Fleas and ticks are most active during warm, humid weather, making late spring and summer a peak time for these pests. Fortunately, there are many preventative measures owners take to safeguard their pets against an invasion of these crawling critters.

Dr. Erin Ray, assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, offers tips on choosing the best flea and tick preventive method for pets.

Unwelcome Arrivals

“Many ticks and fleas typically slow their development or retreat into microhabitats to survive colder temperatures,” Ray said. “As the weather warms, they resume their growth and reproduction, leading to increased encounters with humans and animals in warmer climates.”

Pills, topical solutions and collars, as well as chewables, which often include the added benefit of protecting against heartworms and intestinal parasites are among the most common treatments for fleas and ticks. However, a new prevention option is gaining popularity for dogs.

“The injectable flea and tick control product — available solely for dogs — specifically targets the common flea and multiple species of ticks,” Ray said. “It is administered under the skin by a veterinarian and provides a slow, steady release of the active ingredient. After the injection, fleas and ticks must bite your pet and ingest the product in order for it to work.”

This option is specifically labeled for dogs and puppies over 6 months of age, according to Ray.

The injectable treatment offers a convenient alternative that reduces the risk of missed doses and helps maintain continuous protection, Ray said.

Choosing A Preventative

When deciding which option is best for your pet, owners should properly research the products.

“Each type comes with its own advantages and disadvantages,” Ray said. “However, not all products are created equal — some over-the-counter treatments can be toxic to cats and dogs, and even certain prescription products might not be the best choice for your pet.”

In addition to a pet’s health, an owner’s schedule, financial means, or specific concerns may also influence the decision.

“When it comes to prevention, topical treatments or medicated collars are commonly used methods,” Ray said. “Extra care needs to be taken in households with children or adults with potential health concerns to ensure they don’t come into contact with these products after application.

“When using a topical solution, be wary of the appropriate application areas,” Ray said. “This can help prevent pets from licking the treatment off of themselves that could lead to potential toxicity.”

If an owner determines a collar is the best course of action, it is vital to ensure that pets cannot chew through the product.

When considering oral treatments, Ray notes that these may eliminate concerns related to bathing schedules and the risk of human exposure associated with topical products.

“Oral flea and tick treatments offer great convenience for pet owners, especially those that combine protection against fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites in a single dose,” Ray said. “Many of the newer formulations are highly effective at controlling flea and tick populations on your pet.”

These can also be more costly per dose, and certain medications should be avoided in pets with a history of neurological conditions.

For the safest and most effective protection, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian before using any flea and tick product.

Environmental Considerations

A pet’s environment is another important factor to consider during flea and tick season.

“Where your pet lives and whether they travel can significantly influence their risk of encountering fleas and different species of ticks,” Ray said.

Even pets that only go outside briefly for walks or bathroom breaks can still come into contact with fleas or ticks. Humans may also inadvertently bring these pests into the home on shoes, clothing, or other items.

“Oftentimes, the environment needs to be managed for flea infestations,” Ray said. “Multiple life stages of the flea are oftentimes in furniture, cracks of floors, rugs, and where the animals spend most of their time.”

Treating an environment may include:

• Regular vacuuming
• Washing bedding frequently
• Treating surfaces of concern with appropriate products

Taking multi-pronged preventive measures is essential in order to combat the population of these invaders. Eliminating fleas can take multiple weeks to clear them all.

“Please consult with a veterinary professional prior to using over-the-counter products in your house or yard to ensure appropriateness and safety for any humans or animals in the environment,” Ray said.

To best protect pets, owners should take a proactive approach and choose a veterinarian-approved prevention plan so their pets can safely enjoy the sunny season.

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamu.edu.