—indoors and outdoors—and can grow rapidly in number. For example, one female tick can lay as many as 5,000 eggs over a lifetime. And fleas can hide in your carpeting or furniture.
These parasites can be more than just annoyances. Ticks can transmit numerous diseases to your dog, such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Fleas can cause itching, skin allergies, and yucky tapeworm infections. Mosquitoes may spread heartworm infection, which can be serious and is becoming more and more common.
Effectively controlling fleas and ticks often requires a multipronged approach. You may want to consider a 3-step defense that covers your dog, your home, and your yard. This can help reduce the number of fleas and ticks in your dog’s environment, your dog’s exposure to them, and the risks of disease caused by them.
Below are some important products that Virbac has developed to control fleas, ticks, and more. Talk to your veterinarian about how these products may be used to best protect your dog. As with any treatment, always listen to your veterinarian’s instructions and read the product label.
Treating your pet:
Topical Solution
EFFITIX™ Topical Solution for Dogs: Kills and repels ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes; kills lice and mites; and repels and prevents blood feeding by biting flies. FOR USE ONLY ON DOGS 12 WEEKS OLD OR OLDER. DO NOT USE ON CATS.
Tick collar
PREVENTIC® Amitraz Tick Collar for Dogs: Recommended by veterinarians, this tick collar prevents attachment and kills ticks for 3 months. Do not use on puppies under 12 weeks of age.
Shampoos, gels, and concentrates
ECTO-SOOTHE® 3X Shampoo: This oatmeal-based pesticidal shampoo kills fleas, ticks, and lice as it soothes and moisturizes the itchy, irritated skin these parasites cause. Do not use on puppies under 12 weeks of age.
VIRBAC PYRETHRIN DIP: This pleasant-smelling concentrate kills and repels fleas, ticks, lice, gnats, mosquitoes, and flies. Do not use on puppies under 12 weeks of age.
Treating your home:
VIRBAC KNOCKOUT™ AREA TREATMENT: Protect your home from fleas and ticks with this aerosol spray that kills adult fleas and ticks and sterilizes flea eggs for up to 4 months. Covers approximately 2,000 square feet.
VIRBAC KNOCKOUT™ E.S. AREA TREATMENT: Protect your home from fleas and ticks with this aerosol spray that kills adult fleas and ticks and prevents flea infestation for up to 7 months. Covers approximately 2,100 square feet.
VIRBAC KNOCKOUT™ ROOM AND AREA FOGGER: This total-release fogger kills adult fleas and ticks and sterilizes fleas and their eggs for up to 7 months. Treats 6,000 cubic feet.
Treating your lawn:
VIRBAC YARD SPRAY CONCENTRATE: A ready-to-use insecticide concentrate that covers up to 6,000 square feet of outdoor space. Will not harm grass or foliage when used as directed. Comes with a convenient hose-end spray applicator.
If you have questions about any of these treatments or specific concerns about your pet’s health, print out our Checkup Checklist and contact your veterinarian.